“WE ARE all in this together”, tweeted Barack Obama soon after the results from Ohio made it clear that he has been re-elected President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

Obama surpassed the magical number of 270 electoral votes to become the third president in a row to win a second term. With 303 electoral votes, Democrats are ready to take charge of the Senate while Republicans with 206 votes remain dominant in the House.

Emerging victorious, Obama addressed thousands of supporters in his hometown Chicago where he was awaiting people’s verdict, ”While our road has been hard, though our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.”  

He praised his opponent Romney and congratulated him on his spirited campaign and said, “In the weeks ahead I am looking forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to discuss how we can move this country forward.” Obama told Romney supporters that “I have listened to you… you have made me a better president.”

Sensing his responsibility towards reviving the American economy, Obama said, “You elected us to focus on your job, not ours.”

Romney gracefully conceded defeat before a crowd of heart broken supporters in Boston, “I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes but the nation chose another leader,”  He called the nation to pray for the President and urged the political winners to put partisan bickering aside at this critical point and to reach across the aisle for nation’s welfare.

Addressing a disappointed crowd Romney said, “I pray the president will be successful in guiding our nation.”

Obama emerged victorious despite a weak economy and high unemployment. The campaign had candidates discussing and debating over healthcare, abortion, and taxes, leading to a bevy of negative ads.

The verdict was a close call for Obama and Romney as they almost had a tie but owing to key states like Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Obama proved his worth. Ohio was crucial for Obama’s victory, it was the verdict of Ohio that secured Obama’s place in White House. Strategists opine Ohio to be a crucial factor considering it carries 18 votes.

The 2012 US Presidential Election campaign is considered to be the most expensive (more than $6 billion) and the nastiest in the history of United State’s election campaign.

What Next?

After the verdict is out, each political winners of the night or in political term the electors, which comprise the Electoral College, will meet at their respective state’s capital on 17th December to formally vote/ elect the President and Vice-President.

Then on 6th January 2013, the votes will be officially counted before a special joint session of Congress (US Parliament).

Finally on 21st January 2013, which is called the “Inauguration Day”, the President and the Vice-President will take oath and mark the beginning of their four-year term.

According to the Constitution of the United States, 20th January is known as the Inauguration day except if it falls on a Sunday the Inauguration day is scheduled for Monday. 20th January 2013 falls on a Sunday therefore the Inauguration day is scheduled for a Monday i.e., 21st January 2013 .