| Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, says "change has come to America".In a historic victory over Republican candidate Senator John McCain, the President-elect told a sea of supporters in a Chicago park:
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where any things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive ... who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," he said. He said his victory belongs "to you".
He said the voters who turned out today did so because they believed this time "must be different and their voices could be that difference".He said America was not a collection of individuals, but "we are and always will be the United States of America". He said it was "a long time coming" but "because of what we did on this day" during this election, "change has come to America".
He said despite the challenges ahead, including two wars and a financial crisis, he was hopeful for America."There will be set backs and false starts," he said. "... I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face ..."
He Senator John McCain had "endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine". Barack Obama congratulated Senator McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for all they have achieved and looked forward to working with them.
He thanked his wife, Michelle - "the love of my life and the nation's next First Lady", for the journey they had endured. He said he loved his two young daughters "more than you imagine and you have earned the new puppy that is coming with us to the White House." He said he knew that his recently deceased grandmother was watching, along with the rest of his family. Barack Obama said "this election had many firsts".
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