Updated: Tue Nov. 04 2008 3:30:21 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have cast their votes, but the rivals in the race to the White House haven't stopped campaigning in the waning hours of the 2008 election campaign.

"I voted," Sen. Obama told reporters and onlookers to a round of applause after casting a ballot in his Chicago neighbourhood. He was accompanied by his daughters and wife, but he didn't remain in Illinois long. After voting he headed to Indiana to make a last minute pitch to voters.

It was a similar scenario in Arizona, where Sen. McCain voted with his wife Cindy before preparing to head to campaign stops in Colorado and New Mexico. Despite polls showing him down by four or more points nationally, McCain remained optimistic at a rally in Colorado Tuesday afternoon.

Recent polls show Obama leading McCain by a small margin in the battleground state, but a fired up Republican candidate rallied his supporters with Cindy McCain and Senator Joe Lieberman at his side.

He urged supporters to bring all their friends and family members to the polls, adding "drag them if you have to!"

"I feel the momentum, I feel it, you feel it, and we're gonna win this election, and we're going to win it right here in the state of Colorado," said McCain. He added, "The Mac is back!"

A Democratic presidential candidate has won Colorado just once since 1976, when Bill Clinton won in 1992. Al In 2000 and 2004, Al Gore and John Kerry, respectively, lost to George W. Bush.

There are nine electoral votes are at stake in Colorado.

McCain running mate Sarah Palin flew back to Alaska last night where the state's governor cast her vote today. Sen. Joe Biden voted in his home state of Deleware, with his 91-year-old-mother at his side.

Record turnout

People across the U.S. began lining up at sunrise on Tuesday to cast their ballots in a historic election that is predicted to see a record voter turnout. As many as one third of voters may already have cast their ballots in early voting, relieving some of the pressure on elections workers today. But many states are still reporting long lineups. Others, such as Virginia and Pennsylvania have reported some delays because of issues arising from electronic voting machines.

If Obama wins, he will become the first U.S. president of African-American descent. If McCain wins, Palin will become the first female U.S. vice-president.

Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, was leading in most polls as of Tuesday morning against the 72-year-old McCain, a veteran lawmaker who spent five-and-a-half years as a PoW in Vietnam.

McCain has touted his experience and "maverick" image in Washington throughout the campaign. But his message has had difficulty resonating with voters eager for change, even in traditionally red states like Virginia.

CTV's Washington Bureau Chief Tom Clark said if Obama can win in Virginia, the election will virtually be his for the taking.

"If you're looking for any talisman tonight, I'd keep an eye on Virginia. If Virginia falls to Obama this election is going to be over early tonight," Clark told CTV's Canada AM from Chicago, where Obama had his election night headquarters.

"In Virginia they haven't voted Democrat since 1964, and that was for (Lyndon Johnson), so that would be a massive turnover to the Democratic side. And it would be Virginia, the home of the Confederacy, that would put the first African-American into the White House. The irony is kind of delicious."

Comments are now closed for this story

jayte
Obama will win this election change we need

Don
If Obama doesn't win, I won't believe it. I will be with Tina Fey, moving away from earth. I was watching BBC news and the anchors were laughing at the fact of McCain saying he was going to win easily. Maybe he knows something we don't? Let's hope not.

Don
Thank God it's over. Get ready CNN you have to start again in 2 years.

The campaign could easily be cut to 6 months simply because they say the same things over and over and over. What's spent to win the prize is rediculous....not only the candidates but from news media.

Let's hope media are as diligent and vocal once candidate is in office.

Roedy Green
If McCain wins, there is no event to account for it other than voting machine fraud. Most of the machines in the USA are just a fraud-friendly as ever.

Graeme
As long as the anti-NAFTA talk was just rhetoric (which Obama basically admitted in an interview) and he doesn't become too protectionist with the US economy, I'm really hoping for Obama to win. He reminds me a lot of Bill Clinton, and I think he'll run a much more moderate government than most predict.

McCain would have been a great choice 8 years ago. But the man who used to say what he believed in (which was moderate policies) now says anything to get votes (which normally panders to the neo-cons).

