This did not really come as a surprise now, did it? The polls said it, the pundits called it, and the outpouring of passion underlined it. Despite talks of the Bradley effect people kept believing that the change that Mr Obama promised – and indeed epitomised – would be realised. Now that it really is, we are relieved. Relieved mainly that the hope is realised.

In Europe
In Europe, Mr Obama has been close to the heart of the people. Last night, I learnt of an association of Obama supporters in my small eastern German city of Halle. I went to join them late in the evening to watch the early results on CNN. There seems to be a promise to be an improvement in relations across the Atlantic.

I am happy for Barack Obama, and I am happy for America. This is probably the greatest thing that has happened to America in recent history.