[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 44 (Monday, November 10, 2008)]
[Pages 1399-1400]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the 2008 Presidential Election

November 5, 2008

    Good morning. Last night I had a warm conversation with President-
elect Barack Obama. I congratulated him and Senator Biden on their 
impressive victory. I told the President-elect he can count on complete 
cooperation from my administration as he makes the transition to the 
White House.
    I also spoke to Senator John McCain. I congratulated him on a 
determined campaign that he and Governor Palin ran. The American people 
will always be grateful for the lifetime of service John McCain has 
devoted to this Nation, and I know he'll continue to make tremendous 
contributions to our country.
    No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of 
the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted 
in large numbers. They showed

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a watching world the vitality of America's democracy and the strides we 
have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose 
journey represents a triumph of the American story, a testament to hard 
work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our Nation.
    Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day. 
This moment is especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who 
witnessed the struggle for civil rights with their own eyes, and four 
decades later, see a dream fulfilled.
    A long campaign has now ended, and we move forward as one nation. 
We're embarking on a period of change in Washington, yet there are some 
things that will not change. The United States Government will stay 
vigilant in meeting its most important responsibility: protecting the 
American people. And the world can be certain this commitment will 
remain steadfast under our next Commander in Chief.
    There's important work to do in the months ahead, and I will 
continue to conduct the people's business as long as this office remains 
in my trust. During this time of transition, I will keep the President-
elect fully informed on important decisions. And when the time comes on 
January the 20th, Laura and I will return home to Texas with treasured 
memories of our time here, and with profound gratitude for the honor of 
serving this amazing country.
    It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife 
Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White 
House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this 
inspiring moment that so many have waited so long. I know Senator 
Obama's beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to 
watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol and take his 
oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of 
the Earth.
    Last night I extended an invitation to the President-elect and Mrs. 
Obama to come to the White House, and Laura and I are looking forward to 
welcoming them as soon as possible.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. The 
Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.