America's first black U.S. president has won re-election. President Obama won Ohio, securing him re-election as president of the United States with 303 electoral votes (thirty three more than he needed) to Romney's 206. He defeated Romney in key states.
This is the day that the Lord has made! I am soooooo happy! God bless Americans for re-electing such a great man!
This is the day that the Lord has made! I am soooooo happy! God bless Americans for re-electing such a great man!
Four more ... Obama waves to supporters
As news filtered through that victory in the crucial swing state of Ohio had put Obama over the finishing line of 270 electoral votes, he tweeted: “Four more years.”
The message included a picture of him hugging wife Michelle. The President also told supporters: “We’re all in this together. That’s how we campaigned and that’s who we are.
“I will spend the rest of my Presidency, honouring your support and doing what I can to finish what we started. There is a lot more work to do but for right now, thank you.”
Thumbs up ... Michelle thanks fans
This morning as he made his victory speech in Chicago he said: "The best is yet to come".
He said: "Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward.
Celebration ... Barack Obama tweeted this picture of him hugging wife Michelle to announce his victory
“It moves forward because of you, it moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and oppression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people.
US President addresses Americans after securing second term in White House
“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long.
"We have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.”
He added: "The task of perfecting our nation moves forward. It moves forward because of you. We are an American family and we rise or fall as one nation".
Earlier as US TV networks reported he had won, Obama tweeted: "This happened because of you. Thank you."
He then tweeted: "Four more years."
Winner ... Obama and family
Smile ... Obama was showered with confetti
Party ... confetti falls on Barack Obama and his family as they thank crowds
With Florida still to be counted, Obama had secured 303 electoral seats to Romney's 206.
Romney made a concession speech in front of his supporters in Boston congratulating Mr Obama. He said: "I wish all of them well but particularly the President, the First Lady and their daughters."
"This is a time of great challenges for America. I pray that the President will be successful in guiding our nation."
He added: "I believe in America, I believe in the people of America. And I ran for office because I'm concerned for America. This election is over but our principles endure.
Speech ... President thanked supporters
Victory ... Barack Obama hugs his vice-president Joe Biden after election win
"I so wish that I had been able to fulfil your hopes to lead the country in a different direction but the nation chose a different leader." So Ann and I join with you to pray for them and this great nation. God bless America!"
More than 120 million Americans are thought to have voted, with turnout high in the 11 pivotal swing states — Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
See how the event unfolded in our live blog
The 2012 race for the White House had been tipped to go down to the wire. But in the end Obama was named the winner before midnight in America — with US TV networks projecting a comfortable victory.
The crucial result came at 11.13pm — 4.13am British time — with the news that Obama had held on to the big prize of Ohio.
Concession ... Mitt Romney this morning
The state is worth 18 votes in the American electoral college system — enough to take the President over the 270 votes needed for victory.
Obama also held on to the swing states of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Wisconsin and was predicted to have won in Iowa.
Job done ... President re-elected
His triumph came despite the fact that projected figures suggested that America-wide Romney had won more of the popular vote — by 49.8 per cent to 48.9 per cent.
David Cameron sent his congratulations to Barack Obama, saying: “I think he’s a very successful US president and I look forward to working with him in the future."
Joy ... Democratic Party supporters celebrate
Speaking during a tour of the Middle East, the Prime Minister said: “I would like to congratulate Barack Obama on his re-election.
“I have really enjoyed working with him over the last few years and I look forward to working with him again over the next four years."
REPUBLICAN thanks his supporters in address after losing 2012 presidential election
Both candidates focused their campaigns in the last few days on the swing states. And ex-Massachusetts Governor Romney spent part of election day campaigning in Ohio and Pennsylvania for crucial last-minute votes. Meanwhile, a relaxed Obama played basketball in his adopted home city of Chicago.
Fans ... President's supporters are happy
The President said he had speeches ready for either outcome, adding: “You always have two speeches prepared because you can’t take anything for granted.”
His stepmum Kezia Obama, 68, from Bracknell, Berks, said: “I’m praying America will keep faith and let Barack get on with the job he was first elected to do.”
Hug ... Barack and Michelle Obama
Romney said: “I’m very proud of the campaign that I’ve run.”
There were problems at polls around the country and a hotline for complaints received 35,000 calls. In Florida some voters had to queue for up to seven hours.
One voter in Pennsylvania highlighted a problem with voting machines on YouTube. He uploaded a video claiming to show a touchscreen voting system changing his choice from Obama to Romney.
The furious voter wrote: “I initially selected Obama but Romney was highlighted.
“I assumed it was being picky so I deselected Romney and tried Obama again, this time more carefully, and still got Romney.”
Confetti ... Joe Biden celebrates with his daughter
In Ohio, some Republicans claimed machines were changing Romney votes to Obama.
And Democrats accused Republican state officials of installing untested “experimental” software.
In Southfield Township, Michigan, a man “died” at a polling station — before coming back to life to cast his vote.
