Obama victory sparks praise at home and abroad

? Sen. Barack Obama began his first full day as president-elect of the United States with the simple act of having breakfast with his daughters. Now, Obama must begin compiling names for various key

News 12 Staff

Nov 5, 2008, 7:06 PM

Updated 5,658 days ago

Share:

Obama victory sparks praise at home and abroad
? Sen. Barack Obama began his first full day as president-elect of the United States with the simple act of having breakfast with his daughters.
Now, Obama must begin compiling names for various key positions in his administration as he prepares to take office in January. Democratic officials say Illinois Rep. RahmEmanuel has been offered the job of chief of staff in the administration, but it is not known whether he has accepted.
In addition to filling key posts, Obama will begin receiving highly-classified CIA briefings on a daily basis starting on Thursday. These briefings will contain sensitive information that Obama?s never had access to, even as a senator.
"Through expanded access, greater than what he had in his briefings as a candidate or as a senator, he will see the full range of capabilities we deploy for the United States," said CIA Director Mike Hayden in a message sent to agency employees.
The historic victory in the presidential race is resonating around the world on the day after Election Day.
Nelson Mandela, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and world leaders praised Obama for his determination and U.S. voters for their decision Wednesday.
Mandela, South Africa?s first black president, sent Obama a letter of congratulations on his victory. He says the win shows that anyone in the world can ?dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.?
The election was closely monitored by countries around the world. In a letter to Obama, French President Nicolas Sarkozy wrote, ?At a time when we have to confront immense challenges together, your election raises great hopes in France, in Europe andin the rest of the world.?
France?s junior minister for human rights, Rama Yade, called Obama?s victory ?the fall of the Berlin Wall times 10.? He also added ?on this morning, we all want to be American.?
One of the many challenges Obama must confront when he is sworn into office is the frayed relations between the U.S. and Russia, relations that were badly damaged during the Russia-Georgia conflict that took place over the summer. However, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hopes the incoming administration will take steps to ease tensions between the two countries.
Closer to home, President George Bush offered congratulatory remarks to Obama in a Rose Garden speech.
"It will be a stirring sight to see President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House," the president said. "I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have waited so long."
Bush also promised complete cooperation with Obama during his transition into the presidency. The president said he?ll keep the senator informed of all decisions the White House makes between now and Jan. 20.
Obamawins presidency in historic election
State-by-StateResults
Sen. Barack Obama?s acceptance speech
Sen. John McCain?s concession speech


More from News 12
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

1:06
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

1:58
Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade