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"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."


Ladies and Gentlemen, it's official. The Star-Spangled Banner in triumph still waves, o'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

President-Elect Obama has a long and hard road ahead of him. He and his administration will make mistakes, as every administration does. His presidency will not be perfect. There will be challenges and difficulties, triumphs, compromises and disappointments. Nobody doubts that.

But, just as we did on September 12th 2001, we wake up today to a new world - a world irrevocably changed. Except that this morning, it is the light of hope, and not the spectre of fear, that greets us - that allows us to see, if only for a moment, our world as a place transformed, a place of unlimited potential.

Because no matter what happens in the next four years, the simple truth is that symbols matter. Hope matters. Faith matters. Attitude matters. Belief in a better future matters. The grandmother turning on her TV this morning, who remembers having to drink at a different water fountain matters.

I have bought newspapers this morning to keep for my children.

God bless America.