Over two million people were there (and millions more around the world tuned in) to witness the inauguration, the start of a new age, ready to rejoice as the 44th US president officially parked his backside in the White House. So long Bush. Obama - the world is your oyster.

But what will change? Most are optimistic, but dare I say is it too early to assume a better, exciting, promising new era is upon Obama and the world's horizon?

False promises, lies, scandals are all part and package of the politics game. From Bush Sr. to Bush Jr. it has always been questioned whether the big boss in the White House works for the people, or for the corporate divisions, or even worse - himself. So bearing in mind today's global atrocities (including two wars, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the credit crisis and climate change), Obama will have to address one way or another, we asked the general public:

How do feel about 'Obama, President of the United States of America'?

Will he run the system, or will the system eventually run him?

What could Obama's reign mean for the relationship between the US and the UK?

And, how will Obama handle and/or influence the situation in Gaza/Iraq?

Sami, 21
"I feel good about Obama being elected as President - he will at least be better than Bush. While I'm not sure how much power he will realistically have, he should be able to run the system better than previous presidents.  The relationship between UK and US has always been good and I don't expect that to change, hopefully he will make more of a positive change on other foreign relationships like Gaza, Iraq and Iran. In terms of Gaza, we need a ceasefire, however America is in support of Israel so it is difficult to see too much of a change. In Iraq however, things seem to be moving along well and it is a good opportunity for Obama and the US to change their stance."

Urvashi, 21
"I haven't watched any of his speech but I heard it was inspirational. He gives everyone hope and he is certainly better than Bush. We all hope he won't just be a puppet - however there has been a lot of talk about him being controlled by his wife, so it will be interesting to see how much of an input she will have on policies to come. I think there will be more collaboration between the UK and US, there will hopefully not be another Bush and Blair scenario in which the UK didn't really have a say. In terms of impact on the world, Obama seems much more earnest and globally aware, which is essential in the current global climate. In Gaza, Obama may have a say - the proposed ceasefire coincided with his inauguration so hopefully he will mark the beginning of his reign by doing something about it."

Peter, 20
"I think his inauguration was a beautiful thing - it shows that the world is moving positively into the 21st century. From 1963, with Martin Luther King's dreams, we have been dreaming of a day like this and the great thing is everyone is pleased with the change, whatever race or age. However, the system is bigger than Obama, and he is only one man so perhaps over time he may find himself overrun by the system. I think we can expect more collaboration with the US from a UK perspective - Obama seems much more open to the UK rather than imposing as Bush may have been in the past. In terms of world implications however, I think the main focus in the early days will be to sort out the US domestic issues. In terms of the Gaza situation, I'm sure he would like to influence it but I don't know how much he can actually do, equally in terms of Iraq, I think he will eventually withdraw troops but not as swift as his rallying may have suggested."

Maidul, 19
"I think it is good - Obama can serve as an inspiration towards minorities and youth, but he is still a politician so I don't know how much good change he can and will make. I have always been cynical as to how much change he will be allowed to make, when you consider the cabinet behind him. The relationship between the US and UK will remain the same, we will always be riding on the US coat tails, though I think Cameron will be the new Prime Minister and that could have a negative impact on the relationship, as Obama has already stated that he is not the biggest fan of the Tory leader. The situation in Gaza should not even be tackled by Obama, he should keep his fingers out of these situations as they don't concern the US. In terms of Iraq, eventually the troops will come out, and the Guantanamo situation is looking to be resolved, however I think it will take longer and be more complicated than it may seem."

Phil, 21
"I feel very good about Obama, it is a good change and a fresh look for America. But in the end I think the system will overrun Obama, though that doesn't mean he cannot have a positive impact in the meantime. The relationship with the UK all depends on how strong the British government are and how they relate with US issues. From a global perspective he can start a new generation for change, but of course he can't change everything. I think the situation in Iraq will certainly be resolved, as shown by his intentions to fight terrorism and his commitment towards the closure of Guantanamo Bay."

Steph, 21
"I feel happy with Obama's presidential appointment; I like to think he will instigate good changes, however it is impossible to say how much of a change he alone can make - it is still a democracy, and there will still be other people involved in the decision-making. From a UK perspective, we don't really have much of a choice in our relationship with the US, we are ingrained already in much of America's plans and I don't think any ties will be broken. On a world perspective, he is expected by many to make a positive effect on global issues but whether he can do that or not is another debate. In terms of Iraq, he has to keep to his promise and withdraw the troops. With Gaza, he has to get involved – it will just be a massive displacement of troops, like with every war. That is his duty as president – to get involved where it matters."

Words: Ben Anderson and Dwain Lucktung
Photos: Tekla Balfour