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BBC World Have Your Say 
I just got through with voting in Atlanta. It took me all of 25 minutes to vote, which includes driving onto and out of the parking lot.
Voter turnout expected to top 60% of the electorate, a level not seen since the mid-1970s.
I voted 2 weeks ago at the County Courthouse. It took me 15 minutes. Early voting works and we have seen record numbers of early voters.
@ Julie P,
Good to hear that the voting did not take long, as most people had said. I wonder what that actually means for Kelsie’s stats above; that is, if the lines were expected to be very long because of the record number of voters that would turn up?
Ugh, you all are lucky! Richmond suburbs were 30min lines… The city stations were 2-3 hour lines 😦 Outside, rainy weather… A tad chilly too.
@Raw,
I know what time to go and vote, either after 8:30 in the morning, or in the middle of the afternoon when most people are working.
The state of Georgia is expecting a 90% voter turnout and 40% of registered voters have voted in early voting. Now that it is Election Day with more polls open and a lot of people already casting their vote, it should mean less stress at the polls.
I showed up at 9 am at an elementary school in Charlottesville to vote, and I was #2 in line. In and out in maybe five minutes.
I heard an interesting item yesterday – seems that all the national polling outfits that are putting Obama in the lead do their random sampling off of land lines which means they haven’t even factored in the cell phone-using youth vote.
@John,
I know that Gallop and Pollster are polling people with landlines and cell phones. I went to their websites and read their methodology.
The eyes of the world are turned to you guys!!
Here is the only item that it was in the morning news!!
Happy voting day 🙂
@ John, Julie
A couple of my coworkers were just saying that they have been getting lots of robo-calls. I only have a cellphone, and I haven’t gotten one.
John ~
Did you hear that on NPR? If so I listened to it yesterday but it was my understanding they are calling mobile phones since there is about 15% of the population that has mobile phones only.
Today, November 4 seems to be the day the busy world would unconsciously remain still for the outcome of the president election in America. The obvious Obamania can’t be ignored. But why such enthusiasm? Is it based on his skin/origin or that he seems to be a break from the past. As Africans we should lean towards the latter, for leaning towards the former would seemingly be racial bias. i.e. racism.
We shouldn’t support him because of his colour but his programmes as it pertains to Africa and the world. But remember; only the Republican Party has assisted Africa the most in terms of aid. But where are the funds? We can only blame our leaders. They must be innovative and full of constructive economic ideas like Barak Obama. We hope that he wins not only more votes but also more of the electioneers’ 538 or so votes.
Mohammed Ali, Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton and Denzel Washington have all done it. But an Obama win would boost the moral or better still it would be a moral booster to less privileged people in the world. That no matter where they are from, they can make it if they remain focused and determined. I would be glad if he wins but I won’t be surprised and aghast if he is denied victory. Today is a drama we all have to watch on our screens. While we wait for the results good reading
A WIND OF CHANGE IS WITHIN RANGE
Global rock star receptions,
With cheerful standing ovations,
And the world’s appreciative adulations.
A new beginning filled with promises,
Oratories in superb lines for the history book of speeches,
About to be elected yet welcomed into presidential offices.
Everyone is enthralled in their seats,
With some of the greatest rhetorical hits,
Surely, the political throne fits.
The coronation of a global leader,
With willingness to return order,
The name on everyone’s lips is Obama.
The expectant world’s image of change,
A country’s modern sage
Yes we can is his message.
DOLAPO AINA,
Lagos, Nigeria
I have not voted yet. I will at 3:00, as that is the time my ride will be here to pick me up.
However, I have already called the County Clerk’s office and made sure that the technology that will make a voting machine accessible, is in working order.
In some past elections, I had to have some staff help me vote. When we used the paper ballots that some of you are so fond of, I had to have the assistance of both democratic and republican representatives to select the candidates for me. I must say that it is exhilerating to know that I can now go into a voting booth and listen to the choices and vote independently.
It is not that any staff was ever rude. It is that I enjoy going through the selections and voting myself.
Actually, it is a very nice day out: record high temps for this Indiana autumn day.
I wish that I was down at the poles, just to record the excitement.
But, when I do go, I will report how busy they were, etc.
Jamily
I am happy that you´ll be able to vote by yourself. Please let us know how it went.
Happy voting day!
Venessa~
Yes I heard it on NPR, but according to Julie P. it might not be true for all the pollsters.
We haven’t had a land line in 5 years and while my wife keeps getting robo-calls on her cell I haven’t had a single one so far on mine.
