Putting the us in the US of A

IN case you missed it, there was a piece of history happening today.

All eyes were on Washington DC where thousands had gathered to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

In Swansea, a smaller group gathered to see history unfold.

The whole world seemed to pause as the first African-American to reach the Oval Office addressed his nation.

And students of different nationalities at Swansea University weren't about to miss out on the moment.

They filed into a lecture hall to watch the inauguration on a large screen.

It must have felt strange for the Americans among them.

But not everyone shared an overwhelming enthusiasm for the 47-year-old leader.

Economics student Bill Misquez, of California, said: "I have very mixed feelings about Obama being elected.

"I am afraid of his economic policies and what they will do to our already troubled economy.

The 34-year-old added: "On the other hand, his election immediately raised the global opinion of the US."

Others were confident the father-of-two, who was brought up in Hawaii and Indonesia, had the alchemy to turn election slogans into results.

Nancy Pham, aged 21, of Oklahoma, said: "It was an historic day that will affect our lives immensely.

"There will be several changes that will be made, whether it's over Iraq, Afghanistan or economically."

Rosemarie Billings, aged 23, also from Oklahoma, said: "I am very excited. There are going to be a lot of changes for the better.

"He really seems to have the American people at heart, and wants to improve the economy."

Jessica Woodruff, aged 19, of Colorado, described yesterday's inauguration as a fresh breath for America.

"I hope that America takes to heart the opportunity we have and moulds it into something true," she said.

American studies student Lynsey Eve, a 21-year-old from Stokeon-Trent, wished President Obama well, but added: "A lot will depends on what actually happens during the presidency."

Jon Roper, professor of American Studies at the university, reckoned the new occupant of the White House had the charisma of a Kennedy.

"Barack Obama is aware of his unique place in history as his nation's first African-American president," said Professor Roper.

"Abraham Lincoln — the Great Emancipator — is one of his heroes, along with Martin Luther King, whose birthday was commemorated yesterday.

"His presidency is, in many ways, the culmination of Lincoln's action and King's dream."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan added his voice to the thousands wishing the president well.

He said: "I am sure President Obama will be looking to work with Gordon Brown and other democratically elected leaders around the world to pull the world out of current economic threats and create new prosperity."