The liberal media must be corrected
The liberal media invented the "dropped football" concept in order to try to control the outcome of elections. If they believe they are going to get total dominating control over the minds of voters they have not idea what kind of a war they are really in!

Kate
I am hoping Obama wins this election. The United States needs a new and fresh outlook. The " 'ol boys club" just isn't working on the future of their young people.
Ingleside, ON

James
Whoever wins this election will have a huge uphill struggle to put the U.S. back on stable ground. If the House and Senate are ruled by the Democrats, then it will be a harder job for McCain, especially if he wins by a squeaker. If it is Obama, then he has to sit down with his party and hammer out a deal where the House and Senate will let him govern. Otherwise, Obama will be relegated to a footnote and will be out of office in 4 years.
Here's hoping that the Democrats can capitalize on the opportunity for the betterment of all Americans.

Conservative Mike
Americans would be crazy to elect the Republicans after eight years of the mess George Bush has left. It's time for America to move to the left to offer a more diplomatic approach to Middle East relations, and more regulation of the free market. Republican administrations mean war and deregulation, two factors that brought the Americans into the economic mess they are currently in.

Ike, LBJ (who was a Republican disguised as a Democrat), Nixon, Reagan, & the Bush brought that same "America is great, let's be tough on all foreign enemies" approach that hasn't worked in dealing with the Middle East in the 21st Century. The dirty work is done, let Obama come in and bring a fresh face to American foriegn policy...

Obama also brings the right demeanor to the current US crisis - an even temperament, and a charismatic inspirational tone, very much in the manner that FDR did in 1930s America.

The US doesn't need a Maverick right now, they had eight years of a "Maverick" who made their country worse off than it was in 2000 when he was elected - I don't think any American can dispute that.

Go Obama! May the Good Lord help us all if McCain and Palin are elected...

Marcel
If Obama wins the USA may enter into a new round of racial conflicts.... I would hope not but that nation isn't known for their kindness to one another.

Obama will have his hands full and I predict he will be a one shot turkey and in 4 years the new republicans will take over as the natural governing party for the USA.

rob
Obama will win in a landslide, even Republicans know this, go Obama go

Dave - Sudbury, On
I am sick and tired of the American election. This has had more coverage than the Canadian one. However, I can't believe people are foolish enough to believe this is not about race. This election is all about race. Unfortunately, when Obama gets in it won't be because he's the best qualified or represents the best party for the job but because he's black or arab or anything but white or caucasion. From my readings, the sway voters will be the african-americans and other visible minorities who have not been to a polling station in many years will come out because Obama's black.

Kevin
Playing politics really takes the desire of being involved out. Why should we vote for someone because they are black [oops - afroamerican], female [oops - wommon], homosexual [oops - alternative lifestyle], or any other minority group [oops - culturally challenged], or because we did not like the last guy in office. When did we stop voting for those whose policies made sense, who were adept at leadership, and who were able to govern with common sense and a right rule of the law? To be honest, neither US candidate is favourable - the best person was hardly heard from [Ron Paul]. Just because change is needed, doesn't mean the guy with the loudest voice is the right choice.

Steve G
Obama should and will win. When McCain picked Edith Prickly (SCTV reference for those who remember the programme) as a running mate to try to pander to female voters, all I could think was how insulting it was to women to pick someone with her lack of credentials and apparent lack of intelligence solely because of her sex. Polls indicate that female voters find the choice equally insulting.

Fingers crossed to the breaking point
...The best candidate happens to be half-black, and it irks people so badly they have to make the laughable accusation that being black helps his chances rather than hurts them. ...

Every person sick of this conservative deathcult of greed and religious extremism I know previously WISHED Obama was white -- and thus ensuring the eventual rejection of republican rule.

But as it looks, everyone underestimated the US. The best candidate is poised to win and win big, and as an incredible bonus, he will break through the final barrier of inequality in that country.

How fun. I can't wait to congratulate the Americans.

Greg in the Hammer
I fear that Obama will win today. Then in six months or maybe a year when he has mishandled every file to cross his desk and Americans realize he is simply out of his depth, black America will shun him ...and the establishment will say "We told you so".