By the way, I hope you weren’t serious about mailing in your ballot yesterday – Friday was the deadline.
@ Luz Ma
As someone who is watching the election process from a foreign perspective, are you hoping for a certain outcome?
John ~
I meant I dropped it off. 🙂
We have cell phones only in our home and haven’t gotten any calls either. In fact I don’t think I’ve talked to anyone that has been polled this year.
I love America. You vote in other countries you get shot at or Malatov Cocktails thrown at you. We get free doughnuts, ice cream, coffee, and even “sex toys!”
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1176434/free_stuff_for_voting_from_coffee_to.html?cat=9
Say what you will, but I still love America!!! 🙂
-Anthony, LA, CA
Obama in ’08 baby!!!
America must promise that war will not be carried out by them and the role of them will be only in peace making in the world. eventually whether barak or mckain become elected they have to assure this message to the est of the world.
we did not get a single call on our land line, since we opted out on the national no call phone list.
@Roy,
There are a lot of robo calls going on in GA and I have not received one on my land line, not that I would answer the phone for an unidentified caller.
@ sahadat hosen khan
There seems to be a widespread feeling here that McCain will lead us down the same economic and political path (whether good or bad) that Bush has been leading us down for the past eight years, whereas Obama will bring change. Many Americans are dissatisfied with what we have become in the eyes of the international community, and I believe this is a large part of what is fueling Obama’s success.
I have gotten a few calls on my cell. Mostly robocalls but one pollster. We’ve gotten bunches and bunches on our house phone.
After several years of hardship and man-made catastrophes allover the world, it is time for American citizens to make history. Voting for Obama, is a contribution to a better future for American people and is also an important contribution for a better future for the whole world.
Dear American citizens, we are your fellow global citizen and we call on you to vote for Obama … pleaaaaaaaase
A simple question, if McCain is not successful in running his own election campaign, how one can expect him to be successful in running the whole USA?
Most rising complaint – machines not registering votes and machines breaking down.
Hello I am American I believe if Obama wins we will lose our freedoms. The taxes that he will impose will break us. He is against coal power plants; this is where get most of our power. He states that he will tax them till they are out of business. But that tax will just be passed onto the consumer. He is against nuclear power were will that leave us.
Obama wants to create a civilian paramilitary force. For what reason, to spy on us like the KGB or worst. This is only the start. I am very worried.
I Blame the media on fame of Obama. The media here is democratic, so all the good that was done since the Clinton era has been erased.
I still have 7 hours before my wife and I can go vote. I am very excited, though I’ve heard of lines here in the Phoenix Metro area of two hours. I hope it’s not that long tonight.
I encourage all American to vote regardless of who you vote for. Let your voice be heard! Then after you vote, call WHYS and let them know. I plan to (if my mobile will work).
Can you write in a name on the computer system in Virginia? I might want to write in my Dad, then vote on local issues.
Nearly a quarter-million people in Harris County (Houston metropolitan area) have early-voted—a turnout of 700,000 today, combined with early voting, will put our region’s turnout at a record 73%.
@Holger
Obama wants to create a civilian paramilitary force. For what reason, to spy on us like the KGB or worst.
Since 9/11 we (globally) have lost all the freedom we ever had. There is not more freedom to lose than what has already happened under President Bush.
Think about it!
I’m a voter in Oregon- where we do vote by mail. All I had to do was drive up on my way to work, and drop it off. No line, no machines to potentially malfunciton. Oregon has voted this way for years, and its such an easy process- I’m not sure why more states haven’t adopted this method- especially after the previous presidential election!
Thanks
I voted last night. Oregon has a vote by mail system, and I love it. I had 2 weeks (2 WEEKS!!) to read all the ballot measures and vote and get the ballot back to the polling place (my library, 2 blocks away). So much easier than the polling places I had to use in Missouri and Arizona in the past.
@ Holger:
What? Paramilitary Force? Huh?!
• Massive upsurge in youth and minority voting…
• Mr Obama confident of a win in the state of Indiana…
@ Steve
Yes, you can.
I voted a couple of weeks ago and it was very easy. Here in Chicago people are waiting in 2+ hour lines. In Illinois we had over 877,000 vote early which is a record. I just hope people know what they are doing and really have thought about who they are voting for and why!
I’m in the Netherlands and plan to park myself in front of the TV, with my laptop open, to watch results on CNN and read live-blogs. I’m going to bed no later than 3:30 a.m. CET (9:30 p.m. EST), by which time we should have results from CO, AZ, and NM – the last major swing states – and a probable winner!
