Barackobamarama!

At last, a change of guard at the White House. A firm goodbye to those classic Bushisms ("The problem with the French is that they don't have a word for entrepreneur") and a warm welcome to the new president elect, Barack Obama. "Change we can" is the motto, and the world is certainly hoping that this will be true. When Bush comes to shove, will the change take place?

On the surface of things, it certainly seems so. For one thing, Obama seems intent on withdrawing from Iraq and focusing more heavily on the conflict in Afghanistan. Also, it seems as though he can stay calm under the economic pressure, not dithering in thought like his rival, John McCain.

What were the highlights of election night? There were many. In particular, I loved the choir that sang at McCain's election party in Phoenix, Arizona, which played "Food, Glorious Food". Any reference to the McCain oven chips ads? I enjoyed the moment Obama won the state of Maryland, at which point I opened a bag of Maryland choc chip cookies in celebration!

Both McCain's concession speech and Obama's "Change" speech were of the highest quality. Many commentators are suggesting that the McCain speech was reminiscent of the "old" John McCain that voters were fond of. And as for Obama's speech, can you imagine him delivering a mediocre speech? No way.

It has to be said, that it seems as though Sarah Palin was the black dot on the Republican ticket. Even though the crowds of Republicans applauded her with great energy, she was not the kind of VP McCain needed -- he needed someone that would appeal to the swing voters, not someone that would appeal to the conservative Christians. Nevertheless, one gets the feeling that it will be Obama vs. Palin in four years time ... !

At 5:30 it was time to jump into bed!