The voters have spoken, and their collective voice launches a pivotal new chapter in the American story.

This nation has turned a page in its painful chronicles of racism by choosing its first African-American president. Even for those who did not support Barack Obama as a candidate, this milestone stands as testimony to America's capacity for fundamental, enlightened change.

President-elect Obama boosted his chances of success by running a cohesive, focused campaign, showing a discipline that offers a hopeful sign that his administration will have that clarity of purpose.

A glimpse of that clarity emerged last night in his stirring address in Chicago. Obama highlighted his success as yet more proof of America's great promise, a belief that its people can meet challenges set before them. "Yes, we can," he said; the crowd echoed him.

But he did not diminish the severity of that challenge. The U.S. now confronts a climb out of a deep chasm.

Financial woes, likely spelling further job losses, present the most immediate crisis to a nation that must now come together. Because as bitterly partisan as the battle for the White House has been, the road ahead will demand an unprecedented degree of cooperation from both sides.

In his gracious concession speech, Sen. John McCain set the right tone, promising to work with Obama to get the country moving again.

The U.S. remains a country at war. Financial stresses are exacerbated by terrorism and political conflicts, in the Middle East, Asia and elsewhere. America's dependence on imported oil further complicates its international relations.

Obama must fulfill his pledge to employ increased diplomacy as well as a strong defense in pursuit of global stability.

Expanded Democratic power on Capitol Hill and in the White House won't guarantee smooth political seas ahead.

Democrats should not mistake the party's decisive victory as a call for an aggressively liberal program of new spending, which the nation clearly can't afford. Voters have issued a clear demand for wise, focused leadership to correct the failings of the Bush administration.

To deliver, Obama will need to enlist the best minds of both parties to develop an economic recovery plan, and to present it soon.

An aggressive renewable-energy policy is an essential part of that blueprint. Many have touted the transition to alternative energy production as part of a needed 21st-century "New Deal." This won't produce immediate results, but the groundwork needs to be laid for the long-term benefits clean energy will bring.

Obama's promising plans to spur job growth and a quicker economic stimulus include new-hire tax credits for businesses and eliminating capital gains taxes for investments in small business.

Additionally, there will need to be careful crafting of tax relief targeting the middle class, as well as a curbing of unnecessary federal spending. The trek toward universal healthcare coverage should begin, but fulfillment will have to be set as a longer-term goal.

It's crucial that Obama's programs become a way to unify the country after a divisive, bitter and often ugly campaign.

It's time for Americans — led by a Hawai'i native son as president — to keep their common goals foremost in mind and find a common route for achieving them.