@ Roy
You sure? It’s an electronic system. I don’t recall that option last time. If I can, I’ll go into vote at 230. hopefully the line won’t be that long.
Steve,
i though you were not going to vote………
Do I feel the weight of the world on me today? Yes.
I cried in the voting booth. The poll worker brought me a tissue.
Holger
That is completely incorrect.
Obama was explaining how (dirty) coal plants would go bank because they couldn’t afford the tariffs – he also said (Which the advert you are getting your information from doesn’t say) that clean coal plants would be fine – and went on to state that the money used would be to bring in renewables like, wind, hydro, nuclear, exactly the same as McCain – but McCain didn’t tell you about the tariffs.
luz ma,
I totally agree. All semester long the first thing people ask me is, “Who are you voting for?” And today, it’s the first thing that comes up. Everyone seems to be watching here, I just hope we don’t disappoint.
Laura
what was wrong with my last post? holger claims that obama will turn the usa into former ussr and i opposed that point.
As mentioned on air, yes today feels different – this is because we in America have seemed to overcome one of the biggest threats our democracy faces – voter apathy. We are excited this time, we realize the importance of this election for our future and the relations we have with the world. We are seeing more younger voters and more minority voter turn out – crucial voices in America. We, along with most of the world are eagerly anticipating change!
I dropped of mine and my wife’s ballots about two weeks ago. The entire state of Oregon does mail in ballots. I will be looking into the results periodically, especially later, when the east coast polls are closed.
I am a little nervous about voter fraud, as so many states have changed to computerized ballots. If McCain wins legitimately I will not be disappointed. To see Obama win will be a big relief. We will be spending time this evening at a local rally with both major politcal parties.
as far as what I’m doing tonight for the results, I’m watching the networks while playing Election Night Bingo: http://www.monkeyminionpress.blogspot.com.
and possibly getting ripped, depending on how the election turns.
@ Ross and the crew at WHYS
It may be important to cover the electoral college system and how it works briefly (though that may be difficult). Many around the world, and even more sadly we in America are often completely unaware of the electoral college system.
Was amongst the first 100 voters at my polling station this morning. We had very short lines and no problems.
Yeah, my american friends and I are having a party as well. Because of the time difference we”re planning on pulling an all-nighter. It’s worth it!
Laura
Another Oregon voter here. I voted weeks ago with my friends and family. With mail-in ballots, we can are able discuss issues — especially the local candidates and measures which have been overshadowed by the Presidential race.
Oregon’s vote-by-mail system is by far superior. No lines. No having to travel to a polling place. Auditable paper ballots. It is disturbing that other states impede democracy by making voting so hard.
Unfortunately, I’m a 17-year-old Ohioan. I’ve already gotten two visitors to my door asking if I needed help going to the polls, and encouraging me to vote.
For my school’s government classes, we need to volunteer a certain number of hours. I’m finishing my last two at the local Obama office. At 9 to midnight, all the classes are having an election day party at the school.
In a country with approximately 217.8 million eligible voters and only 538 electoral votes the current for of democracy is a joke. When we as a nation elect a president by a popular vote only to have him lose to the electoral college is a horrid shame.
When we have so many parties not allowed in the debates or given the same amount of support the Republicans and Democrats. I feel we are not the sterling example of democracy we should be. How can we say that everyones vote counts when clearly they a marginalized by the current system?
I voted around 10:00 AM and things went smoothly: there was only a short line. I usually vote after work, but during the primaries the lines were very long, so I thought I’d go earlier.
I’ve been voting consistently since 1992 and it’s great to see that more people are getting involved in choosing the government!
i live in Oregon and i love our system of voting. I sat w my partner over morning coffee. We had plenty of time to discuss concerns and issues, as well as candidates from our community. I have lived in many other parts of the US, and by far feel this is the best system. No lines, No waiting, No getting up early….totally stress free.
IN regards to why this election is so emotional to many of us, it is clearly obivous due to the current administration. We are fed up, I have voted in many other elections, but this one is different. It is the first time that i truly feel hopeful and there really will be a change, not just rhetoric. We tired of it, it’s time for action! i know this election is the most important in my lifetime, and would have gladly waited in line for 4 hours despite the weather w a smile on my face! GO OUT AND VOTE!!!!
Here is the you tube web site where Obama is talking about his Civilian National Security Force.
About our freedom all I can say is good people do understand how bad evil people can be. Once we understand that crime and attacks can drop.
Electoral Collage system.
