Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States, and will be sworn in on the 20th January 2009.

change they need, and change they get.

A lot hinges on Obama’s performance for the next 4 years. Being the first black president, people have high expectations of him. If he were to not deliver on good policies or decisions, it will be a definite blow to the idea that non-whites can govern, and the racial divide will grow even further in the social strata.

There is as well a high risk to his position in the Oval Office, as it is widely rumored that he has been targeted for assassination attempts – which is very plausible. The Secret Service will have a tough job on their hands protecting the next President.

It will be interesting to see what decisions he will make as to the war in Iraq, as well as the many economic policy changes needed. It’s not an enviable job really, being in Commander-in-Chief when international sentiments against the US are unfavorable, there is a huge national debt, and the economy is in turmoil.

He has a tough time ahead, but watching him throughout the whole presidential election campaign, I believe he can do it. So, congratulations, Senator Barack Obama. You deserve this, for the fine campaign you and your team have conducted, and also because you have held yourself up most admirably.

EDIT : There’s an absolutely lovely photo essay on Barack Obama out on the Big Picture site by Boston Globe. Check it out!