The atmosphere here is extraordinary. The air of pride and promise is everywhere. People are fully aware of the precarious state of the American economy and foreign policy, but hope is the emotion of the moment. It is as if everyone in the city, residents and visitors, are attending a celebration for someone we know personally and admire. The streets are filled with people who are cheering spontaneously, and there is no reason to look around for the source of the cheering. It is simply a sign of happiness.

It is particularly poignant to be here on Martin Luther King Day. We may not have reached the Promised Land that King spoke of in his famous speech: " And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land." But people who thought that they would not live to see the day that the promised land came into view, know now that it is near.

African-Americans are justifiably proud that one of their own has been elected President. They seem to view as a personal affirmation as well as a sign of the progress that the country has made. He is their president in a way that no one else has ever been.

But truly he is everyone’s president, which has been his intent all along. I dare say, though, that he is being embraced to an extent that exceeds even his expectation. He is the President of the young, and the President of people of color, and President of Democrats and President of anyone and everyone who hopes for a better day.

In less than 18 hours, Barack Hussein Obama will be President of the United States. The swearing in will undoubtedly be greeted with rapture and I am privileged to be here to witness it. What is most amazing to me, out of the many amazing things that I have witnessed these last few days is just how united the states and the people are in greeting our new president. Obama told us, “Yes we can” And now we believe it. The country faces very serious challenges, but the American people are ready to address those challenges. The road ahead may be difficult and the problems daunting, but w