I fear his Presidency will be wrought with indecision and inaction and this will not bode well for the rest of the world. America will be looking even more inward than usual. Protectionism and a withdrawl from the world will ensue.

This is what happens when oratory brilliance trumps experience and wisdom. This is what happens when style overcomes substance.

JAMES
Although a proud Canadian I hand it to the Americans, we complain on our parties and say we need a new leader with changes in office. Then a little over 50% of us show up and vote, at least in states over 80% will show up and vote.

WE AS CANADIANS VOICE OUR OPINION BUT DON'T FOLLOW UP AND VOTE

CG
Obama may win ... but McCain will sit in the White House. Those 'good old boys' in Texas are not going to stand for a black man as President even though he is the best chance the US has.

Allan Eizinas
The population of Mississauga is 668,549.

The population of Alaska is 683,478.

Hazel McCallion was first elected Mayor of Mississauga in November, 1978, and is the longest serving Mayor in the City's history. She was acclaimed in 1980, re-elected in 1982 and 1985, acclaimed again in 1988 and re-elected in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006.

Sarah Palin was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska city council from 1992 to 1996 and the city's mayor from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from 2003 to 2004. She was elected governor of Alaska in November 2006 by defeating the incumbent governor in the Republican primary and then defeating a former two-term Democratic governor in the general election. She is the first female governor of Alaska, and the youngest person elected to the position.

I would vote for Hazel McCallion for Vice President of the USA.

I would NOT vote for Sarah Palin for Vice President of the USA.

ray
Here is my take on this event. A win for Obama means more than a potential fix for the economy or the US foreign policy. As a matter of fact, those are of secondary importance. Here is why. History has tough us that economies are all cyclical. They go up and down. Relationships (Foreign Policies) also have their good and bad days. A leader, such as the President of the USA, can influence both, but not entirely. The MOST important change that the presumed outcome of this election will bring is the change of minds and perceptions. That is, a huge racial barrier will have been broken. As always, this is a great step forward for everyone.

Doug
Don,t care who wins. Thank God it is almost over.

Roger T
It doesn't matter who wins - in the end it's how much money they've recieved from the big businesses to get them elected.

Money moves the world.

Joey from Montreal
...How well has Bush managed his presidency?

Obama is passionate about his beliefs and good for the people of the USA. If he wins, there will be a renewed optimism within the USA and hopefully percolate throughout the rest of the world.

Slumberjack
There's nothing like a little economic trouble at home to take the American voters minds temporarily away from the need to have their government start up another war somewhere. No doubt though, when the day arrives and foreign adventures become affordable again, cries war baby war will once again echo across the land. It's the American way.

Exiled Canadian
Allan, your point about Sarah Palin's inexperience can be applied just as easily to Barack Obama. He has virtually no experience but he's running for President, not VP. His rhetoric may have convinced those who vote on soundbites but the enemies of the west will not be fazed by his speeches.

I do predict that Obama will win but that Congress will move the country so far towards the left that a "Contract with America II" will emerge in two years and put the Republicans back in control in the House. The U.S. is more center-right than far-right or far-left and will not tolerate a far-left agenda for long.

This election is more about voting the Republicans out than voting the Democrats in because of the Bush disaster. Obama's main theme throughout the campaign has been that McCain is another Bush. It hasn't been about how a far-left ideology will be better for the country.

People didn't seriously look at the issues. They are voting out of anger over the last eight years and have relied mostly on the headlines to make up their minds, not substance.

Mark my words. There will be another shift in American politics in two years the same way it happen after two years of the Clinton far-left agenda. It forced Clinton to be more moderate since he didn't have a free pass in Congress anymore.

The same thing will happen here.

SRA
Everyone wants to vote Obama because McCain resembles Bush. Has anyone considered what Obama resembles, would he really be the better choice for Canada? Think this through people.

Lee Tanner
ANYTHING is possible......

Remember, Dubya won a second term.

After a recent trip to the US and various casual conversations with American's... the consensus I got was they'll (Repubs) will cheat (again) and McCain will win. However, he likely won't survive his term and the puppet princess will become President which allows all those "advisers" to stay in POWER.