Nurse Ty Houston, 48, told how she rushed to help when an elderly man collapsed as he was about to vote. She said: “His wife had been helping him fill out the ballot and she screamed for help.
Kezia Obama ... yesterday
“I went over to see what I could do. He was dead.
“He had no heartbeat and wasn’t breathing.
“I started CPR and after a few minutes he revived and started breathing again.”
She said the pensioner then voted after insisting: “I’ll finish what I came here to do. Vote.”
Iconic 2008 poster ... Barack Obama
myView
By TREVOR KAVANAGH, Associate Editor
BARACK Obama may be the nearest thing to a Leftie in US politics, but there will be relief in Downing Street he is back in the White House.
Tories traditionally sympathise with Republican leaders. But President Obama is their kind of politician.
The PM has a warm relationship with Obama, helping him barbecue sausages and sharing an Air Force One trip to a baseball game.
But not everyone in Cabinet is a fan. Many Tories would love to have seen the back of the most socialist President in US history.
They would like to have welcomed a Republican leader with the sort of debt-cutting programme they want for Britain.
They fear that while the UK asks if it can afford the costly welfare state, America has embarked on a health care experiment that will one day cripple its economy.
They would pine for a more hands-on US foreign policy, especially in the Middle East.
Some see Obama as partisan, divisive and — on the economy and foreign policy — dangerously wrong.
myView
By JEREMY KYLE, Filming his TV show in NY
FOR the first time, hard-working colleagues on the US version of my show drifted in late — having queued all morning at New York polling stations.
For as long as anyone can remember, New York has been a Democrat stronghold.
Everyone fully expected President Obama to cruise to victory here — but still New Yorkers want to exercise their right to vote.
But to NOT vote out here seems unthinkable. People all around wear badges that proudly shout “I voted”.
I thought the city would have other priorities after Superstorm Sandy. Freeways are still deserted, cars queue round the block for gas and parts of Manhattan are still without power.
People I work with have been telling heart-rending tales of lost homes, destroyed possessions and having no electricity and no hot water for over a week.
In the face of all this still they are determined to vote.
A city that never sleeps and one that never gives up either — New York is a pretty incredible place to be right now.
Super roar of triumph
From OLIVER HARVEY, Chief Feature Writer, at Obama HQ in Chicago
IT was a wall of noise that wouldn’t have shamed a Super Bowl crowd. You didn’t need to look up at ranks of giant TV screens to realise what had just been announced.
Barack Obama had won his cherished second term. And his massed supporters at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention centre partied with American abandon. Thousands waved miniature Old Glory flags, strangers hugged. Others unashamedly wept.
As the Beatles’ Twist and Shout boomed out, most danced frantically along as the President made his way to the aircraft hangar-like conference centre from his Chicago mansion. The expressions on some of the faces resembled relief as much as joy.
Mitt Romney had given Democrats a real fright as he edged closer in the polls in the last month. Obama campaign volunteer Nikki Cruz, 27, was overcome with emotion as TV networks announced the President’s re-election.
As she danced, she said: “This is a wonderful night for America, we’re going to party all night.”
Chicago lawyer Tai Duncan, 30, said: “It’s a wonderful party. Strangers are hugging each other. This country can now become a better place to live.”
Here in Chicago, where Obama’s political career began, he is feted like a rock star.
And the President was backed by some of the biggest stars of music yesterday.
Singer Katy Perry, 28, made her allegiance to Obama clear by tweeting a photo of her and gran Ann Hudson with “POTUS” — President Of The United States.
Singer Beyonce, 31, posted a picture of her backing Obama on her blog while first-time voter Miley Cyrus, 19, turned out in Los Angeles without make-up to support her man.
Sex And The City’s Sarah Jessica Parker, 47, donned a “Viva Obama” T-shirt in New York.
Barack's got star quality
Stars and stripes ... Katy Perry, gran and Barack Obama with flags
SINGER Katy Perry made her allegiance to Obama clear by tweeting a photo of her and her grandmother with “POTUS” — the President Of The United States.
Tweet ... by Katy Perry
Russell Brand’s 28-year-old ex joined a host of stars at the polling booths yesterday.
I must Bey him ... Beyonce votes
Singer Beyonce, 31, posted a picture of her backing Obama on her blog while first-time voter Miley Cyrus, 19, turned out in LA without make-up to support her man.
Mi first time ... pop star Cyrus yesterday
Sex And The City’s Sarah Jessica Parker, 47, donned a “Viva Obama” T-shirt in New York — as hardman Kurt Russell, 61, used a walking stick at a polling station in Pacific Palisades, LA.
City fan ... Sarah Jessica Parker in Obama top
Splash
The actor, who has had leg surgery and is said to favour Romney, told The Sun: “I had to vote, I’m in a little pain. Don’t ask who I voted for though.”
Sylvester Stallone, 66, lent his muscle to Romney in Brentwood, California — where German-born model Heidi Klum, 39, who is now a US citizen, backed Obama.
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