Each individual State has a certain amount of votes (too long to give each one here). People in those States vote for the presidential candidate they want.
When the votes are counted each State allocates their electoral collage votes to the winning candidate.
270 is needed to win out of a total of 538. Whomever reaches 270 votes wins the presidency.
hi i hope Barack obama will win this election and i think it will bring back the hope in this universe and it will show some of the people of this earth that can politics has no colour issues in this twentyfirst centery.
Nice to hear another Richmond, Va BBC’er!
@ Jens
There’s some local issues that affects me. If I can write in someone, I will do that for president, otherwise I’ll leave president blank.
The process of voting in Oregon is quite civilized. (Getting people to discuss politics, though, not as civilized.) We have vote-by-mail here, yet last week I chose to drive into town and hand deliver my ballot to the registrar. And now, today, it’s merely a matter of quelling my “pre-curtain opening night” nerves, with a divine piece of DeVries Dark Chocolate, while simultaneously watching Currier & Ives like falling snowflakes alternately dance with a bright sun, until (hopefully!) Barack Obama is announced as our next President of the United States.
Cheers, everyone!
Gloria
This moment is a moment of change, not only for the America but for the whole world. Peace is what all need, and the whole world needs peace and today America will decide whether they will hold upto the expectation of the world full of non violence and war.
So America , hope you all go what the world wish for !
holger,
nice how you quote him completly out of context. are you repuiblicans incapable of actually quoting anything correctly. he talks about the defense of this country not the formation of kgb, since we already have the equivalent of the kgb….
To ALL the Americans who arent voting, may
not ONE complaint slip from your lips
in the next 4 years. You have no right
VOTE!!!!
Jen have you not paid attention to what Obama has been saying. You have to eatch his speeches on the web not just what is put on NBC. It is out there.
It is good to read so many explicitly stated discussions. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process (comes to mind when we hear or read too many negative talks) to which The US has contributed during the transition from corrupt apartheid to present South Africa may be used as a lesson to those who go bitter. Even South Africa went from that dark state to free and somewhat democratic nation.
Hi, I am Czech and I live in Prague. I feel so excited about election too. This is a turning point in world’s history. I am just getting ready to leave house for a party in town with Czech and US friends, most of them working in Prague for the Prague Post. We will watch election all night long in a pub on the screen.
I personnaly cannot make it to be up all night long, so I will stay until midnight and then awake early to join them in pub again. In my neighboroughood are reconstructing a tram tunnel at the moment (for the Transport of Prague). One of the transport replacement service is a boat, where my travelcard will be valid.
I am so excited to awake early in the morning to the new world, take the boat to town, see from the boat all the beauty of Prague, Prague castle and old castle Vysehrad , reach the city and find out that Obama prevailed!
I hear a lot of people saying the U.S. President is only accountable to the American people, so he has little ability or motivation to improve conditions in the rest of the world.
This is only partially true. While his job is to first look after America’s best interests, everyone should take note on how the President goes about doing this.
Does the President believe America’s interests are best served by acting unilaterally and by withdrawing from international decision-making organizations, or does the President believe America is best served by re-integrating with the rest of the world?
This affects everyone, whether or not the U.S. President is on their payroll.
I am Ugandan in the UK, I am not so amused about the way we Africans are taking Obama’s rise! Yes, we in Africa have a sense of community, but I think we seem to interprete Obama’s achievement in a certain way. I do not think it’s about him being African or not, I am just so sure that it is just a personality aspect and him being African American is just but a coincidence!
So, let’s not be excited about anything, but instead let’s learn lessons and the need for education, personal development, being visionary and character! That’s all I get out of that race, no matter who wins!
I also feel we are being so ironical, I can imagine even Robert Mugabe being excited for change in America! Why is it that we are desperate for change in America when in our own African countries we do not even want to talk about possible succession! Isn’t this hypocritical?
Rather than beat the drum for a candidate, I want to recommend Oregon’s vote-by-mail process. We’ve voted only by mail for ten years now. Works great. Ballots are mailed out 2-3 weeks ahead, so early voting is just part of the process. Ditto absentee voting. It’s low cost–no voting machines, except for a counting machine in each county. Signatures are verified on arrival. Paper ballots can be recounted and verified. The “chain of custody” is easier than poling places. And it gets good participation. The “Oregonian” reported that as of Monday afternoon, 70% of registered Democrats, 64% of Republicans, and 50% of nonaffiliated voters had ballots received. The state elections boss predicts final turnout will exceed the record of 86.5% set in 1960. It’s great to sit at the kitchen table with a pen or pencil, discuss the candidates and issues with family, consult the pamphlets, and vote. Then mail them, or drop them off at various attended offical sites like libraries. I’ve listened to a lot of comments about better voting processes in other states, but noting beats the simplicity and reliability of Oregon’s proven system.
