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When the parties broke up and the speeches echoed into history last night, America woke up to a world that looked a lot the same but seemed very different.
People all over the world have interesting, often emotional, feelings about Barack Obama's win. In Utah, the reaction was very apparent last night at the GOP headquarters in downtown Salt Lake. Though Republicans did well in Utah, the hundreds who gathered at the hotel to watch the national returns come in were quite somber when it became official.
When Sen. John McCain delivered his concession speech to the nation, the Utah Republicans at the Grand America Hotel stopped what they were doing to watch and listen.
Even Gov. Huntsman delayed his victory speech to listen to what his longtime friend had to say. "Although I voted Republican, I'm proud at the significant barrier that's been crossed with Barack Obama," Huntsman said. "The way that my kids will learn from it, the way the rest of the world will watch our Democracy, and all of its imperfections play out and learn from it as well."
Obama's election dominated the front pages of newspapers from around the world. Kenya declared a national holiday so residents there, including Obama's relatives, could celebrate. They'll be dancing in the streets for two days.
At Alpine Elementary School, a group of education leaders from Kenya were visiting today. They too were thrilled. Lilian Odibro said, "Personally, being that he has some roots from Kenya, you're inclined to love and appreciate people that come from the same area as you."
France Davis, Pastor of Salt Lake's Calvary Baptist Church, is also happy with Obama's election, saying this is a turning point for America. He said, "I thought right off the cuff, we have arrived. We have gotten to the place where those of us who fought during the 60s for civil rights and voting rights, that we have finally gotten to the place that people are able to look beyond race and skin color and judge based on character."
Reverend Davis said he has never met Barack Obama, but met Mrs. Obama when she was here last February. He said she was very "impressive" and will make a great First Lady.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com