David Kidney

Stafford Stronger Together

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Yes we Can!

Why I welcome the news of Barack Obama's Election.

It is amazingly good news that America has voted for the kind of change that Barack Obama represents.

Beyond his inspirational oratory lies a message of hope not just for his country but for the world community.

We have now a mighty super power that stands for fairness, peace and dialogue in its international relations, which starts afresh in building financial institutions that are transparent and trusted once more and which rejects prejudice and hatred and aspires for democracy, peace and prosperity for all.

This is a day for optimism, a time to look at the current very serious difficulties affecting economies around the world - as well as the wars, the injustices, the poverty and hunger afflicting so many regions of the world - in a new light.

We can unite, we can bring to bear the resources within our control and together we can create a climate, literally as well as emotionally, that is clean, fair and life-affirming.

I offer the President-elect my congratulations and I wish him well in his dealings with other world leaders, including our own Prime minister, Gordon Brown.

BBC Coverage

Victory Speech Text

Victory Speech Video

Obama's Blueprint for change

Reactions from round the world. BBC Video

Gordon Brown welcomes the news.

This morning I sent my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the Presidency of the United States.

I also have sent a message to Senator John McCain who has shown characteristic dignity in defeat - the same dignity that has marked a lifetime of service to the public.

What has happened today will live in history for as long as history books are written.

Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with his progressive vision for the future. His success marks a victory for those who believe that real change requires real substance and the right values.

Over the next few months and years, I look forward to working with Barack Obama, as President Elect and then as President. I know he is a true friend of Britain, and I know that the values we share in common and the polices on which we can work together will enable us to come through these difficult economic times and help to build a fairer and more secure world .

I believe the strong relationship between Britain and America is built not just on history and tradition but on values of liberty, democracy and opportunity that we hold in common.

And today, as Barack Obama said this morning, America has proved once again that its great strength comes from 'the enduring power of our ideals.'

Gordon Brown

What do you think about the election? Just click on Want to comment below to add your comment.

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Ralph Cooke

Message left at 08:28 pm, Fri 7th Nov 2008

The election of Obama is one of the best pieces of news the world has had for a while. I look forward to a shift in US foreign policy in Iraq and a greater willingness to work with other nations to overcome some of the undoubted problems which the world faces in terms of economics, climate change and oil and other resource issues.

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Diana Margaret Smith

Message left at 03:40 pm, Fri 7th Nov 2008

To me, one of the most exiting things about watching this election has been that hundreds of thousands of young and old people have understood that they can play a part in changing things for the better. People have come out for the first time to register and to vote. Behind that there seems to be a strong structure for communicating with people and drawing in their ideas. It is going to be fascinating to watch.

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Imelda Uddin

Message left at 02:24 pm, Fri 7th Nov 2008

I think Obama will be a great president I think there's a lot we can learn from him and a lot the US could learn from the UK on how we are handling things at the moment.

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