Barack Obama's presidential candidacy makes history not only because he's an African-American, but more importantly because it changes the face of America to the world in one fell swoop.
The America of the last 8 years especially and the decennia before has been seen as a dominating force with subtle (and not so subtle) overtones of racist and sexist superiority. The Democratic race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have shown that Americans, for the most part, are looking to update the age old establishment. And not a moment too soon! The reputation of Americans has been tarnished by George W. Bush's failed foreign policies and the simple act of electing Obama as the Democratic nominee has already gone far to restore a positive image.
Let it be said, I am not an American. I am an ex-pat living in Holland with close ties to the U.S. I lived there for 4 years (in the Clinton days) and I have many relatives there. I've never seen so much enthusiasm and interest in American politics from outsiders like myself looking in. Even my two year old can identify and name Obama, Clinton and Mc Cain! Now onto the White House!