At 47 years of age, the United States would have one of its youngest presidents ever. In addition, the White House would also become home to its youngest residents in 30 years in the shape of Obama's two daughters, aged seven and 10.

And, judging by his campaign track record, a President Obama would be one of the most charismatic and eloquent holders of office since
John F Kennedy.

Of course, if elected, Obama would also be the first African-American President in the nation's history. And if that isn't symbolic
and significant then it's hard to imagine what is.

Beyond doubt the election of Obama would, overnight, re-write
the book on race in the United States. And, although it would be naïve to regard an Obama presidency as the end of discrimination in America, I honestly believe it would deal inequality and bigotry a major blow.

In fact, in many ways, Obama's election would truly set the US on the road to fulfilling the promise of its Founding Fathers as set out in the Declaration of Independence – "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal".

If Americans do elect their first black leader, then this will be a moment of significance and symbolism. The United States will think of itself differently and the rest of the world will see it in a new light. In that sense, an Obama victory will mean that things will never be the same again.

However, there is something we would do well to remember when analysing the potential impact of an Obama presidency – namely that the man himself rarely, if ever, mentions race during his campaign for the
Oval Office.

In truth, even though he is the first African-American to run for the presidency, Obama is the first "post-race" candidate. As such, he reaches out beyond racial issues and, in doing so, he is not running to make history; he is running with a message of change for all voters, black and white. Put simply, Obama doesn't regard himself as the "black candidate". Instead, he sees himself as the "candidate who happens to be black". That's an important distinction and one that will, in all probability, shape his term in office should he win.

Arguably, therefore, the most significant aspect of an Obama presidency is not the self-evident historic nature of such an election, it is rather the changes he will bring as the holder of the most powerful office on the face of the planet. In short, it will be his policies, not his race, that will have most impact both at home and abroad.

On a raft of key issues, an Obama administration would take a very different approach from the last eight years under George W Bush. For example, he would introduce reforms on healthcare to radically improve affordability and accessibility for every citizen.

On the economy, he would end the failed reliance on trickle down economics that, ultimately, has led to a credit crunch and the threat of a global recession. And, on foreign policy, he would bring the troops home from Iraq, consign the Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive strikes to the dustbin of history and restore a new moral authority and international respect to America's standing in the world, particularly at the United Nations.

I believe there is something else that would follow in the wake of an Obama election victory and its clues can be seen in his current campaign.

Yes, there is the ruthless efficiency that has given him a commanding poll lead. And who could deny that such efficiency is long overdue in Washington. But there is also the way in which Obama has positioned himself as almost above politics and blind to party. He actively shuns the old-style politics of divisive partisanship and seeks instead to build consensus for positive change.

And, if proof were needed that this new means of political engagement
is working, then it can surely be found in the recent endorsement of Obama by the Republican heavyweight Colin Powell who served as Secretary of State during President Bush's first term.

I have no doubt that, should he be elected, Obama will offer Powell and other moderate Republicans key positions within his administration.

Polls are fickle things, especially in the United States. But, if they are accurate then, come November 4, Barack Obama will make history. If he does then the task before him will be immense. He will need all of his courage, strength and wisdom to heal America and restore the faith and hope of the rest of the world in that great nation.

Can he do it? Well, to borrow from his most famous campaign slogan – yes he can.

Lord Morris of Handsworth was general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union from 1991 until 2003.