The election of Barack Obama as the nation's first black president is a dramatic step forward for sensible leadership, for national unity, and for America's improved standing in the world.

Given the United States' long and contentious record on race relations, there are many citizens who never thought they would live to witness a black candidate winning the highest office in the land.

But today, this country is closer to the colorblind society envisioned by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, the rest of the world can see that America is reaching its ideal as the land of opportunity for all.

But President-elect Obama didn't win this contest because of his skin color. The Illinois Democrat defeated Republican John McCain because he was the better candidate and because he built a stronger campaign organization coast to coast.

Obama's candidacy attracted far more campaign donations than McCain's, and spurred record numbers of new voters to participate.

Turnout was heavy because Obama's hopeful vision for the future motivated voters in a way that happens perhaps once in a generation.

His focus on economic recovery, on relief for the middle class, on social justice, and on ending the war in Iraq was the right message.

The vote also was a resounding repudiation of President Bush. For eight years, Bush has governed in an increasingly partisan, increasingly insular style. His wartime presidency went too far in grabbing nearly unlimited powers for the executive branch.

Bush launched a misguided war, and has saddled future generations with unprecedented debt.

He is leaving the country in deep economic trouble, with unemployment rising and workers' retirement savings evaporating. No wonder four out of five Americans believe the country is on the wrong track.

The backlash against GOP rule under Bush also resulted in Democrats increasing their majorities in both the House and Senate.

McCain largely supported Bush's policies, a collaboration that hurt him in this campaign. The collapse on Wall Street and in credit markets hurt even more, as did McCain's uneven response to the financial crisis.

The last straw for many was McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Her conservative credentials are solid, but she's not ready to step into the presidency at a moment's notice, and fair-minded voters recognized it.

Obama will take office with a cooperative Democratic Congress and a multitude of challenges bequeathed to him by Bush. The economy is teetering, and jobs must be created. The war in Iraq should be brought to a close, while the battle against al-Qaida must be prosecuted more effectively. The federal government is awash in debt, with tough choices ahead on spending and taxes.

But those are tomorrow's tasks. For President-elect Obama, and for all Americans, now is a time to reflect on the majesty of what's possible in an engaged democracy.