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Brandon McFarland and Summer Sewell, both 20-somethings, are thrilled by Barack Obama's victory Tuesday night. They share their thoughts on what Obama's win means for their own ambitions as a young African-American man and a biracial woman.

Two days after the election, Jeff Merkley, the speaker of Oregon's state House, defeated incumbent U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, a moderate Republican. The victory gives the Democrats 57 seats in the Senate, still short of the filibuster-proof 60 seats.

Two days after the election, Jeff Merkley, the speaker of Oregon's state House, defeated incumbent U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, a moderate Republican. The victory gives the Democrats 57 seats in the Senate, still short of the filibuster-proof 60 seats.

It doesn't look like the Alaska Senate race is going to be decided anytime soon. There are still tens of thousands of ballots to count. At this point, incumbent Republican senator Ted Stevens has a slight lead, despite his seven felony convictions.

It doesn't look like the Alaska Senate race is going to be decided anytime soon. There are still tens of thousands of ballots to count. At this point, incumbent Republican senator Ted Stevens has a slight lead, despite his seven felony convictions.

Dorothy Height began her civil rights career during the Great Depression. Since then, Height has become one of the country's most notable champions of equal rights. Now, at 96 years old, Height reflects on the election of the country's first African American president.

Dorothy Height began her civil rights career during the Great Depression. Since then, Height has become one of the country's most notable champions of equal rights. Now, at 96 years old, Height reflects on the election of the country's first African American president.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared today a national holiday to honor the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Obama, who's father was Kenyan, has become a hero in the East African country. NPR's East Africa Correspondent Gwen Thompkins discusses the significance of Obama's win and how people are celebrating.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared today a national holiday to honor the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Obama, who's father was Kenyan, has become a hero in the East African country. NPR's East Africa Correspondent Gwen Thompkins discusses the significance of Obama's win and how people are celebrating.

Obama's victory isn't just a symbol of racial progress in the United States. For many people around the world, the victory is a sign of change in American attitudes and offers hope about their own aspirations. Nigerian reporter Constance Ikokwu; Mexico-based freelance journalist Luis Clemens; and Abderrahim Foukara, Washington Bureau Chief for Al Jazeera, discuss the global meaning of Obama's victory.