(WXYZ) Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. "America can change. Our union can be perfected," he said in an overnight victory speech.
Obama claimed victory during a rally before thousands of people in Chicago's Grant Park.
HEAR OBAMA'S VICTORY SPEECH IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHT"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that anything is possible, tonight is your answer," he said. Obama told the crowd Americans sent a message to the world that we are not red states and blue states, we are the United States of America. He said we "put our hands on the arc of history, and bent it once more to a better day," adding that change has come to America.
Obama then referenced his opponent, Senator John McCain of Arizona. He said we are better off because of his service. He also said that he looks forward to working with both Senator McCain and his running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to better the country.
Among the states Obama is projected to have carried are Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and his home state of Illinois. Senator McCain carried much of the south, including Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and his home state of Arizona. Among the states still too close to call are: North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, and Montana. No results have been made available for Alaska.
The first term Senator from Illinois made history, becoming the first African-American to hold the highest office in the land. Senator McCain congratulated Obama on his victory in a concession speech in Phoenix. He says he will do everything in his power to help the new president lead the nation, and he calls on all American's to come together to find the necessary compromises to come together to fix the financial situation and keep our country safe.
The Arizona Senator told his supporters that the "failure" to win was his and not theirs. This was immediately followed by chats of support from his supporters. McCain went on to say that he could not adequately express how indebted he was to his supporters.
McCain also expressed his admiration for his running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, calling her a new voice for reform in the Republican Party. McCain also called her one of the greatest campaigners he has ever seen. He continued by saying that every candidate makes mistakes, and that while he was sure he made a few, he did not want to be remembered for them. He finished by saying he remained a servant of his country, and that tonight more than any other night he holds nothing but love in his heart for her country and her citizens.
Obama's victory is being largely attributed to his theme of "Change" that tapped into American's dissatisfaction with the administration of George W. Bush. That dissatisfaction is also being credited with helping Democrats make gains against the Republicans nationwide.
President Bush has called to congratulate President-elect Obama on his victory. Bush told his successor, "What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters." He added, "You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."
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