Chanting "Four more years!" and "USA, USA!," a crowd of well-wishers danced and celebrated outside the White House late Tuesday after Democratic President Barack Obama swept to re-election.
Obama supporters braved the chilly weather to wave US flags, dance and high-five strangers outside the president's official residence. Union activist Nicole Arow, 28, said she was "thrilled and relieved" to learn about Obama's victory over Republican rival Mitt Romney, adding: "Joy. That's what I feel."
"I'm incredibly excited," gushed Justin Pinn, a 22 year-old government student at Georgetown University. "I feel that my hope is renewed and I'm ready to fight the good fight. "It's a great day to be an American!" he said.
Those who arrived at the White House shortly after US television networks called the race for Obama appeared to be college students in their 20s, but the crowd quickly diversified as parents with young children joined the party.
Obama became only the second Democrat to win a second four-year White House term since World War II.
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