It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

CNN: Transcript: 'This is your victory,' says Obama

Among the 30 or so people waiting outside the shiny riverside buildings at St George Wharf in the bitter cold were students Hiam Aldroubi, 22, and Reem Binkhamis, 25.

BBC: London helicopter crash: 'Flaming debris' over Vauxhall