Russians show a big interest in the American elections. Echo of Moscow radio covered only the U.S. elections last night, inviting politicians, think tankers and opposition activists to their night talk show to answer phone calls and comment on the election results. At 10 pm, 78.1 percent of callers wanted to see Obama as next American president.

Mikhail Delyagin, the head of Institute of Problems of Globalization, explained such the public interest: "We do no not have elections in Russia any longer. Everybody understands here that it would be impossible for them to actually elect the president. To vote for deputies in parliament would be useless as well, as they are practically appointed. So Russians watch the American election as an interesting, thrilling film about  someone's life."

A public opinion poll by the Levada Center on November 1 showed 27 percent of Russians would like to see Obama as America's president, 15 percent McCain, 29 percent said neither of them and 29 percent said they found it difficult to answer the question.

Garry Kasparov, the leader of the Other Russia opposition coalition, said that Obama symbolizes a change: "American voters chose to have the change. The fact that a Democrat, Obama, might not be too strict in foreign policy issues or security issues, especially now, when America is at war with terror, could have played against Obama. But nothing worked against him."

Irina Khakamada, a former leader of Union of Right Forces democrat party and parliament deputy speaker told Newsweek: "The Kremlin is happy Obama won. McCain was seen as an old opponent, while Obama is a clean page for the Kremlin. At least there is no burden of negative past experience – that is good for Russian – American relations."

Mikhail Margelov, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Federation Council, said in a phone interview that Russian political elite does have high hopes for Obama: "American people have chosen to make a change. We welcome the new leader and have hopes that by change the new leadership means not pragmatic and ideologically charged, but fare relations with modern Russia; we hope that from selective cooperation our relations can develop into equal partnership." Margelov said in a phone interview.

Sergey Markov, Duma deputy said to Newsweek: "The Russian political elite is against the neo-conservative Bush government and we would not be surprised to see some of them, like Mr. Chaney, on trial some time soon. America is a great nation; this time, like many times in past history, American nation showed an example of how to make changes and give the world hope. Americans can be capable of electing a black president, despite the racial issues they had not so long ago, in the 70's. We count on strategic partnership with the United States, as we have many common interests. For that American politicians should say goodbye to imperialistic positions of influence in the world, and stop making ridiculous statements like 'Russian influence is limited by its boarders.'"

President Medvedev said in his annual address to nation: "We hope that our partners - the new U.S. administration - will make a choice in favor of a full-fledged relationship with Russia." And: "Progress in Russian-American cooperation would be key." … "It is not a secret that a large number of countries, acting by inertia, tend to look back on where the wind blows in Russia's relations with the United States. It is true that these relations are not going through the easiest period today."… "We also have a large number of questions, including those of a moral nature," the Russian  president said. "But I would like to stress that we have no problems with the American people. We have no inherent anti-Americanism," he said.

Sergey Bobovnikov, 42, an antiques dealer: "I am concerned about our dollars. If Obama really withdraws the American army from Iraq as he promised, the dollar will grow immediately weak, as oil production in Iraq will stop being secured. I foresee big problems to follow this victory."

Marina Goichneko, 48, an opera singer: "Medvedev just said he would change our constitution  nd extend his term to six years. That is not fair; just like our election. I like the American election, it looks like it is real. I am surprised Americans managed to overcome the issue of skin color. Even for  mericans it is very brave. Russians would not be able to make such choice any time soon."

Konstantin Nefyodov, 80, a pensioner. "I believe our newspapers. They say Obama is better than McCain because he does not hate Russians so much. Of course I like him better for that. He has a kind face. I am happy they elected Obama."

Nadezhda Tarasenko, 23, a student, studies state management: "I would not make quick judgments. One thing is what Obama said before the elections, and another what his actions will show. Especially I am concerned about the way he is going to treat Russia. Lets wait and see."