Sen. Barack Obama's victory over Sen. John McCain in this election means an end to the nearly two-year long presidential campaign. The transformation to a new president of a new party means that the U.S. will undergo a change in government and a change in politics.

What is important to remember is that no matter who wins or loses this national election, life in these United States continues. The partisan bickering of the last couple presidential election cycles will probably not end, and many policy disagreements could continue to go unresolved. Still, the American people have spoken, and President-elect Obama deserves to have his decisions as president judged fairly.

All Americans should be proud that citizens were able once again to exercise their voting privileges in a national election. The future of the U.S. is uncertain, but the peaceful transition of power should assure all Americans that our two century-old electoral tradition continues.