They also say that if Obama wins, he'll be assassinated.

Scary!

Kat
Thank god Obama will win!!!...the "good ole boys" in the south can just come out of the dark ages already and Palin can go back to Alaska and kill more wildlife

Kirby
Go Obama!!!

exAmericalGal
Doesn't matter who wins, the elitists at the top pull the strings. A country the size of the USA should have six or eight drastically different political parties to choose from (like other countries), not just the current two that are almost indistinguishable from each other. And as for Obama's "change", this could mean something entirely different to Obama than it does to the average American voter. Change for good or for evil, take your pick, we might soon find out. And Sarah Palin as second-in-command, makes my head spin.

Give me a nice quiet, sane Canadian election, done and over with in just over a month. This nonsense in the USA has gone on since early 2007. They're the only country that has to make a big deal out of every single thing they do, they can't live without the attention of the rest of the world constantly focused on them. Thank goodness this part is over, then we have to suffer through the transition phase and then, showtime, the inauguration (oh yeah, you might want to look up the origin of that word).

Andrew
I think a lot of people on the left are going to be surprised when the rest of the world doesn't embrace Obama as easily as they have. The burning Bush ephagies will be replaced by burning Obama ephagies.

Many Americans have convinced themselves that the sole reason the middle-east hates the US is all because of President Bush. They will soon realize they hate President Bush and America because they're American, and that will never "change".

Tony
Hopefully Sen. McCain can up and win this election. The Canadian economy does not need a American Protectionist at the realm.

Jeet
An empty suit may win--interesting. Wait until he craps on NAFTA and softwood. Then watch the Canuckistani pigs squeel.

liz ottawa
what is this WE need change mentality? last time I checked we were Canada not the 51st State. another thing I am wondering about is the CTV poll that asks how long someone would wait to wait. The majority said "as long as it takes" but interesting in Canada that only 50% (forgive me if it was 59% I just recall it was low) of us who were eligible voted. What does that mean, the ones who actually voted would wait or this poll is meaningless because people will say anything?? I find that amazing. To be so absurdly interested in the US election when so few of us voted, what does that say about us as a nation?

Reformed Republican
...the last time style overcame substance was when Bush beat Gore- the man who won an academy award as well as a Nobel prize. What did Bush give them in return? The Iraq war and economic meltdown. And the only reason Bush won was because the Republican smear machine triumphed over critical thinking. The Republicans are trying it again with Obama. After all, it worked with Kerry too, right?

But this time we can only hope that the American people can look past the smears and realize that Obama is the only leader with a vision for the future. Even McCain is trying to copy his platform!

He is smarter, better educated, and more charismatic than McCain, has shown better judgment in his choice of running mate, and better organizational ability in running his campaign. Turns out that being a community organizer may not be such a bad thing after all, in spite of the cynicism and sarcasm shown by the Republicans at their convention.

So ...Obama bashers, here's my prediction. Obama will win today, unless the voting machines have been rigged. He will go on to have one of the most successful presidencies in U.S. history, helping bring America into the 21st century, with new ideas and a new approach to politics.

And he will have done it without resorting to schoolyard insults or dirty tricks.

Vahan
I need to understand all ...who claim the "liberal media" this and the "liberal media" that. What is this scapegoat "liberal media" all about. Why don't you all just stop reading anything in the media and go back into your caves. We are an open society and if being liberal means I could express my opinions then hang the tag on me. McCain and his crew love to label and to point and laugh. Yet who spent his last weekend in New York City appearing on the most "liberal" show on the airwaves. Stop being such phonies. Wouldn't it be great if the "liberal media" just stopped reporting anything the nutwings did. Is it the liberal media that gives women the power to choose what to do with their bodies, is it the liberal media that gives us the right to speak out, is it the liberal media that thinks for the middle class first, is it the liberal media that supports gay/lesbian rights, is it the liberal media that supports religious freedoms? Then give me more liberal media, otherwise get of the "liberal internet" go back to your backwards lifestyles.

Vote for a GOOD candidate, not out of stereotype.
The only poll that EVER matters, is the one cast by the electors.

