(WXYZ) - After months on the campaign trail leading up to last night's historic election, Barack Obama is spending a quiet Wednesday in Chicago.
WATCH A REPORT ON THE HISTORIC ELECTION IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHTThe President-elect is expected to hold a press conference later this week, but he is keeping a low profile before then. He is already at work on his transition, with ABC News reporting that he has approached Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel about becoming White House Chief of Staff. Obama is also reportedly filling out his transition team, naming Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, former Clinton administration Transportation and Energy Secretary Federico Peña, and former Clinton Commerce Secretary William Daley.
Other officials already known to be working on the team are former White House chief of staff John Podesta, longtime Obama friend Valerie Jarrett, and Obama's current chief of staff Pete Rouse.
Obama began his first day as President Elect by eating breakfast with his daughters and working out at the gym. President George W. Bush, congratulated his successor during a statement in the Rose Garden this morning, saying "all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union.''
Bush went on to say that Obama's life story, and his election, are a testament to the fulfillment of the American story, adding "Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day.''
President Elect Obama also received personal congratulations from Pope Benedict XVI. The pope said he would pray for God's blessings on the American people and on the new President Elect after his historic victory.
As he prepares to take office in two and a half months, Obama will begin the daily briefings that are a routine part of the job. His first briefing could be held Thursday, when he is expected to have his first intelligence briefing. Vice President Elect Joe Biden is also expected to begin his briefing's this week.
While Obama has already passed the mark needed to win the Presidency, some votes still need to be counted. So far 97% of precincts have reported in. They show that Obama had secured nearly 63 million votes, the largest total in history. He leads John McCain 52% to 46% in the popular vote. That's the highest percentage of any Democratic presidential nominee in 40 years.
Turnout experts estimate more than 64 percent of eligible American voters cast ballots, the best showing in at least 40 years, but one estimate says it was the best showing since 1908.
