Obama 44th U.S. President
HISTORY has been made today with US voters sweeping in their first African-American President following the longest election campaign in American history.
Barack Obama has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed for a win. The results come as a hard-won victory for a candidate who began the race to the White House as a relative newcomer to the national political stage.
Having trailed significantly throughout the day, McCain conceded defeat shortly after 3pm [AEDST] in front of a large crowd of supporters and media in Phoenix, Arizona.
"The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly," said the 72 year-old Arizona Senator .
"A little while ago I had the honour of calling President-elect Barack Obama to congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.
"Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans and please believe me when I say no association has meant more to me than that," McCain said. "It is natural tonight to feel some disappointment but tomorrow we must move beyond it."
President George W Bush also telephoned President-elect Obama to congratulate him on his "awesome night," according to a White House spokeswoman.
In January 2009, 47 year-old Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Virginia, a state that had not supported a Democrat since electing President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, pushed the Democrat over the magic threshold of 270. Near-certain wins in the West joined Virginia in cementing his mathematical victory.
Fifth Avenue in New York City erupted at the news that Obama had sealed the presidency. Screaming crowds materialized on the sidewalks and the cool November air filled with the chants of "Yes we can!" and "Obama! Obama!" as his supporters greeted the news.
When historians look back to this election, they will note that it was record turnout --participation by the populace at a level never before seen in the United States--that sent Barack Obama to the White House.
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