Go-Bama!

Whoo hoo! It's about midnight, and of course Barack Obama has won the 2008 presidential election.

John McCain gave a gracious and respectful concession speach, saying that Barack Obama had accomplished something great for America. He thanked his supporters, but scolded his audience when they booed his former opponent. Senator McCain spoke of national unity, and loyalty to the new president-elect, and promised his allegiance and assistance in the years to come.

Listen to McCain's Concession Speach. Or, you can read a full transcript at NPR.

Barack Obama, president-elect, spoke of his former opponent's integrity and grit. He thanked his many supporters, and promised to remember that this victory was theirs, too. He thanked his wife and children, his campaign strategist, and various others. He spoke of a "united" states, a reference to the landmark key-note speach he gave at the DNC four years ago which helped catapult him onto the national stage.

He addressed not only American's, but all the people across the globe who were listening "huddled beside radios" and promised to usher in a "new era of American leadership." His tone was conciliatory, but even as he spoke of victory and celebration, he reminded us also that their is a lot of work ahead.

Obama spoke of the soldiers who would wake up tomorrow, still in Iraq and Afghanistan, and still fighting. He spoke of the economic crisis, of families trying to pay their bills, stay in their homes. And he told the story of a woman of 106, child of a slave, who yesterday voted for the first African American president of the United States. Finally, he spoke of "restoring prosperity" and reclaiming the American Dream.

Listen to Obama's Victory Speach. Or, you can read a full transcript at NPR.