There was dancing and singing, hugging and crying, and American flags waving proudly; and no, not just in Washington, D.C. or other liberal strong holds. All across the nation and around the world, the mood after Barack Obama was announced as the next president of the United States was of one of overwhelming celebration.
The president of Kenya, Mr. Mwai Kibaki called it “A momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success,” quoted the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
“Because the world aspires to peace and stability, the European Union sees in this election the promise of a reinforced transatlantic partnership, a partnership that serves the universally shared values that inspire the people of Europe and the United States, a partnership that will enable us to face together the challenges of the 21st century,” said the official statement from Nicholas Sarkozy and the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“He is a true friend to Britain,” stated Gordon Brown, the U.K. Prime Minister as he answered questions from opposition leader David Cameron, who himself referred to the election results as, “stunning victory and beacon of hope, and opportunity and change,” in Wednesday’s parliament session.
Given the large crowds that gathered across Europe when Sen. Obama traveled there during his campaign, kind words from his soon-to-be counterparts come as no surprise.
The congratulations and moving statements from the current administration and his campaign opponent on the other hand, were exceptionally well received.
“No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday,” stated President George W. Bush on the Whitehouse lawn Wednesday morning.
“Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America’s democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union,” continued Bush. “They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation.”
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was also moved by the election results.
“As an African American, I am especially proud because this is a country that’s been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wounds and making race not the factor in our lives. That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward,” stated Rice at the opening of a Wednesday press briefing.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell summed it up well as he spoke to CNN. “Whether you were voting for Mr. Obama or not, you have to take enormous pride that we were able to do this.”
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