US Election 2008
US Election Tracker
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Final thoughts from our correspondents
It's inevitable that some of the euphoria we are now seeing will wear thin when it becomes apparent that these problems are not about to go away. But what an interesting thing it will be to see how an Obama Administration will work its way through these realities. The Obama campaign has been woven with poetry but has also been grounded in the reality of brass tack politics. The application of shoe leather get-out-the-vote operations combined with 21st century technology. It will be fascinating to see what this band of enthusiastic volunteers will do now that Obama has been elected. The crowds have gone home now and we're still on the air. The world is waking up to a new morning in America, with President-elect Obama.
- Robert Shortt
As Barack Obama was speaking in Chicago about the need for 'a new spirit of patriotism and responsibility', the crowd around the White House were chanting 'USA, USA, USA'. Not even the most hardened cynic could be unmoved by the elation which animated that crowd this morning. But here is a thought: with sky-high expectations comes the risk of profound disappointment. Obama will watch these spontaneous street-parties with humility and well-deserved pride. But he will also know he has a staggering debt to repay.
- Mark Little -
Mandela praises Obama, urges him to fight poverty
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has praised Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential election and urged him to fight poverty and disease throughout the world. '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,' the anti-apartheid icon wrote to Obama in a letter released by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 'We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world. We trust that you will also make it the mission of your Presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere.' -
Russia expects 'fresh approach' in US relations: report
Russia's foreign ministry has said it was expecting a fresh approach in US-Russia relations following the victory of Barack Obama in the US presidential election, news agencies reported. 'Everyone has the right to expect a fresh approach from the United States to all the most important problems, including... relations with Russia,' Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin was quoted as saying by Interfax. 'We expect this freshening of relations to bring more ideas on constructive cooperation to respond to the new challenges and threats of the 21st century,' Karasin said. -
Iran warns US military after Obama win
Iran warned US forces in Iraq that it would respond to any violation of Iranian airspace, a message analysts said seemed directed at the new US president-elect more than neighbouring American troops. The Iranian army statement, reported by state radio, followed a raid last month by US forces into Syria, a move that was condemned by Damascus and Tehran. Obama has said he would toughen sanctions on Iran but has also held out the possibility of direct talks to resolve rows, which include a dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. -
Taoiseach invites Obama to visit ancestral home in Offaly
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has sent a message of congratulations to Barack Obama on his election as the 44th President of the United States. He said that Barack Obama's remarkable personal story - allied to his eloquence and his huge political talents - sends a powerful message of hope to America's friends across the world. He added that he looks forward to the President-elect building on America's strong relationships with the EU and other countries around the globe. He said that he also looks forward to working with the President-elect on issues of mutual interest to Ireland, building on the existing deep and cherished ties between our two countries. Mr Cowen also extended his best wishes to Vice President-elect Biden, adding that he knows Biden is very proud of his Irish roots in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He also paid tribute to Republican John McCain for his immense contribution to American life, who he described as another long-standing and true friend of Ireland. The Taoiseach also formally invited President-elect Obama to visit Ireland and his ancestral home in Co Offaly. -
Obama not seen abandoning Iraq: FM
Iraq has ruled out a 'quick disengagement' policy by Washington in the country following Barack Obama's victory, dispelling hopes of many Iraqis of a rapid withdrawal of US troops. Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari welcomed the election of Democrat Obama and said he did not expect an 'overnight' change in US policy in war-torn Iraq. 'There won't be quick disengagement here. A great deal is at stake,' Zebari said. 'We don't think there will be change in policy overnight.' He said Baghdad would respect the will of the American voters and that Baghdad was looking for a 'successful partnership' with Obama. 'But there are many upcoming challenges,' Zebari cautioned. Obama promised during his campaigning to withdraw US forces from Iraq over a period of 16 months from when he takes over the White House in January 2009. Many Iraqis after his electoral victory was announced on Wednesday called on the president-elect to make good his promise and ensure the rapid withdrawal of the 145,000-strong American force from the violence-wracked country. -
Kenya declares public holiday to celebrate Obama win
Kenya - homeland of Barack Obama's late father - has reportedly declared a public holiday for tomorrow to celebrate Obama's victory. Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan president said: 'We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya.' -
Electoral map reveals massive Obama win
Barack Obama swept to victory by trouncing adversary John McCain in key battlegrounds and poaching states long-considered Republican bastions. US networks reported that the popular vote as relatively close - CBS called it 52 to 47 percent, with more than 104 million votes counted and a handful of states still to report their results - but in terms of the all-important electoral college vote count it was a blowout. With projections and some official results of 46 of the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia in, Obama had secured 338 electoral votes compared with 159 for McCain, with only 270 of the 538 available needed for victory. It was the first time since Jimmy Carter in 1976 that a Democrat won the White House with more than 50 percent of the popular vote. -
