Voters' Views: Jessica Ross

Barack Obama has been elected the first black president of the United States.

Here Republican and Democratic voters from across the US reflect on the results and look to the future.

Jessica RossStudent | Democrat

I'm just so proud to have participated in the election of our first African American president!

Age: 23 Lives: Langhorne, Pennsylvania Occupation: Student and administrative assistant Last election voted: Republican In 10 words or less: Compassionate, spontaneous, opinionated, patient, idealistic, Christian, loving, frank, objective Voters' Views: main page

Obama won the election because of many things. The economic crisis, our desire for change and the way he inspires people all played to his advantage. And I believe had McCain picked a more qualified running mate, he would've had a better chance.

Most Christians in this country will not be happy at all with this outcome.

There has already been a lot of division within the Christian community over this election.

Many Christian Obama supporters have been ostracised by the religious community for their political views - for prioritising the need to be 'our brother's keeper' over the possibility of the reversal of Roe versus Wade - the Supreme Court ruling on abortion.

I would like to believe that America will be looked at in a more positive light after electing our first African American president.

But I am concerned about how Obama will handle the crisis in the Middle East. It will certainly test him.

I also wonder if Obama will lead as a liberal, as his voting record suggests, or if he will move more to the centre, as he implied during his campaign.

This result does give me a more positive opinion about my fellow Americans and their desire to come together for the cause of change.

Hopefully, it will lift the spirits of many Americans who are affected by the housing and economic crises."

You can add your comments and questions on Jessica's views using the form below:

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version