Go McCain!

Steph
Hopefully no one listens to all the tactics the Republicans are using to keep Democrats, esp black voters away from the poles. Lets go Obama! If only we had politicians with half the drive, ambition and charisma as him people might actually vote in our elections.

DJ
Alot of people think that
Bush has screwed up the US. While it is partly true, the Democrats have had their hand in it as well. Clinton passed laws requiring mortgage brokers to accept high risk mortages. The last two years has seen top Democrats drop the ball in their resposiblities in watching over the US economy. We can blame Bush, but we must also hold those others accountable for the jobs they didn't do, namely some Democrats. Let's get this election over with and get down to some serious governing.

lowell
GO OBAMA GO . We need a new look in this tired institution called the American presidency. After the mess that Bush created how could the voters possibly vote in the Republicans. I would agree with one of the other posters that if the republicans win, lets take a close hard look at the voting machines.

Ryan in Burlington
Oh Canada...why do we think we should have an opinion? I can as I am married to an American, unlike the rest of this country's population that shares the typical bitter disdain for the States.

Hope? Change? Just blind naive hope for a better future personified by an individual who has been handed an election which is very similar to The Manchurian Candidate.

Why is Canada bitter towards the States? Simply because Canada was founded by ...British loyalists that got kicked out of America in 1776. That is the root of Canadian bitterness, and it has been encouraged through the years.

Get over it...if England can, then why can't we???

Corey in Manitoba
I am a fan of neither of these candidates, but to be fair Obama ran a much better campaign than McCain. He could raise money like no one else, and that may be the problem. With so much money being supplied by the powerful lobby groups, he may have his hands tied.

Another thing I cannot understand is the racial factor. I thought this was 2008 and not 1708. The media made such a big deal of this that it is hard to ignore it. People should judge a candidate on merit. Not whether they are black, white, green or purple. In most other countries, this issue would have been talked about for a weekend and then they would have moved on.

The republicans will be picking up the pieces and wondering what went wrong. They used fear instead of reason to try and win votes. It works for a while but eventually it backfires. If the Dems can turn around the
economy they will be in power for 8 years. It will be hard for the Republicans to rebuild after the last 8 years.

terry.
why do you broadcast every thing american? if i want us culture i can tune in nbc . get an identity of your own. obama this! mccain that? this is canada in case you forgot

jay
Well in 2004 I waited walked right in an voted. Today I waited 30 mintues which was okay with me. It was worth it. I voted for McCain. Obama will probably win, but alot of people will be disappointed down the road because him or any other politican can really change a person life. The individual has to make changes instead of expecting government to do so.

mike
Obama wins .... equals international conflicts abroad in every market that the US tries to single handedly control. That includes us Canada.

Oil for instance. Obama CLEARLY stated he would DEMAND Canada to sell it's oil both in it's refineries and reserves for less to the Americans. That right there proves the "power trip theory" that most see coming from him. Obama for many reasons including and most of all "race" will try and make drastic change. Will it be for the best internationally ..... Not a snowballs chance in hell.

McCain in response to his ridiculous comment had nothing to say other than laugh and make the point that it was ridiculous that a comment such as that even be made. We're not the American's slaves of free trade as he put it on a morning show just a few weeks ago and he couldn't be more correct. McCain's theory of off-shore drilling beats Obama's bogus theories left, right and center on the apparent drastic oil issue at hand.

Obama is a change for America and it's allies and enemies. A good one? Not for it's allies.

The unfortunate truth behind all this which many of us know is the US is not ready for a african american president. Many deny it publicly but do acknowledge it. What could stem from an afro-american president shouldn't be taken lightly. Some say it'll open the eyes to many, that may be true however it will bring racial division to an extreme that we haven't seen in decades especially by the Afro-american public. It is sad but true and many of us don't want to believe it or think of it but that is what we will see. The country is racially divided enough and could only worsen it in every way. Obama if elected will not have the free reign like former presidents, and that right there will be fuel in the fire. And I can't say I don't agree if that were to be the case.

McCain for president, think about it people.

