President-elect Barack Obama said in his victory speech that the United States will defeat those who attempt to tear down the world, while also offering an olive branch to those who seek peace.

His comments on defeating those who would tear down the world drew praise from Riki Ellison, chairman and co-founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA).

"We at MDAA look forward … to supporting the new president in his quest, as missile defense will play a pivotal role and will be a vital tool to those who seek peace and security and against those that would tear this world down," Ellison stated. "We congratulate President-elect Barack Obama."

Ellison observed that Obama "will have tremendous influence here in America with his party’s control of Congress and the strong sway of popular opinion and support.

"He will also have even more influence than any other previous President in modern times on the international arena where popular majority support inside of foreign countries for President-elect Obama will have momentous impact on his international leadership and U.S. foreign policy agenda."