Barack Obama elected President of the United States!!!
Congratulations to President Obama and the United States. Tonight is a huge night in the history of America.
Currently 133-155 with several states still to be decided Democrats control at least 56 Senate seats and have a majority in the House
Update: Very classy speech from John McCain. Historic and moving victory speech for Barack Obama.
World reaction is positive. This win is already restoring America's image. Yesterday's win was emotional for the African American community and this election has brought out the best in America again.
The Republican Party must now start a long rebuilding process. The party is going to have to be more inclusive and return to their economic conservative roots.
At the end of the day, there was no way that McCain could have won this race given the record of George W. Bush. The focus will now shift to Sarah Palin and others as the future of the party.
Markets are flat today. The US election has not had much impact on trading thus far.
Barack Obama will become President of the United States officially on January 20.
Indiana, North Carolina and Missouri have not officially been called. Results look like an Obama win in Indiana and North Carolina with McCain picking up Missouri. If that holds, final results will be 364 to 174 in electoral college votes. Obama made gains in Ohio, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, Nevada and Iowa.
Democrats have picked up at least 56 Senate seats. 4 races have still not been called including Al Franken in Minnesota. Elizabeth Dole was defeated easily in North Carolina.
Joe Lieberman is expected to meet with Democrats this week about his future. At a minimum expect him to lose his chairmanship. It is quite possible he will be booted from the caucus altogether.
Democrats easily carry the balance of power in the House earning at least 251 seats.
Turnout was impressive. Numbers are still coming in but it looks like over 138 million Americans voted making last night's election the highest turnout in a century. For the first time young voters cast their ballots and the results obviously had an impact based on exit polling. This race represents a generational change.
Interesting ballot initiatives:
-Arizona passes a ban on gay marriage and the hiring of illegal aliens. Florida also passes a ban on gay marriage. Initiative in California too close to call. -Arkansas bans gays from adopting children -Michigan votes to allow medical marijuana and stem cell research -Massachusetts decriminalizes small amounts of weed and bans dog racing -Nebraska ends affirmative action -Washington allows doctor assisted suicide -It appears all motions restricting abortion have failed -California bans cramped cages for chickens -California rejects making 20% of power supply renewable by 2010 -Maine ends new tax on beer -English is now the official language of Missouri -Several gambling measures pass except in Ohio
Overall a historic night in the United States. Congratulations to President elect Barack Obama for making history and becoming America's first African American president.