(I listen on KOPB in Portland)
Hey Lucie…same here ..lets hope hope for the Good News tomorrow…. Obama Shall be the Winner.
Thank you BBC for this important coverage
I voted this morning.
I waited in line for about an hour and a half, but it is all worth it.
Missouri is split 50%/50% for its support for either Obama or McCain, so I really feel like my vote counts, and each vote is very important.
I’ve been an Obama supporter since the primaries, and for the last few months and especially today I find it very hard not to engage in political arguments with strong McCain supporters, or not to be very pushy about people not voting today. My co-worker with whom I share small office refuses to vote & I have gotten into some arguments with her about that. On the other hand I enjoy sharing excitement with other Obama suporters.
Most people I know have made up their minds about who to vote for long time ago, and I just try my best to be respectful of the opposition.
I am anxious, excited and cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
As a non-American (and not planning to ever become one!) I find it a bit frustrating that the fate of the entire world depends on the decision of roughly 300 million people, or just the registered voting fraction of that. I honestly wish that we could have a system that gives us foreigners at least some influence into this most important question.
@ Steve
I too refused to vote for either Obama or McCain (I was going to vote for Obama until he voted for the Billionaire Bailout). I ended up voting for Nader instead. If you’re not going to vote for either candidate, it doesn’t really matter who you vote for, since they won’t have any chance of winning. This highlights a major flaw in our current system — if you are neither Republican nor Democrat, or if you’re not wealthy, it is completely unrealistic to think you have a chance of being elected.
holger,
please call me by my correct name……
@Kelsie,
Obama may take Indiana.
Many people who are poled say that they have switched camps and when Obama was here in Indiana for a rallye, it was one of the most attended in the history of Indiana.
Yet, you just never know.
I will be watching to see!
Jamily5
WordPress Straw Poll indicates 75% poll victory for Obama.
I live in Washington state near Portland, Oregon. Here our ballots get mailed to us. I originally come from Ohio’s rural Appalachian foothills. Although I miss trudging through the leaves and walking into an old beautiful historic courthouse and actually voting hands-on, right there in the building, I am loving the comfort of my own home today. My husband and I are sitting here working on our ballots at our table with coffee in hand. The sunshine is flooding our kitchen and we are making history. Later, when out doing errands, we will do some errands and drop off our ballots, which will be counted before the day is over.
As Peggy Noonan says in her Declarations in the Wall Street Journal, ” History happens, it makes its turns, you hold on for dear life. Life moves.”
What an exciting day in history, and what an honor to be a part of it!
-sia, in portland, oregon
Ros Atkins will have .0001% of the vote in Virginia thanks to me!
@ Roy
Though he was wealthy, Perot got 18% of the popular vote in 1992. That’s pretty good for a third party, though he won no electoral votes.. We now only seem to get cooky people as third party candidates like McKinney, Nader, people who are just really extreme. Hopefully one day there will be a centerist party in the US, a new one, of the centerist people, like Kadima in Israel, and leave the right and left loons to the republican and democratic party.
Joe the Plumber is coming on CNN (now) to take questions from voters.
@ selena
The interviewer on CNN is twisting his answers around. Joe was talking about people who pay no income tax getting rebates.
“your principal is that those who make a lot of money should not be taxed” Nowhere did Joe say that. He said everyone should pay taxes.
Sorry I misled you. I got the impression from the advertising that he was going to take questions.
The interviewer was very rude and wouldn’t let him make the point that he was trying to make. The interviewer was trying to make a joke of the interview.
Joe was making sense from the perspective of how he sees taxes. The interviewer did not get it at all.
I do not agree with Joe but there was nothing wrong with what he said.
I’m listening from zambia. the excitement for me in these elections is that with an Obama presidency he will offer a challenge and ispiration in areas of governance and democracy to African leaders who looking up to him. Also for the upcoming young people in Africa who will have a good example to copy if Obama is elected and does a good job in America.
thanks
I have just returned from voting.
The day is surprisingly and pleasantly warm. When I got to my voting station, there were two girls handing out cards for me to vote for my local county commissioner. The cards were for the democratic candidate. The pole workers know me. After signing in, we went to set up the equipment. It worked flawlessly. They said that they had 900people that could register to vote Voter registration and voting, itself is up: even for small town America.
and 700 had registered to vote. I was surprised that it was such a high rate of voters. I was the 421st person to vote. There was a steady stream of voters, but it was not chaotic.
