Barack Obama is to be the next president of the United States. The not-quite-final tally at time of the announcement: Obama 297; McCain 145. Cue the champagne at MSN HQ...

 

4:20am: McCain's now making his concession speech - boos from the crowd at the first mention of Obama, who he admits "inspired" many Americans in this "historic election" with its special significance for African-Americans. The election of an African-American is evidence that America has moved away from the bigotry of bygone eras, he's saying. His speech is extremely gracious, even if he does look bitterly disappointed. "We fought as hard as we could and, though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours." A roar of protest from the crowd: "We want John! We want John!"

 

A brief word from my American interns: "The best thing about this is that Sarah Palin won't be our VP." Ouch.  

 

"A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your friendship," McCain says to the now docile crowd. As of 4:27am, the tally puts Obama at 333 electoral votes; McCain at 155.

 

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