President-elect Barack Obama waves as he takes the stage at
his election night party in Chicago's Grant Park, Tuesday,
Nov. 4, 2008. Photo Morry Gash/AP.
Barack Obama is vowing to be a president for all of
America, even those who voted against him.
The president-elect cast his election as a defining moment in
American history and an answer to cynicism, fear and doubt
about the power of democracy.
His victory speech was delivered before a multiracial crowd
of more than 100,000 people. Many 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 asked John McCain for his help in leading the country
in a telephone call Tuesday night, moments after the
Democratic senator was elected the country's first black
president.
Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama thanked McCain for
his graciousness and told him he had waged a tough race.
"Senator Obama told Senator McCain he was consistently
someone who has showed class and honor during this campaign
as he has during his entire life in public service," Gibbs
said in a statement. "Senator Obama said he was eager to sit
down and talk about how the two of them can work together."
Gibbs quoted Obama as saying to McCain: "I need your help,
you're a leader on so many important issues"
President Bush called Obama shortly after the Illinois
senator hung up with McCain, and then Obama watched McCain's
concession speech from his suite in the Hyatt Regency hotel,
where he had watched returns with his extended family and
senior staff.
Gibbs said the call came at 11 p.m. EST, moments after The
Associated Press and television networks declared Obama
winner of the presidential race.
A few blocks away, a massive crowd in Grant Park erupted into
cheers to see their chosen candidate break the color barrier.
Audience members leapt into the air, waving American flags.
Many shed tears.
The crowd included celebrities Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey,
who danced and sang along to Stevie Wonder's "Sign, Sealed,
and Delivered," while waiting Obama's arrival.
The size of the multiracial group, spread out toward the
Chicago skyline a few blocks in the distance, reflected the
eye-popping crowds that Obama drew throughout his campaign.
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