@ Selena
Right on. The interviewer was very rude, and was twisting his answers around. Even have 2 rum and cokes I understood Joe perfectly, and either that interviewer was on drugs or was deliberately doing that. It’s ironic, because the interviewer even said he supported a flat tax, but still was on attack mode.
RE “” Obama presidency he will offer a challenge and ispiration in areas of governance and democracy to African leaders who looking up to him. “”
——————————————————————————————————–
——- Must be too old, too cynical, too experienced in the ways of the world to believe the above.
Obama will be a breath of fresh air and inspiration to many citizens all over the world for about 2 days until the reality of dealing with every day reality resumes like a metronome in their lives.
Those leaders doubtless will flock to American looking for handouts from a bankrupt state. That’s about the extent of what he represents to 90% of African heads of state.
Civilization is hanging by a thread and it’s just misdirected fantasy to project a miraculous turnaround on Obama. He ain’t a messiah, just a charismatic sharp guy who I do wish the best judgement and health.
I voted, no lines at 3:30 pm, 5 min total. Walked home to fire up the grill to smoke my chicken on the marinade outside and drink beer. We’ll see if the blind hogs disguished as pollsters can find an acorn after two dismal failures in 2000/2004.
Wish I could get paid for any nonsense I produce, but no way can I match their prolific outputs.
All the best everyone…….over and out….
Since I was recently laid off from my work I was able to spend 3 hours this morning canvassing for Obama, making certain that everyone gets their ballots in. Most of the people we encountered had gotten their ballots in, a few were working on their ballots when we arrived and were very excited to go drop them off. I think that if anything this election is creating an enthusiasm and energy for our democratic process that has not been seen in years.
I voted 2 days after I received my ballot. The Oregon method of mail in ballots makes it much easier and enjoyable for me.
Just listening to the program.
I have said it here before, but I would like to say it again. I I believe in the right of every person to vote. I just don’t think everybody should. If at this point you don’t know anything about the candidates, you shouldn’t vote. I also believe that you should be able to answer some basic qualifying questions about the system and the candidates before you can vote.
It always bothers me when watching “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” and the contestant “asks the audience. 90% pick one obvious answer. Who are the 10%. They were obviously guessing. Do me a favor. If you are ever in the audience when I am on the show and I ask the audience, If you don’t know the answer, don’t vote. You are just going top mess things up. The same is true of the national election. If you don’t know who stands for what? Don’t vote. This should be and informed and researched decision. you know like when buying a new Car. At least that much time should be spent on it. If not, do the country and yourself a favor. Don’t vote.
I am just so excited to see who will be victorious.
I hope that Barack is elected, but if it is McCain, then so be it. I am more anxious to see how the victor will conduct business, and to me, that is the most uncertain thing of all.
Each can say a lot of things, but to follow through will be the true test. I have placed my faith in Obama to hold true to his campaign promises.
We talked at work the other day about Obama’s lack of experience (I work with mostly Republicans) and I offered the reasoning that Barack has shown judgement enough to surround himself with experience. To listen to reason and sound advice.
McCain tried to win by jumping on the gender wagon after Hilliary Clinton failed to gain the Democratic nomination. I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for that type of hasty decision making.
I hope that sometime tonight or even in the wee hours of the morning, we will know who to call Mr. President.
Ros Atkins will have .0001% of the vote in Virginia thanks to me!
HAHAHAHA nice….
I just wonder how many people instead of voting for McCain are secretly now voting for Barack Obama. They initially worried that people would hide their racist tendencies to vote for McCain till today, but now I think people can vote in private for Obama, without others knowing their decision!
Vote for Obama on his policy’s not his race
The most powerful person in the free world?
@ Steve and Selena.
I just talked to H. Lee Scott (CEO of Wal-Mart) and the economic administer of China. Both said they felt the government should give money to the people who don’t make an income. They said that if the government didn’t give those people money, lots of other people would be with out incomes.
lol, Economics, ain’t it a twisted web.
Wether Obama or Mc Cain wins will not make a big difference for the rest of the world ;they’r both American and their main job is to get the USA on the rail again
May the best man win
Apropos Katharina it’s Gent niet Ghent noch Gand
@Dwight
I just talked to H. Lee Scott (CEO of Wal-Mart) and the economic administer of China. Both said they felt the government should give money to the people who don’t make an income.
