Senator Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States.
Israeli leaders congratulated the president-elect, with Prime Minister Omert saying he has no doubt that the special relationship shared by the US and Israel will continue to strengthen during the Obama administration.
Obama has won 349 votes in the electoral college, and rival John McCain has won 161. 270 votes were needed to win the presidency.
Obama garnered 52% of the popular vote, while McCain won 46.7%. The popular vote represents the ballots of all voters, regardless of where they live.
Obama will be sworn in as president on January 20, 2009.
The Democrats also increased their majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate. The Democrats now have 54 senators, plus two independents who caucus with them, compared with 40 senators for the Republicans. Four races are still undecided.
In the House of Representatives, the Democrats won 248 of the 435 seats. The Republicans fell to 163 from 187. Two seats in Louisiana will be decided in a run-off election on December 4.
In his acceptance speech in Chicago, Obama said, "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It’s been a long time coming, but, tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America.
Prime Minister Olmert congratulated the US president-elect, and said that the special Israel-US relationship is based on shared values and interests and is characterized by ties of close cooperation. "Israel and the US have a common desire to advance peace and stability in the Middle East. We have no doubt that the special relations that prevail between the two countries will continue to strengthen during the Obama administration", said Olmert.
In a statement, President Shimon Peres said, "It was an American election and a worldwide choice. I don't recall any other election that practically all of humanity was following with hope and concern. I want to congratulate the newly-elected President: young, fresh, promising, representing a change and introducing change. The changes that I can mention it is an opportunity to escape the present world crisis and enter into a new era of cooperation, of productive economy and of human solidarity. In a way, it is an end of racism. There is no longer any way that any white man can claim superiority, nor any black person feel discrimination. We are the same people, and this election is a great statement to that effect.
"I must say that the elections themselves were a great event for American democracy. I also have the utmost respect for the other candidate John McCain, who fought with great courage and stamina. And when it was over, they shook hands together. For us, America is a great friend and a great hope. We are connected by the Bible and we are together for peace. When President Obama was here, he asked me what he can do for Israel. My answer was: be a great President of the United States of America. If you will be a great President of the United States of America, you will have great promise for Israel as well, and for all of the region and for all of our neighbors. Nobody should look at whose side the President is on, he just has to be on the side of peace. And if he will be on the side of peace, peace will become closer and more possible. I think that all of us are excited and hopeful and send our best wishes from the eternal capital of Jerusalem."
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama, saying, "This is a mark of merit for American democracy. During Barack Obama's recent visit to Israel, and especially during the tour we conducted together in the city of Sderot, the people of Israel were impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel. Israel looks forward to continued close strategic cooperation with the new administration, the new president and the US Congress, in order to continue to strengthen the lasting special relationship between our two countries. FM Livni also thanked Senator John McCain for his long-standing friendship and said that she looked forward to "continuing our close cooperation with him."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 5, 2008
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