(November 4, 2008)—President-elect Barack Obama told a crowd of more than 100,000 Tuesday night in Chicago he will be a president for all of America, even those who voted against him.
Obama’s Victory Speech
Obama cast his election as a defining moment in American history and an answer to cynicism, fear and doubt about the power of democracy.
Many in the multi-racial crowd cried and nodded their heads while he spoke surrounded by clear bulletproof screens on his left and right.
He sprinkled his address with references to the civil rights struggle that has led to him being elected the country's first black president.
To those who voted against him, he said, "I will be your president, too."
Obama is the first African-American elevated to the White House.
With victories in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other battleground states, Obama built a commanding lead Tuesday night over Republican rival, John McCain.
Obama surged in the polls amid a national financial crisis, campaigning as the candidate of change as he and his fellow Democrats sought to link McCain to the unpopular George W. Bush.
The son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas, Obama soared into the national spotlight after his electrifying speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, when he was making his first run for the Senate.
Emphasizing his early opposition to the Iraq war, he defeated Hillary Rodham Clinton after a long, bruising primary fight.
He then beat back Republican efforts to portray him as reckless, naïve and inexperienced.
He also had to combat Internet misinformation questioning his religion and patriotism.
As he fought to become president, Obama attracted millions of first-time voters and brought the historic American election to the attention of the entire world.
McCain conceded the race Tuesday night, saying Obama has achieved a "great thing" for himself and the country with his historic victory.
McCain with his wife Cindy on one side and running-mate Sarah Palin on the other, urged his supporters to put aside partisan differences and work to get "the country moving again."
Speaking from outside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, McCain told his supporters: "It's natural tonight to feel some disappointment. Though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours."
Obama accepted the concession and asked McCain for his help in leading the country.
Obama’s spokesman Robert Gibbs said McCain called Obama at 10 p.m. CST, moments after The Associated Press and television networks declared the Illinois senator the next president.
Gibbs said Obama thanked McCain for his graciousness and said he had waged a tough race.
He also said the Arizona senator was consistently someone who has showed class and honor during this campaign as he has during his entire life in public service.
Gibbs quoted Obama as saying, "I need your help, you're a leader on so many important issues."
President Bush called Obama Tuesday night to congratulate him on winning the presidency.
The two-term Republican president told the Illinois senator, "What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters."
Mr. Bush promised Obama a smooth transition to the White House.
Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said the president told Obama, "You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."
Election Results