Jamie
I am Canadian. Throw away everything, and all that really matters is someone being in charge that is not old school thinking.
I dont believe anything can be done, to fix this fall in society. The money rules it all, not obama or mccain. Change that, maybe life can be better.

We had the smallest turnout in history up here, disgust, well maybe, but really just now why vote when those we vote for have no say, the people in charge are picked by others, not the people here.
So good luck America, I wish ya all the best.

Don from Calgary
I find it amusing that many people here say that they are tired of the election but then invest their time to participate on the topic with a comment. Admit it or not, the American election means as much to us as our own. Most of our business is dictated by the US economy either directly or indirectly. Canadians secretly wish that our elections and leaders could be as dramatic and influential as our American friends. Personally I’m proud to have the US as our neighbor and I can’t think of any other country I would rather. Cheers to the United States today and hope that they choose a good path to follow.

GHP
Oh please please please cancel NAFTA and re-work it so that Canada has some say in where our resourse from wood to oil and even our WATER go.

Go OBAMA

Black voter for McCain
I am a Black voter for McCain.

This must confuse many of you Canadian Liberals... I get sick and tired of these high and mighty liberals telling the "right-wing", "stay in your cave", "we are smarter than you neo-cons" that you are beyond us.

Please, out of respect for decent conservatives/republicans (and progressive intelligent democrats), please leave your divisive left leaning, out-dated, redundant, hate-mongering, out of touch attacks out of this election.

If you have any class at all!

Refomed Republican
Mike, could you give us the source for your claim that Obama will force Canadians to sell oil cheaper to the States? All I can find ...are complaints that Obama will insist that Canadian oil be cleaner than it is currently from the tar sands. In other words, Obama is actually trying to do about pollution. ...

John and Linda ormiston
Good Luck to the americans tonight, Good Luck Mr Obama. Bin laden did not come out of the woodwork, thank the spiritual upper powers for that one, now maybe our american friends and families will vote properly, i wish the american folks all the best, and may the best man will, this will be a hard fight, but it will make history none the less. and i pray the american relations with canada improve for the better, and folks stop their bashing of the states, i am sick of it,, i am canadian by birth but ashamed of some of my canadian people for their bashing, and i want to see both countries thrive in joy and happiness together. friends forever.. so mr obama, great luck tonight, and may all your dreams come true, also condolences on the lose of your grandma,,

Gail in Halifax
...it wasn't the Loyalists who founded Canada.

For example - Halifax, NS was founded in 1749 by the British - long before the Loyalists left the American colonies.

Socialism is killing us
Give it six months with Obama. Then the American people will see Obama was all glorified talk and nothing else. He is what Paul Martin was for Canada. Unfortunately Obama will have 4 years to screw up the States.

Andy
Can't wait for six month from now, people tend to fall pretty hard off those pedestal we put them on. Let's see what Obama's approval rating will be then

Dianne
I'm a Canadian and I'm in agreement with the if Obama group. From what I've seen, I figure he's the most sensible one. He really knows how to project himself and seems to be able to keep calm during all the nonsence that has gone on during this run for the presidency.

H. Jones for Toronto
It's almost OVER!

If Obama wins tonight, he will have a LOT of work to do. It's NOT even easy job to clean up the mess that BUSH left behind for the past 8 years! But, PLEASE, NO MORE WAR! Create MORE JOBS!

If McCan losts tonight, PARTY'S over for John and Sarah. John can still go back to his ONE of SEVEN or TEN HOMES and RETIRE. We don't feel sorry for him because he WAS STUPID TO PICK SARAH PALIN at the first place! What a stupid mistake!

As for Sarah, NO MORE SHOPPING, SATURADY NIGHT SHOW, REPORTS etc. - PARTY IS DEFINITELY OVER FOR HER AND HER FAMILY! HOW SHAMEFUL! Maybe she can take some time to take a night course on Global Finance, Accounting or even Taxation course and get a degree FIRST before she OPEN HER MONTH!

Life will be back to normal for a while after these 21 months!

Alex (Toronto)
I voted for Obama by mail. I can only hope that my nieces and nephews can someday live in a country that is safe, prosperous, and respected by the rest of the world, as it was when Clinton was president.

