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.

by Alfred Ochuma
www.chekwas.wordpress.com

The emergence of Barack obama as the first black presidential nominee of a major party in the U.S is no longer news – the news obviously is that the United States of America has once again re-assured the World that they are the world’s leading democracy. In the face of seeming racial inequality and perceived segregation, they willingly and enthusiastically, and with great aspiration and anticipation of a greater future, voted today the most intelligent, vibrant and dependable leader I have heard of in recent times.

The Senator from Illinois and the President-elect is a man who has proven bookmakers wrong in many occasions, a pacesetter of great repute, a campaigner for change, and above all an honest gentleman who needs no introduction.

Obama’s victory in today’s election should not be seen as a political victory for the U.S Democratic party alone, but a victory for the down-trodden, the neglected, the discriminated-against, the colored people of the world and above all, a victory for humanity.

The son of a Kenyan immigrant has proven that a man should not be judged by the colour of his skin or background, but by the content of his character. Martin Luther King,Jr. in his famous speech at Lincoln Memorial stated thus: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” Today that dream has become a reality.

Thank you America today for re-establishing your hope in the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. who foresaw a day like this.

Thank you America for standing on the side of economic recovery, peace, unity and progress.

Thank you America for voting Barack Obama.