Hamas urges Obama to learn from Bush 'mistakes'
The Islamist Hamas movement urged Barack Obama to learn from the 'mistakes' of previous US administrations in dealing with the Muslim and Arab worlds. 'He must learn from the mistakes of the previous administrations, including that of Bush which has destroyed Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine,' said Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum. -
Global leaders offer congratulations to Obama
Leaders from all over the world have sent messages of congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said: 'Twenty-five years ago Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where men and women would 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.' China's President Hu Jintao said: 'In a new historical era, I look forward to... taking our bilateral relationship of constructive cooperation to a new level.' South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said: 'Your election...carries with it hope for millions of your countrymen and women as much as it is for millions of people of...African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the diaspora.' Afghan President Hamid Karzai said: 'The election of Senator Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States has taken the American people and the rest of the world with them into a new era - an era where race, colour and ethnicity, I hope, will also disappear...in politics in the rest of the world.' -
EC President Barroso welcomes Obama win
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has welcomed Barack Obama's election, calling for a 'new deal'. 'This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the United States of America,' Barroso said in a statement. 'We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world.' 'I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world,' he said. -
Obama promises 'a new dawn'
Barack Obama, addressing a huge crowd of his supporters in Chicago, reached out to a global audience: 'All of those watching tonight from beyond our shores, in the parliament and in the palaces, those huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular but our destiny is shared. Obama also promised change for America: 'A new dawn of American leadership is at hand,' he said to applause. 'To those who would tear the world down, we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security, we support you. We have proved that the true strength of our nation comes not from the scale of our wealth but from the power of our ideals - opportunity, democracy, liberty and hope.' -
Obama bookies' favourite for second term win
No sooner was Barack Obama elected the United States' new president than leading bookmakers made him the 4-5 favourite to win the presidential election in four years' time. Bookies also installed Republican vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin - who will return to her job as Alaska governor following her running mate John McCain's defeat - as 3-1 favourite to win her party's nomination in 2012. She was given a 7-1 chance of unseating Obama in the White House that year. -
Obama addresses supportes in Chicago
Barack Obama has addressed a crowd of 65,000 of his supporters in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. 'It's been a long time coming. But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change is coming to America,' he said. He paid tribute to his campaign team, his wife, children and recently deceased grandmother. 'Along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure,' he said. He added: 'I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms and the front porches of Charleston. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there,' he said. -
Sarkozy congratulates Obama on 'brilliant victory'
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has congratulated Barack Obama on his 'brilliant victory' in the election. 'I give you my warmest congratulations and, through me, those of all French people,' Sarkozy told Obama in a letter made public by the French presidency. 'Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people.' -
Bush congratulates Obama
President George W Bush has called Barack Obama to congratulate him on his 'awesome night,' according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. Mr Bush reportedly said: 'Mr president-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride. I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself.' The president also invited Obama and his family 'to visit the White House soon, at their convenience.' -
McCain concedes defeat in Arizona
John McCain has addressed his supporters in Arizona, conceding defeat in the Presidential election. McCain said: 'The American people have spoken and they have spoke clearly.' McCain was gracious in accepting his loss and offered his support for Obama and recognised the historical achievement of being elected the first black President. He said: 'I pledge to do all in my power to help him in the many challenges he will face.' -
McCain phones Obama to congratulate him
With all the US networks now declaring Barack Obama the next President of the United States, Fox News reports that John McCain has phoned Obama to congratulate on his victory. -
Obama takes Florida and California
Barack Obama has been projected to take Florida - the State that decided the 2000 election and the biggest prize of all, California, which provides him with 55 electoral college votes. -
Obama wins election: TV network projections
Obama has been elected the president of the US, according to projections from the major US TV networks.
He is projected to have won California taking 55 electoral college votes meaning that he has surpassed the 270 votes needed.
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Obama projected to take Virginia: Fox
Fox News is projecting that Virginia will go to Obama.
CBS says the Illinois Senator is watching the results from the Hyatt hotel in Chicago with wife Michelle and their two daughters.