Polls show Obama ahead in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, and Florida. I don't think it's going to be a long night.

Len Curle
God help us Canadians if Obama gets elected, he'll dismantle the NAFTA and FTA agreements, and will cause an economic spiral for us here in Canada and will want next to nothing of our natural resources and for me that threatens our National Security as a Nation. So people don't think this guy is so great he is a wolf in sheeps's clothing.

John Daintree
Thank God that Bush cannot stay there for yet another term of stupidity!
JD Calgary Alberta

deedass
The Yanks are at it again, frigged up polling stations, clogged machines, missing vote forms etc etc.You would think that a country that can spend 10 trillion$ killing people in Iraq could afford to spend a few million to fix up their voting system.

Gail (Hamilton)
I find it fascinating that an orator who is great at reading teleprompters has so many followers. I also find it extremely fascinating that the voting is not at all on substance because all of Obama's records have been sealed. The arrogance and condescending manner of his supporters has simply been promoted by the mainstream media. I can't wait for the electoral map/polls to tell us who has won before the election is over. The media never talked to those voters for McCain and they just might end up with a big surprise in the end. Buyer's remorse can sometimes affect the actual sales of the product when people fear their personally achieved wealth can be taken away from them. If Obama wins, what will the late night comics have for material?

Terry Whiteduck
A great day for poeple of color everywhere in the world. Being a First Nation member I am very proud to be alive to see this day come.
After reading Obama's book, I can see that this man is intelligent, articulate, fair and most impotantly a visionary for a more fair and peaceful world.
Wave that Flag U.S.A!!!

Mike from Washington
To all you Obama fans, what do you think going to happen about reopening NAFTA? It's not the Mexicans that will be suffering. And since when did a Democrat every give a crap about Canada? And you should reflect on how Bush managed to help Canada ie beef, softwood, etc.

Giovanni
My opinion may seem unorthodox, but I know I am not the only one who has the following opinion: Scenario #1
My fear is that in light of the constant comparison between him and J.F. Kennedy and the recent attempt on his life, will result in Obama's assassination.
Scenario #2
Obama wins, but there will be something to prevent him from becoming president (the voting machines are not working well, or a recount in a critical state such as Florida was the case with Bush).

Lets hope I’m wrong.

Mike from Winnipeg
I like how everybody wants to blame the machines if McCain wins, this is how my view of this mess will go, people say they want change and that they are open minded to a non white leader, but when it comes down to making that check mark or the pull of the lever, old way of thinking will come to play, and a old white man with more experience will get the vote.

The New American Union
I guess the first thing that Obama will do for his promices of change will be to rename his country. Say goodbye to the USA, and say hello to the new American Union. That should be far enough left for most of the Dependent Democrats, I just hope that the rest of the country duped by the media into voting for him will be as happy.

Niagara George
Obama can reopen NAFTA. He can cancel the softwood deal. He can be as protectionist as he wants.

The only thing that is truly important to Canadians is that he will start to work at getting the US and all the rest of us, out of this Bush-inspired quagmire.

Bush started by saying he was encouraging democracy. It has turned into the road to chaos, that all intelligent commentors knew was coming.

Obama is our only hope for someone to work at improving that catastrophe.

James Edmonton
I don't care who won the U.S president, all I know is when U.S presidential election time, I have no TV show to watch at all, is this telling you we Canadian are dependent on U.S? This included election and others.

JP in Ontario
Well, my congratulations will go to whomever wins this American election. I do have some comments though...First off, conservative sympathizors to the republican plight...stop claiming Obama's potential for success on his skin color!!! This is just cowardice, and smacks of calling insults back while running home injured. Secondly, to those claiming an Obama Presidency will be full of indecision etc, consider that he appears to be intelligent enough to rely on the right people's advice rather than make a brash choice, and so he will get the right advice and make the decisions he will need to.
McCain, while experienced, is out of touch. From my observations, his concern for appearance would lead to more indecision and panic.
And as a final note to those claiming Obama's success will be racially based, I pose to you a question...Did McCain choose a well experienced and capable running mate whom he knew the country could rely on when called upon? Or did he choose an unprepared woman he felt he could control, in hopes of claiming a few more female voters?

