![]() The scale of the victory exceeded Democratic expectations, with Obama projected to win 338 electoral votes to McCain's 129. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said she looked forward to "closer and more trusting cooperation between the United States and Europe" under Obama - a veiled reference to the frustration George Bush often elicited from overseas allies. The opposition leader, David Cameron, hailed Obama as "the first of a new generation of leaders". Gordon Brown called the president-elect "a true friend of Britain", declaring that "I know Barack Obama and we share many values". McCain's acclaim was followed by hearty praise from world leaders, reflecting broad support for Obama in most international capitals. He said he deeply admired and commended Obama for winning an "historic election". The defeated Republican said America had come a long way from the racial injustices that were a stain on the country's history, and called for the country to unite behind Obama. ![]() The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly," McCain said. "We have come to the end of a long journey. ![]() The Illinois senator spoke moments after McCain made a gracious concession speech in front of his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing the election to a close after nearly two tumultuous years. "It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America." "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," he said in his acceptance speech. Obama, accompanied to the podium in his home city of Chicago by his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, alluded to the historic nature of his victory. He was carried to victory by record voter turnout across the country, giving him a wider margin over his opponent, John McCain, than any other president in the past two decades.Īt least 134 million Americans participated in the election, according to early estimates, representing more than 60% of eligible voters and shattering the previous record of 122 million. In a brief address, Bush said it would be a "striking" sight when Obama and his family came to the White House, and that he had already invited him to visit.īush's words came hours after Obama's election party in Chicago, where there were raucous celebration and tears of joy when the US TV networks declared just after 11pm ET (4am GMT) that the Democratic candidate had been voted America's 44th president. "No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday," he said, adding that Obama's "journey represents a triumph of the American story". The significance and scale of his victory was recognised today by the outgoing president and commander in chief, George Bush.
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