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Huffington Post calls Obama 'president elect'
'President-elect Obama ... Wins Ohio, Pennsylvania,' the homepage of online newspaper The Huffington Post said this morning. Meanwhile, Time Magazine's The Page blog said: 'The networks won't tell you, but The Page will: Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States.' -
Biden re-elected to Senate seat
Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden has won re-election to his Senate seat in Delaware. If Obama wins the US presidential election Biden is likely to resign his seat and allow the state's Democratic governor to appoint a successor. -
New Senate could keep promises
With a majority in place when the new Congress that convenes in January, an Obama presidency would be able to keep a list of campaign promises. They include plans to withdraw troops from the Iraq war, roll back tax cuts for the rich and move to end the current economic crisis. But regardless of how many seats Democrats pick up and the momentous nature of Obama being the first black President, this presidency can still be seen as something of a poisoned chalice, as record federal deficits and the poor state of the economy will strongly limit what they can do. The Democrats would likely have to limit or postpone any big new spending programs, such as ones to expand health care, upgrade education and advance renewable energy technology. -
Democrats expand Senate majority
Democrats have expanded their Senate majority and have a shot at reaching a majority of 60, the number needed to clear Republican hurdles for their first filibuster-proof majority in three decades. By picking up four seats with more than dozen Senate contests yet to be decided, Democrats had increased their majority to 55 of the Senate's 100 seats, and figured that they would get at least a few more. Democrats believe that if they get close to a 60-seat majority, they will be able to win over a couple of moderate Republicans to clear a number of procedural hurdles. -
More polls close as Obama carries Iowa
As polls close in Iowa, Montana, Nevada and Utah, Barack Obama is set to carry Iowa, while McCain has been projected to win in Utah and also in Kansas. Iowa pushed Obama into the national limelight nearly a year ago by giving him his first victory of the 2008 campaign. Obama's victory in the Iowa caucuses on January 4 demonstrated he could compete against the well-organized former first lady Hillary Clinton, even in predominantly white rural states. -
Robbins goes to judge to ensure voting rights
Actor and renowned political activist Tim Robbins had to go to extreme lengths to cast his vote today - he had to get a court order. Robbins' name was missing from the registration roll at his polling station in downtown Manhattan, where he'd previously voted in presidential elections. 'I had been voting there for years,' he said in a telephone interview. 'I have not moved, I have not changed party affiliations. There's no reason why it shouldn't be in the rolls. So I was given a paper ballot and filled it out, but I wanted my vote to be registered there - and I don't trust paper ballots. Often times those things get lost or thrown away.' So he did not submit his and asked to speak to a supervisor. 'I stayed in the voting place and asked to see someone from the Board of Elections and told them I wasn't going to leave until someone from the Board of Elections came and explained to me why I wasn't being allowed to vote - why my name had been taken off the voter rolls.' The supervisor said a police officer had been called over, Robbins said, 'at which point, I said to him, "Are you trying to intimidate me?"' The police at the location said he had 'every right to be there,' Robbins said. After hours of waiting, Robbins said he was told to visit the board's downtown office, which confirmed that he's a registered voter. A judge then issued a court order allowing him to vote. -
Bowman: election coverage 'part of the process'
RTÉ's John Bowman highlighted that many Republican analysts and supporters are continuing to exhort people to get out and vote. There is still a lot of voting to be done on the West coast of the US, and Bowman mentioned that many of them are watching the coverage of the election on television, making predictions and discussing how the results may swing. This then has the power to influence West coast voters - Bowman stated that the 'coverage is part of the process'. RTÉ's Myles Dungan is in the Republican rally in Arizona and has reported on the flipside of information distribution - Dungan says that the organisers of that event are filtering in news of the race so as to not deflate the crowd. -
CBS News calls election for Obama
Analysts at CBS News have declared that Barack Obama will win the presidential election. Members of the panel described tonight as an 'astonishing moment in American history' and that they 'can't figure out a way for John McCain to win.' Analysts at CNN have revealed that even if John McCain sweeps all that's left up for grabs on the electoral map, it will not be enough to save him from defeat. -
Bird: crowds in Chicago are 'unbelievable'
RTÉ chief news reporter Charlie Bird has described the crowds of Democrat supporters gathering in downtown Chicago as 'unbelievable'. He was standing over a mile away from the rally at Grant Park when it was announced that Ohio had been called in favour of Obama and Mr Bird revealed that he could clearly hear the crowds 'going wild.' He said that the 'throngs of people' surrounding Grant Park were 'simply unbelievable.'