Exiled Canadian
I just cast my vote. There was no line at my polling station because everyone lined up in the early morning hours expecting a ton of people. The folks at the station told me there was a 2-3 hour wait when the station opened. I walked in, showed my ID, voted and walked out in 10 minutes.And I'm in a battleground state too!

BTW, cheating occurs on both sides. Unless there is evidence that cheating affected the results for electoral college votes, it will be a non-issue. The media will always jump all over stories like this, even if it affects 1 precinct out of 500,000.

Let the fun begin.

Lyn
I just voted. No lines in and out in 15 minutes.
I have read some of the comments. People are voting because of race. Some of the black people that I know are voting because Obama is black, some of these people have never voted, but because a man is black they go vote and I guess on the same note there are people voting because McCain is white.
Let us just hope the right person gets the job.

Tony
I can't believe how people would try to denounce the american election as being "just about race". What about Sarah Palin? She was brought in for the woman vote in response to attract Hilary Clinton fans.I seriously doubt African Americans would've voted for Colin Powell for president.

Besides, a black president sends a message to the entire world on how America's democratic system is truly advanced! This is the way to promote the ideals of freedom!

Bobbi
As a Canadian I would much rather deal with Obama than a man who uses degrading comments about another's build, race, or knowledge. McCain may be a 'hero' of sorts, but a 'hero' doesn't gloat on that fact. Go Obama Go!!

kitaaa :)
I see that many of you here that are canadian,saying that why should we even care what goes on in the states or what not. But look at this this way; If Obama wins, then the entire world can see the first black president. Of course we should care, because that's a change that never would've happened 20 years ago. and I do not care if i'm canadian or chinese or whatever, we are experiencing our world wanting to be different and wanting other things to happen than the whole bullshit this world has gone through.

Aimee
Reality check! Obama is not God and going to fix the world if he becomes President. We, as individuals, need to work on that ourselves. We won't have world peace just because Obama becomes President.

Another thing, people have said that McCain is not a hero, he was just a POW. That's an interesting statement since Rememberance Day is approAching and most Canadians will wear a poppy. ANY soldier who serves his or her country ( in this case US and Canada), is a HERO. Where would I be without those soldiers who protected my freedom such as my right to vote!

Hell_N
If I would be an American, I would vote for Obama. Although I can not say much about "real politics" and how the choice of Obama or McCain would differently affect the US politics and its relationship with Canada: the promises given before the election not necessarily would be translated into the according actions after being elected. But just McCain's choice of Sarah as VP a lot of people around the world consider strange... Obama seems to be MUCH more reasonable and responsible in his choice of VP, as for example he did not choose Hillary as VP just to gain more votes, which would surely happen (although, I think it would not be a bad choice). Anyway, it will be done soon and let's hope the US will make a right decision.

Regulus de Leo
Sadly Obama will win this election. Unfortunately we know nothing about him because the media refused to ask the tough questions about his past and his associations with racist pastors and radical Marxists. This information will not be suppressed forever. Expect it to come to the surface, creating headaches for Obama during his presidency.

Prof. Pye Chartt
Well, after countless days, weeks, and months listening to everybody (including the big Media machine) speak of Obama as the world's saviour, Bush as the devil, and McCain as some old fool, this conservative Canadian is truly looking forward to waking up tomorrow morning and seeing the grass greener, the air cleaner, the sun brighter, the financial markets rocketing upward, the economy jumping from the hand of recession, Iraq and Afghanistan democratically self-sufficient, Iran abandoning its nuclear program, North Korea embracing democracy, Israel hugging its neighbours, the Chinese people overthrowing communism, Cuba requesting to become a U.S. state, peace in Africa, the eradication of poverty, and complete socioeconomic equality for every living soul.

Utopia! (Man, things look so good with rose-coloured glasses.) Don't disappoint me, President Obama!

Jo
I keep reading about how we Canadians didn't turn out to vote for our own election. Well, I live in the west and I had the feeling of, why bother...the decision is made by people in the east. That is why I didn't vote.