That makes sense. When people spend other people are kept busy making goods and providing services.
Buying and selling turns the economic engine. If people don’t start buying again, more people will lose their jobs and the economy will just keep on getting worse.
I am Ato careh in Perth, Western Australia, DEVOUT Barrack Obama supporter, I am watching this US election with intensity and anticipation tunining in BBC world service. I set my alarm this morning to wake up early and be the first to hear what happens. This election is so important for the entire world , it is historical, the enitire world depends on the result of this election….
America will either Change for the sake of America credibility and standing in the international community and embrace history or tow it is old way of bible belt conandrum…
All the world is waiting for their OBAMA, we are waiting for OUR Obama…
And the international community is waiting to rejoice their US OF AMERICA joining the world community once again………………and leader
Hi I am Georgina, and am in Accra- Ghana.Its exactly ten minutes to two am here.
I have my radio tuned to the BBC worldservice, and I am also online at the BBc news website.
I cant sleep cos I am waiting with bated breath to see if there will be the first black president of the U.S. so I can share the info wih all my friends
Go Obama!!!!
Whoops! Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. Smooth move America. Hang on to your wallet, we’re going for a ride!
From France and Europe there is hope.
People are comparing Obama’s election to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the liberation of Nelson Mandela….an event which could change the World. Many though are sceptical regarding the capacity of Obama to change the US and its role in the World. But here, too, we want to believe. Together, maybe, we can.
‘president’ barack obama
would be the first global president in a maturing global concept of our world. He would be expected to see his role as world president, as one of addressing world issues in a pluralistic way never done before by a US president. He has also broken the racial glass ceiling. This speaks volumes for Africans all over the world. Certainly means that no African can be stopped in pursuing their dream and aspirations. No one can stop Africans from reaching for the top in any area of discipline. He has brought to the light in a new way the fact that Africans have always been major contributor in most human matters and interest of pursuit. God bless Barack Obama. Long live the president of the globe. from ‘SAnkofa’ (michael francis grandison) Republic Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean
Congratulations is due to Barack Obama
in every sense of the word he is a winner
congrats to the American people for bringing to reasonably full circle the notion of equal opportunity for all and also for voting for issues perhaps even above race and ethnicity
congrats you as a people have come of age
Well… the good news is that we are now headed toward another Great Depression and maybe we will finally learn why Democrats can’t be trust. The bad news is we are finally headed toward another Great Depression.
I know people are saying they are worse off from 2004… but I can honestly say that from 2000-2006 things got better for me… then the Democrats took control of Congress in 2007 (winning in 06) and did everything they could to screw up the economy and lose in Iraq… they failed with their Iraq intentions and succeeded in their intention to trash the economy and blame it on Bush.
I hope the world is ready for another Great Depression as it took a World War to lift the world out of the last one.
My opinion:America has changed the world so dramatically many folks hardly recognize it. Unfortunately, we haven’t been as good at changing ourselves. Even though I disagree with some of Obama’s choices, I can’t help being impressed by the effect he has on so many people who seem to need inspiration. My own cynicism is cracking…a bit.
-Bob in Ohio.
Someone earlier stated that it does not matter to the rest of the world whether Obama or McCain is elected. YES, IT DOES MATTER, just as it matters to the United States. I dreaded another republican presidency and pretty confident that the status quo would be as stagnate as it has been, or gotten much worse. I live in Michigan and I don’t know how much poorer our economy could be. With Obama, there is so so so much more hope in the potential to turn the entire US economy around and change the future and the hopes and dreams of those that live here.
Obama’s presidency and his current success will give many people hope, hope and faith that they too can do what they set their mind to or at least work their damnest to achieve their goals.
I am truly elated that Obama is the 44th President. I have never looked forward to any presidency as I have Obama’s.
I don’t remember if it was several months or a few years back when my husband and I were discussing why is it that Americans do not riot in the street for regime change. My husband was thinking it was because this generation of Americans have gotten too soft & weak; tonight my point was proven. Americans do not riot in the streets for regime change; we do it in the ballot box. We do it peacefully, civilly and exercise our right to vote.
I am 30 years old and for many years thought that I was born to late to experience all the great moment in political history. I have never been prouder to be an American alive in this moment in history. I work in a call center in St.Louis County. Where I work people all around me were following the election results with the energy as a major sport event. When it was predicted that Obama would win, the cheering and partying was louder than on the rare occasions when the power has gone out. People who have never cared about the government, never cared about poltics and have never voted have started to care. Today is a great day to be alive and an American. Today will live in peoples memories for years to come.
