[DianaR]

People are still celebrating where I live, but I think many are just excited to be rid of Bush.

What do you think Obama's first act will be once he is sworn in?

[Bearbull]

Well you have to give credit where it is due and acknowledge his ability to inspire with his oratory, afterall he has changed history against all odds especially with a middle name like "Hussein"
His speech embodied the best of any world leaders I have heard so far including Tony Blair, and Clinton, he could have given elocution lessons even to Martin Luther King

Folks are expecting miracles and he certainly does not have a magic wand, however he does have a unique opportunity to assemble the right mixture of talent both from democrats and republicans to address the immense problems facing both US and the rest of the world. Who knows, the middle east nations may have more trust in him and in that respect he certainly can avert the growing nuclear threat from Iran. One can go on, but we just have to wait and see how the next 4yrs unfold, can only hope that he will be able to establish peace and harmony amongst nations and also amongst various races in US as well.

[Bearbull]

Quite amazing, latest from Reuters, even some tribal folks in India have been inspired.

"Hundreds of tribal people beat drums, fired crackers and distributed sweets in eastern India Thursday to celebrate Barack Obama's victory as the first black U.S. president-elect.

Tribals are among the poorest and most backward sections of Indian society and say they suffer racial discrimination in a country enjoying an economic boom in some areas.

When news of Obama's triumph reached the state capital of Jharkhand, hundreds in traditional tribal dress thronged to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, dancing and shouting slogans of optimism.

"The victory of Obama in U.S. election is indication that racial discrimination will end in all forms," Ajay Tirkey, the president of a tribal organisation said.

"This is a historical moment of the world that a black has been elected to president of most powerful country of the world. We hope even India will soon get a black president."

[DbPhoenix]

Originally Posted by DianaR »

People are still celebrating where I live, but I think many are just excited to be rid of Bush.

What do you think Obama's first act will be once he is sworn in?

If you mean legislative act, I expect that it will be an economic plan along with something to resolve the Iraq/Afghanistan situation, largely because of the connectedness between the two. Energy, healthcare, and education can wait, though I understand that the House wants to enact SCHIP as quickly as possible.

If you don't mean legislative act, I expect it will be to get the locks changed.

[DbPhoenix]

Because candidates who, in the United States, win the popular vote in a given state take all the electoral votes for that state (with a couple of exceptions), those who follow the "red/blue" maps may get a skewed view of where conservative/liberal sympathies lie.

Since McCain won 46% of the popular vote, conservatism is hardly dead or even dying. But I find the following chart informative:

[crystal]

We are celebrating now because election is over. Hoping that in the new administration, everything changes. No economy crisis and no terrorism. I'm one of the supporter of Barack Obama.

[DbPhoenix]

Unfortunately, the "economic crisis" has only begun.

[torero]

I agree, it will be a while before the crisis is declared dead. There are things to alleviate it but hopefully Obama finds the right competent advisors to steer in the right direction.

One good thing out of all this is that the US can't be accused of being racists anymore by enemy or hostile countries.