(CNN) -- Law student Blake Rider summed up the feelings of many Democrats late Tuesday night: "I can finally sleep again," he said. President Barack Obama was was re-elected with 303 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206. In a race that seemed too close to call until the votes were tallied, Americans ultimately chose four more years. Even though voters indicated to pollsters that their financial situation is the same or worse than it was four years ago, they put their trust in the president. Obama "got off to a semi-rocky start, but I think that with another four years, we have a good chance," said Brian Anderson, who celebrated Obama's victory in the streets of Washington. "We have a foundation now. ... We can only go up from here."
@highlight
Voters sharply divided on what Obama win means for U.S.
@highlight
Democrats say Obama's laid a foundation and can now take action
@highlight
Republicans hope to see bipartisan efforts
@highlight
CNN iReport: What do you think the election means for you?
"Hopefully @placeholder can turn it around," wrote CNN.com commenter otacon7272.