Mr. Obama is a symbol of what America wants to be now
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/05/mann.ct.newface/index.html?iref=werecommend
.
"Your election raises in France, in Europe, and beyond throughout the world, immense hope." French President Nicholas Sarkozy
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/05/labott.foreign.policy/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

"Forty-five years ago Martin Luther King dreamt of an America where men and women will be judged not on the colour of their skin but on the content of their character. Today, what America has done is turn that dream into a reality."Kevin Rudd
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24606956-5013871,00.html

``Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,'' Nelson Mandela
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Nelson_Mandela_says_Obamas_victory_a_sign_of_hope_for_everyone/articleshow/3677868.cms

Obama's victory sets off optimism in Latin America, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said it was a historical moment. "I know his (Obama's) concerns are social justice and equality of opportunities, which he has resumed under the slogans of change and hope. These are the same principles that inspire us in Chile."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/06/content_10316025.htm

Blacks rejoice at Obama victory,
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24610106-5005961,00.html

"Because what he did in this campaign was to be all-inclusive, to reach out across racial lines, cultural lines, religious lines, you name it. He wanted to be a transformational figure, to bridge the gap between generations. And I think that's what allowed him to win this election," Powel

"We have witnessed a nonviolent revolution, a revolution of ideas,"Civil Rights icon and Georgia Congressman John Lewis

How Barack Obama defied history, Achieving the impossible,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7710449.stm

Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

What a fantastic outcome.

Obama has a lot to contend with both domestically and internationally. If he can stick with his vision and ideals I think we can look forward to a better world characterised by respectful, outward looking, inclusive and positive global relationships.

Well done America - I didn't think you had it in you.

Yes this is fantastic news, Yabby and there is reason to believe that there are going to be positive changes.
I shed a few tears as well.

Go, Obama.
Gobama!

http://cagle.com/news/ObamaWins08/

An interesting contrast!

1) “Conservative old farts” [various OLO posters ]

“Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America — there’s the United States of America.” [guess who?]

We All have our hopes and opinions of exactly what Barack Obama`s inaugeration will bring to the U.S. and to the rest of the world.

Any significant change will take time and we must remember that "Barry" will be battling against the long established ultra Right-wing luminaries, who have called the tune via "George the unbelievable"and the rest of the mob for so long!

Change however is achievable and if it turns out to be a non-event, then ultimately the world is doomed to an inevitable nuclear conflict!

As long as the U.S. endeavours to dominate the world there will be ongoing conflict. It has to accept that the fact that internal unrest and civil-war is the norm to achieve a "pecking order" in a large portion of the less developed nations of the world and consequently must learn to keep it`s nose out of other people`s affairs.

Another worrying factor that has been created throughout the history of the U.S. is the risk of assasination orchestrated by the hidden powers behind the "good ole boys", who themselves still believe in the principles of "White Supremacy" and will not allow a "black man" to reign supreme. This factor is unfortunately horrendous reality and nobody can dismiss the evils behind the murders of JFK, Martin Luther King and the many others who posed a threat to the continuance of the insanity of "W S" activists ( some of whom hold very powerful positions in global politics!)....the past history of the U.S. tells a very frightening story for race relations and it is now hoped that this pattern will end right here and now!

As we wait, I can only wish Barack, Michelle and family all the utmost luck and achievement in what is probably the greatest moment in the history of this planet

Cuphandle

I share your concerns regarding the trigger-happy members of the American far-right. Irony in mind, I am equally sure that Barack and his family will have the best security that is available, given the American expertise on high-tech defense.

This is change we had to have; someone who is clearly different to any American leader in recent times, someone who looks outward instead of the narrow perspective of the past 8 years.

Yes we can: the world can move into a more mutually supportive, communicative era.

And Sara Palin is nowhere near the nuke button!