IT'S something of a rarity that this reporter would be in a fit state to write copy at just gone midnight after being let loose in New York. But tonight was different.

Dare I say it, tonight was special.

Like most of the other British media here to cover the Joe Calzaghe fight, for this reporter tonight was a time to put down the bottles of Budweiser and just be a part of something significant.

Being in New York, standing in Times Square as Barack Obama was announced as the new President of the United States, was a genuinely inspiring moment.

Myself and a colleague from one of the other Welsh papers stood as thousands gathered in the centre of Times Square to watch the coverage on CNN on huge giant screens. It was one of those pinch yourself moments, a long way from the salubrious setting of Argus towers in Maesglas.

We all have our preconceptions of America, but this election was different, no John Kerry, no Al Gore, no controversial default victories for Dubya because such a huge proportion of the country felt disenfranchised and didn't bother to vote.

This wasn't an election where what we perceive as clever coastal Americans overcame the redneck States, this was an election where Barack Obama united and inspired a nation.

I know how corny it sounds, but the cross-section of American society that lined the streets of New York was astounding.

Old, young, male, female, black, white, this was a nation not just ready for change, but desperate for it.

There has been no other talking point since I touched down on Sunday evening. Every taxi driver, waiter, hotelier, everyone wants to talk about the election.

What do the people in the UK think of Obama? What about Sarah Palin?

Obama is far more than a politician. For whatever reason, he has become a symbol of renewed hope on the state of the nation, he has made people who have never voted before care passionately about this election.

Broadway shows were cancelled for the night. Bars were packed to capacity, with people standing transfixed as the projections begun to come in.

Obama never defined his campaign on race and it paid off handsomely, he defied demographics and New York, admittedly a massive Democratic state, will celebrate for many days to come.

It's a huge privilege to be in America watching our man Joe Calzaghe prepare for such a massive fight. It was equally thrilling to be with Joe in Las Vegas back in April.

But to be in the centre of Times Square on such a momentous night in American history, to witness with my own eyes the joy and excitement of thousands of people, has been a true honour.

Barack Obama is a 21st century President, he appeals to a younger generation of Americans like no other man in history whose name didn't end in Kennedy.

I can genuinely say that I will never forget what I witnessed tonight, knowing that it is highly unlikely I will ever see a British general election come close to inspiring so many voters.

Americans are genuinely viewing this as the dawning of a new era, watching the TV coverage it seems clear that euphoria is sweeping huge parts of the nation.

As I said, it's truly a privilege to be here.