"I was stunned at first; my candidate had never won, there had to be some sort of trick. However, it was true. Finally, political power returned to the people. His speech only affirmed my opinion that he would be a great president. We needed a man as eloquent as JFK, and with Obama, I believe we have it." - Kenny Matuszewski

"I felt that McCain had a great concession speech, even though I was glad that Obama won." - Chris Mayor

"Politics is all about semantics, and Obama truly was the master of wording. Whether people knew it or didn't care, or were tricked by Obama's wording, there is only one way to describe his policies: Socialist." - Justin Corvino

"Obama will steal my family's money and slow down the economy even more and he knows very little about foreign policy and that will show in world relations. Our economy can't flourish if businesses pay a 50% tax rate." - Kevin Schneider

"I don't think Obama's plans for taxing will affect me, as I don't make over $250,000. Everyone who says we are now Socialist does not know what they are talking about. People must take a small cut for the benefit of the country as a whole. We still have all our freedoms...Social Security is Socialist anyways. The country will benefit from these tax increases." - Pat Doherty

"Barack Obama's campaign will go down as one of the best run campaigns in history. He had few flaws and executed with brilliant technique..... I think it will help the middle class which I am a part of and I think it is a great step toward our future for everyone." - Albano Latifi

"When they did announce it, I was still shocked even though I thought he would win. It is an amazing feeling to witness a significant historical event, and this is not the first one our generation has seen." - Margaret Stephany

"It is not very important that we now have an African American President, rather, it is important that our country as a whole has been avle to look past race (which shouldn't be a factor anyway) and elect a candidate based on intelligence and morals rather than skin color." -Tim Sampey

"(It) represents an opportunity for racial and political boundaries to be torn down between the citizens. This is an opportunity for the U.S. to come together and bring a brighter future for those who are yet to come." ---Timothy Ragin

"For the first time, I actually have hope for the future and I think the rest of the world does, too.... Now, we have someone who actually listens to the people's concerns." -Kim Donovan

"It marks the day that the United States will stop being led by rich, white men, and start being led by the people. The working class now has a stronger voice.....The world will now recognize the United States as a global country and an advocate for even the Third World countries. W now have a leader who is in touch with reality." -Andres Vertiz

"I can only pray that good things will come out of Obama's Presidency, not only for myself and my family, but for the entire United States of America." -Welle Heuning

"Obama hasn't had enough experience, he won't know how to get things done and the others ... in Washington will dance circles around him and essentially rule our country." - Valerie Larson

"Obama will work to deter the effects of global warming by investing in alternative enegy resources. What will that mean? A better, cleaner America for future generations." -Morgan Gallagher

"I am afraid that foreign countries will not give the Obama Presidency the type of respect that it deserves and that foreign leaders will expect that they can reign over Obama. However, I think his foreign policies will do a lot to improve relations between the US and other countries." - Pat McMahon

"Yesterday, in participating in our democracy, we got a chance to make history, alter the future, and forever leave our impact on the world." - Mario Hernandez

"I hope that as President, Obama will help to fix the economic crisis.... and that he will help to establish clean energy sources, and come to a responsible end to the Iraq war." Stephen Mizera

"Obama's speech was merely an introduction of how he will run the U.S. His speech was both powerful and inspirational. This is also how his Presidency will be." -Katherine Trainor

"I am happy that Obama won. I think he and Biden make a good team and are the smartest people who ran." -Margy Acton

"I think he will give us hope at first. However, I do not know if he has the experience, leadership, or convictions to make us the best nation possible. I am optimistic, but am extremely apprehensive." -Nathan Holterman

"The Obama presidency will affect me positively as a member of the middle class. I could only hope that he has a beneficial impact on the US and the world by tackling issues such as global warming and procuring a renewable energy resource." -Jamie Vaughan

"I think having Obama as President will motivate me to become more involved in understanding the policies and decisions the country makes." -Nick Goggin

"I think that if McCain had not made the mistake of putting Sarah Palin on the ticket, the race could have turned out differently. Obama deserved to win because he was working hard for this for a long time, and all of his hard work paid off in the end. I only wish I could have voted." -Sarah Payne

"At first I was on the fence about the election, but now I must admit that I am psyched for Brobama (my bro). " -Timothy Reichel

"I thought McCain's speech was very noble and respectful towards Obama. Obama's speech was very humble and he focused on the country instead of on his victory." - Sarah Williams

"The world's view of the US as warlike bullies will change dramatically." -Francisco Hohn

"I thought that the news was extremely one-sided when covering the election. They kept talking about Obama and assuming that McCain had already been beat." -Jenna Vondrasek

"Obama is both an intellectual and inspirational leader with a calm yet personable demeanor. He will do wonders for America." -Katie Bailey

"Obama's number one reason for winning the Presidency was luck. It was luck that John Kerry asked him to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention; luck that he won a close Senate race in Illinois, and luck that he is now the most powerful man in the world, with little experience in holding power. I hope he knows what he's doing, because so far it's been looks, his eloquency, and the ability to inspire people that has gotten him to the White House." -Bridget Ellsworth

"...as Maya Angelou said, 'Our country is growing up.' This is a true showing of what our country has always strived for: true and utter equality.... Watching last night made me proud to be an American." -Lauren Donati

"I think that Obama has a very magnetic personality, but I do not agree with al of his plans, but at least he seems like a strong leader. I think the election of a black President is a step in the right direction for the country, in terms of eliminating lingering racist stereotypes." -Gabby Cozzi

"His policy of universal healthcare, in my eyes, is a very important and positive aspect of his campaign. to me, healthcare is something that everyone deserves and I am willing to pay higher taxes to see that accomplished." - Austin Brown

"His speech at Grant Park was one of the best I've ever heard... Hopefully the US will regain some credibility in the world. but, this newfound credibility could be destroyed if we pull troops out of Iraq prematurely." -Chris Best

"I thought all along the voters would come out for Barack. He has been the biggest celebrity in the country for the past year.... I thought McCain delivered his best speech yet. He was confident and his content was great." - Emmett Murphy

"The world will be profoundly affected since Obama's policy on foreign affairs is qute different from that of previous Presidents. One will just have to wait and see how Obama will act, and how the world will react." -Zoran Pavlovic

"Everyone acted respectfully at the Grant Park rally. They knew their boundaries yet were still very supporting in both candidates' parties." -Colleen Quinn

"The successful, safe gathering in Grant Park last night will help Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics." -Artie Sundry