Well done, America.

I'm sure everyone knows already, but since I intend to revel in the fact for a little longer, I'll say it again: Obama won. Totally. WON. I'm tempted to just wave my hand, "Oh, I knew he'd make it," but I'd been nervous about this for as long as I can remember following the campaign, so I won't say that. Watching the race develop from afar, unable to influence the result, I was very anxious indeed. But that's all done and over with - OBAMA WON!

Honestly, I'm glad. Obviously he's going to have it difficult, and there still are issues that don't make me as happy as they could, but I am convinced that he was the better candidate and will be a much, much better president than McCain (or, let's not even think of the possibility, Palin) could ever have been. He is sensible, constructive, and finally seems like someone who can actually do a good job. We'll see how everything turns out yet, but for the moment my expectations are high.

I'd also like to point out, as an observer from the outside, that this election was epic. I've been lucky to escape most of the nastiness, but thanks to LJ I feel like I had an opportunity to go through the whole process myself. It was awesome to discuss the election with those of my friends who were passionate about it, to hear about what it was like to be there. The massive turnout impressed me as well - people going to vote despite various problems, willing to wait in line for hours on end - let me tell you, I can't imagine anything of this magnitude happening in my own country anymore. You've been great!

I woke up today just in time to watch Obama's victory speech when it came up on the TV here. I won't lie, I was overwhelmed. I still can't believe he made it, even though I'd hoped he would win all along. This is amazing, seriously amazing. I'm just so relieved.

Thank you, Americans, for making history.