Bright Blessings and love to the entire world
Hi, im 13 years old and listining on yourbrodcast on the radio in sweden. I just think its wonderful that obama won becuse a think he can do america to a better place
//david from sweden
Obama’s victory is historic but I am very much worried about that he might sometime end up like J.F.Kenedy of being assasinated soon as he arrives at the white house
The WORLD has been ruled by a presidency of over reaction and fear and extravagance in the name of ‘conservatism’. Can we hope in this one, too powerful, man to bring times of non-reactionarism, moderation and generosity in the name of us all. We hope. We pray and wait for quieter, steadier times, where America can throw its cloak-and-dagger approach to the WORLD. Good luck.
Best regards,
I voted around 1:30 pm. There were no lines. I was in and out in 5 minutes.
I’m Black. My parents are in their 60s. My grandmother is 85. None of them ever thought they would live to see this.
It’s a huge privilege to be part of history.
I` glad that this Victory is coming in my generation.It shows that the American society is finally united,beyond racial barriers…God bless America!!!
Dear all,
Dearest,
What I find striking is that following the media coverage of the US elections. I do not know what the candidates think about Native Americans Issues. I am delighted that Barak Obama became president. I like to know what he believes and what his intention are on these matters.
Danny Casteleyn
Namur, Belgium
I resent this day with my flesh and bones, because this is the day that my dear great America has splip into darkness,as the result of Obamacalipes. But any way, live goes on. we will bare with it until 2012. In addition, America has lost it chase of having it greatast president ever. John McCain may be sharing the same party with Bush yet, they are two defrene personalities, just like Obama and Bill Clinton. however, you can accuse McCain of having alot in common with Bush,but you can’t compare the ability of two defrene coaches with a paticula patern. of cause Bush has took a great deal of wrong disitions and McCain voted for them, but what was the democrat majority congress and senate doing. We haven heared any tailes of impicthmemt, however bad, they allow the policies to the end, to clarely show the world their prowess in hypocacy.
Now let the man show, how he can run a countrie without the saying of the money masters.. Unless the man desolves the federal Reserve, he is worthles. Lets see him have the guts to do that….
Congrants Obama.
Trust the Lord, You will make it – “Do not fear I am with you, Do bont be dismayed for I am your God; I will help you and strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10
BRAVO OBAMA
I am an ecstatically happy 63-year-old white grandmother. I cannot express how appreciative I am of the voters in the US who rejected a campaign of fear, and separation, and mis-information, to elect Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th president of the United States.
As I watched the huge crowd in Chicago, I couldn’t help but notice that the sea of faces Obama directed his acceptance speech to was primarily white, old and young. The same was true in Times Square in New York City.
Obama’s election victory was an expression of a nation wanting to move away from race defining who we support, who we are as a nation. Bravo for Obama! Bravo for the voters in our election!
I am so happy this happened in my lifetime! I’m sure I join many other white Americans in celebrating that I willl be able to share with my granddaughter that I was part of helping elect our first president of color.
As a young American, I have to say that I’ve never been this proud of my country, or this optimistic about her future.
Our president-elect is inheriting a mess of problems — an economy in shambles, an unpopular war, badly broken educational and healthcare systems, and eight years of partisan resentment and distrust. No doubt he’s going to have a hard road ahead of him, but if anyone can fix this country it’s Barack Obama!
I’m just so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment in American history!
I am a middle aged dentist in Brooklyn, NY who has always voted Democrat for President but I havetended to lean conservative as I have gotten older. I just hope I did the right thing voting for Obama as I just voted to raise my own taxes. I do not why I just committed the equivalence of cutting my own throat but I just hope Obama is good for the country. I always say taxes must be cut and social services starved so people can be self-reliant. I still feel that social services should be cut as much as possible and then cut some more. But I feel the country needs help so I voted for Obama very begrudgingly. It also helps that Palin was so totally unqualified that this made voting for Obama acceptable.
Grace and peace
I want to believe that not even the Church has accomplished what, the people of America, has accomplished today, in terms of inclusivity of race, gender, economic and social status. One may want to argue, but the Church is still very exclusive in more ways than one and certainly in the above mentioned ways. The Church may theologise its position on these matters but the truth will come to pass if not by way of the Church, certainly by way of the hearts of men and women everywhere on the ground. As the truth, is lived in the hearts of the ones who dear to believe, and allow the Holy Spirit to blow where it wills. Hats off to you America. Hats off to you Mr. Global President Obama.
Anew day is dawning on the face of the earth