A Canadian Press collection of quotes about Tuesday’s presidential election in the United States and Barack Obama’s historic win:
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“If there is anyone out there who still doubts 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.” — U.S. president-elect Barack Obama.
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“I look forward to meeting with the president-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States . . . given the challenges facing the world economy, it is vital that Canadian and American legislators continue to work together on the important issues facing families on both sides of the border.” — Prime Minister Stephen Harper, congratulating Obama on victory.
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“I think the United States is lucky to have the choice it’s got today. We’re living a really historic moment. The key thing is very simple: All around the world, this American election has revived people’s faith in democratic politics. It’s a wonderful day for democracy.” — Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff.
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“When Obama started running, I thought it was great. But I thought, you know, Hillary (Clinton) or whoever would beat him. But here we are! Lord, I just voted for a black man for president. How about that?” — Charles Kinsey, a 48-year-old black mechanic from Los Angeles.
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“His success alone commands my respect for his ability and perserverence. This is a historic election, and I recognize the special significance this has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.” — Republican presidential candidate John McCain, conceding defeat in Arizona.
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“They feel like they’re getting a real partner tonight.” — Dave Clausen, an American citizen and permanent resident of Canada, on why Canadians cared so much about an Obama win.
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“What we are witnessing in America is a non-violent revolution. It is a revolution of values. It is a revolution of ideas.” — U.S. Congressman and civil rights champion John Lewis.
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“This is proof that we’re all one. I always knew that one day the road was going to take that turn, and it has taken the turn.” — Yvonne Rhoden, a Montreal resident originally from Jamaica.
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“We are going to the White House!” — members of Barack Obama’s family members in Kenya reacting to the Democratic nominee’s election as the next U.S. president.
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“The U.S. is one of the most powerful nations in the world and Barack is going to be their king.” — Byron Cooke, owner of the Phase II Cabaret bar in Winnipeg.
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Watch President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech
CHICAGO (AP) – Barack Obama will begin receiving highly classified briefings from top intelligence officials Thursday, as the rush of his campaign gives way to intensive preparations to take over as commander in chief and build a Democratic administration.
The briefings typically last 45 minutes to an hour, but Obama's initial one is expected to be longer. A U.S. intelligence official speaking on condition of anonymity said Joe Biden, the vice president-elect, also will begin receiving briefings this week.
The president's daily brief that Obama will receive is mostly written by the Central Intelligence Agency and will include the most critical overnight intelligence for the president. They sometimes dig deeply into a specific topic to give the president an in-depth understanding.
Obama began his first full day as president-elect with the simple pleasure of having breakfast with his daughters, the type of everyday activity with his family that he often said during the nearly two-year campaign was his greatest sacrifice.
Later in the morning, Obama left the house alone, clad in workout clothes, a ball cap and sunglasses and carrying a newspaper on his lap. He ducked into a friend's apartment building where he usually uses the gym while in Chicago. About a dozen onlookers expecting his arrival had gathered with cameras and cell phones to get a glimpse of him.
He planned to go straight to his campaign headquarters after the work out to thank his staff.
Obama planed to stay home at least through the weekend, spending more time with his family turning to the business of the transition in earnest. Campaign advisers have already presented him with names to review for key positions, but they said he wasn't focused on filling the jobs before winning the election.
A top priority, the advisers said, would be picking a White House chief of staff to help manage the selections to come. Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel appeared headed for the job, said Democrats who spoke on condition of anonymity before the announcement, expected as early as Wednesday.
National Intelligence Director Michael McConnell will launch the intelligence briefings. CIA Intelligence Director Mike Morell will be Obama's prime contact with the intelligence community throughout the transition, according to a message CIA Director Mike Hayden sent to agency employees that was obtained by The Associated Press. Obama's two principal daily briefers also will be from the CIA.
Obama will have access to vastly more intelligence, including ongoing covert operations, than he was privy to as a senator, said Hayden's message.
"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," Hayden wrote.
CIA officials were meeting Wednesday to discuss the transition.
"The goal today is to review what has been done and to ensure that every part of the agency is well-placed to contribute in the weeks ahead," he wrote.
Hayden also encouraged employees to ignore the chatter in political circles in Washington about who will take over the agency under the new administration.
"I certainly have," he said. "Those privileged to lead this organization understand that they serve at the pleasure of the president.''
In a congratulatory call to Obama Tuesday night, President Bush pledged to make a smooth transition and extended an invitation to the Obama family to visit their new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Obama had personal decisions to be make, too, like when to move his family to Washington and where his 10- and 7-year-old daughters will go to school. Obama also was expected to take time to mourn his grandmother, who died Sunday before she could see the grandson she helped raise achieve his dream. Obama could be considering a return to his native Hawaii for the small private ceremony that she requested be held later.
And then there was the matter of choosing the family pet. ``Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," he told his daughters in his victory speech.
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Associated Press writers Pamela Hess in Washington and Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report.
