Video: Obama Victory Speech | World Reaction | Message to Kenyans

Barack Obama delivered his victory speech in Des Moines, Iowa last night after his victorious caucus win (38% final vote tally) over Democratic runner-ups John Edwards (30%) and Hillary Clinton (29%). Obama's gracious speech was one of humility and inspiration. The moment felt historic as the Iowan crowd chanted with enthusiasm, in unison, "Obama, Obama, Obama, Obama!"

As a young voter who has often felt disillusioned with American and world politics, watching Obama declare victory in Iowa offered me a renewed sense of hope. What a great way to kick-off the new year... I am immensely proud of Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and their family. It is certain that challenges will be abundant for the Obama family in the very long journey ahead, but their win in Iowa was a crucial leap forward.

In his speech, Obama promised: "Change is Coming." And indeed, with his victory in Iowa last night and the swell of new momentum that he'll undoubtedly receive across the nation, America may never be the same.

World Reaction to Obama's U.S. Presidential Bid

From South Africa: Obama's victory and global politics
Damn, I love Americans. Just when you’ve written them off as hopeless, as a nation in decline, they turn around and do something extraordinary, which tells you why the United States of America is still the greatest nation on earth. But too, what is happening in America and Kenya holds lessons for politicians everywhere, and South Africa would do well to take heed.
From Pakistan: Barack Obama's American Revolution
Reconciling the United States with itself and the world should thus be the twin priorities for America’s next president. If there is one candidate who can accomplish this, who can contribute, in a split second, to restoring America’s international reputation, it is Barack Obama.
From Nigeria: How far can Obama go?
And for this simple reason if Obama somehow manages to beat Hillary to scale through the hurdles within the camp of the Democracts, he may not go much further unless white America confronts head on this demon that is ravaging their nation. His candidacy in fact may push Americans to return for another serving of Republicanism Iraq war or not. His nomination is also very likely to bring to the fore some of the contentious racial issues (not that they ever really went away!). Those who have been speaking in hushed tones for fear of being labeled racist will certainly begin to say it out aloud.
From Australia: Win marks a watershed in black history
Something happened in the US yesterday with this result. A black man sweeping Iowa, where 95 per cent of its population is white and socially conservative, is simply a breathtaking turning point in US history.
From Kenya (reported in US): Obama's Kin Glued to the Radio in Kenya
“The situation here is good,” Senator Obama’s uncle, Said Obama, said in a telephone interview from the village. Referring to the Iowa caucuses, he said: “we are following what is going on in the U.S., though we have to rely on the radio.”

Barack Obama's Statement to Kenyan People

Regarding recent Kenyan election turmoil and political violence enthralling the African country - Statement posted originally at barackobama.com
I have been deeply troubled by the recent news out of Kenya. The instability and tragic violence pose an urgent and dangerous threat to the people of Kenya, and to Kenyan democracy. My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to all who have suffered, and to the families of the victims.

The Kenyan people have a proud history of supporting the growth of democracy in their country. Their thirst for democracy was on display in this most recent election, when they turned out to vote in record numbers, and in a peaceful and orderly way.

Despite irregularities in the vote tabulation, now is not the time to throw that strong democracy away. Now is a time for President Kibaki, opposition leader Odinga, and all of Kenya’s leaders to call for calm, to come together, and to start a political process to address peacefully the controversies that divide them. Now is the time for this terrible violence to end.

Kenya’s long democratic journey has at times been difficult. But at critical moments, Kenyans have chosen unity and progress over division and disaster. The way forward is not through violence – it is through democracy, and the rule of law. To all of Kenya’s people, I ask you to renew Kenya’s democratic tradition, and to seek your dreams in peace.
Share with us your thoughts.

Related Obama articles/blog posts on GlobalSoulPower.com: