Jim Wilkinson, business owner, Mercedes, Texas (Republican)

"The election of a far left, socialist candidate for president will have a disastrous impact on our American way of life - our Constitution is already being challenged.

It appears that the majority of our citizens have stretched out their hands anticipating the governmetal redistribution of the fruits of others.

With the influx of illegal immigration and the opening up of massive Third World migration, our nation is in the process of profound change.

The majority here seem to have little understanding and even less appreciation of what our forefathers did to make this a great nation. We see more and more people with their palms up, more politicians with their hands in our back pockets and far too few of us with our hands on the wheel.

Over the next few years I predict more government control in our personal affairs, profoundly higher taxes and a dramatic industrial slide downhill.

When Obama received the Democratic presidential nomination, his wife said: "For the first time in my life...I'm proud of my country." As we now enter the Obama presidency, I can say: "For the first time in my life....I'm ashamed of my country."

Linda Sharp, parenting writer, Austin, Texas (Independent who voted for Obama)

"Watching the results trickle on Nov. 4, still holding my breath, feeling so many doing the same, I still had fear in my gut that somehow, some way, this moment would not come.

Yet as I took in the shots of Grant Park and the literal human tapestry being woven across its lawn, my fears began to abate. Every colour, every creed, every culture was represented.

This was not a man who attracted a single slice of the demographic pie. This is a man who attracted the whole damned demographic bakery.

I am proud of us tonight. We have grown up.

I realise there are millions of McCain supporters out there who tonight feel bereft, frightened. I understand that. I hope, in time, they come to realise that Barack Obama is no more a bogeyman than he is some abortion-loving Muslim terrorist.

Obama is an articulate, educated, thoughtful, measured, proof-that-the-American-dream-still-works MAN.

He loves his country. Just like them. He loves his family. Just like them. He wants better days for us all. Just like them. He doesn't believe he is the Messiah, he believes in the Messiah. Just like them. I have never cared about an election before. Ever. I have never even entertained the idea of donating one thin dime to support a candidate. When I voted, if I voted, it came down to who I disliked the least.

So much changed when Barack Obama came onto my radar. I started to listen. I started to care. I started to believe.

And I became more galvanised than I ever believed possible. The campaign tagline has been YES, WE CAN. And I have dared to write several times, YES, WE WILL. Tonight, I am so proud to finally write the words: YES, WE DID."

Timothy Bottaro, lawyer, Sioux city, Iowa (Democrat)

"It's wonderful and I'm overjoyed and there is hope that things will get better and that we have a leader who will deal with matters in a different manner.

I expect to see some real changes in the way Washington works.

This election has shown the world that skin colour doesn't matter and it's overwhelming to be a part of a state that made this happen."

Edgar Thornton, director of a college department, Iowa (Republican)

"I'm on a wait-and-watch mode and am cautiously looking forward to the new policies that'll be developed.

My emotions are mixed regarding Obama's victory - I'm disappointed because I support the opposite side but at the same time being an Afro-American I'm proud.

I hope to see the new administration lead our country into a new direction. The most important thing is to repair the economy and both sides should find a way to work together to find a solution."

Alexander Stone Dale, former cab driver, Manhattan New York (Republican)

"Alright - you wanted him, you got him.

The relaxing thing about this election is that you can't blame Republicans for anything that happens over at least the next two if not four years. Have fun. You didn't earn it but you've got it.

The peaceful transfer of power has been the hallmark of American democracy since 1800 (Adams to Jefferson).

Never underestimate the power of 'not my problem baby!' Remember The Dead Kennedy's album 'Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables'? It already looks like the Obama administration is going to be 'Rotting Vegetables For Fresh Fruit.'

I ain't going nowhere baby - now where did I put my hammock?"

Ernesto Haibi, U.S Army medic, Copperas Cove TX (Former Republican, voted Obama)

Too many Americans are panicking about Obama and the fact that he's black.

We need serious change and fresh thinking to change the state we are in today.

In the end America is bigger than one president.

If we survived Bush we can survive damn near anything. I also feel that Obama will be a good president and will do good for those who need it and hammer those who deserve it. (big oil)