Barack Obama has made history by being elected as the first black president of the United States defeating Republican leader, John McCain.

The Illinois senator will officially become the leader on 20 January 2009 when he is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

After his victory in the early hours of the morning (UK time) he continued:

“It’s been a long time coming but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America,” Mr. Obama said.

Obama’s wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, seven, were at his side to help him celebrate the world-changing moment.

He also had a treat for his kids - in the form of a puppy!

“Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House,”