Good evening.
Just moments ago, I spoke with George W. Bush and congratulated
him on becoming the 43rd president of the United States, and I
promised him that I wouldn't call him back this time.
I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can
start to heal the divisions of the campaign and the contest through
which we just passed.
Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told
Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presidency,
"Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. I'm with you, Mr.
President, and God bless you."
Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that
what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God
bless his stewardship of this country.
Neither he nor I anticipated this long and difficult road.
Certainly neither of us wanted it to happen. Yet it came, and now it
has ended, resolved, as it must be resolved, through the honored
institutions of our democracy.
Over the library of one of our great law schools is
inscribed the motto, "Not under man but under God and law." That's
the ruling principle of American freedom, the source of our democratic
liberties. I've tried to make it my guide throughout this contest as
it has guided America's deliberations of all the complex issues of the
past five weeks.
Now the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt,
while I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it. I
accept the finality of this outcome which will be ratified next Monday
in the Electoral College. And tonight, for the sake of our unity of
the people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.
I also accept my responsibility, which I will discharge
unconditionally, to honor the new president elect and do everything
possible to help him bring Americans together in fulfillment of the
great vision that our Declaration of Independence defines and that our
Constitution affirms and defends.
Let me say how grateful I am to all those who supported me
and supported the cause for which we have fought. Tipper and I feel a
deep gratitude to Joe and Hadassah Lieberman who brought passion and
high purpose to our partnership and opened new doors, not just for our
campaign but for our country.
This has been an extraordinary election. But in one of God's
unforeseen paths, this belatedly broken impasse can point us all to a
new common ground, for its very closeness can serve to remind us that
we are one people with a shared history and a shared destiny.
Indeed, that history gives us many examples of contests as hotly
debated, as fiercely fought, with their own challenges to the popular
will.
Other disputes have dragged on for weeks before reaching
resolution. And each time, both the victor and the vanquished have
accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation.
So let it be with us.
I know that many of my supporters are disappointed. I am too.
But our disappointment must be overcome by our love of country.
And I say to our fellow members of the world community, let no
one see this contest as a sign of American weakness. The strength of
American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it
can overcome.
Some have expressed concern that the unusual nature of this
election might hamper the next president in the conduct of his office.
I do not believe it need be so.
President-elect Bush inherits a nation whose citizens will be
ready to assist him in the conduct of his large responsibilities.
I personally will be at his disposal, and I call on all
Americans -- I particularly urge all who stood with us to unite behind
our next president. This is America. Just as we fight hard when the
stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest is
done.
And while there will be time enough to debate our continuing
differences, now is the time to recognize that that which unites us is
greater than that which divides us.
While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is
a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America
and we put country before party. We will stand together behind our
new president.
As for what I'll do next, I don't know the answer to that
one yet. Like many of you, I'm looking forward to spending the
holidays with family and old friends. I know I'll spend time in
Tennessee and mend some fences, literally and figuratively.
Some have asked whether I have any regrets and I do have one
regret: that I didn't get the chance to stay and fight for the
American people over the next four years, especially for those who
need burdens lifted and barriers removed, especially for those who
feel their voices have not been heard. I heard you and I will not
forget.
I've seen America in this campaign and I like what I see. It's
worth fighting for and that's a fight I'll never stop.
As for the battle that ends tonight, I do believe as my father
once said, that no matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as
well as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out.
So for me this campaign ends as it began: with the love
of Tipper and our family; with faith in God and in the country I have
been so proud to serve, from Vietnam to the vice presidency; and with
gratitude to our truly tireless campaign staff and volunteers,
including all those who worked so hard in Florida for the last 36
days.
Now the political struggle is over and we turn again to the
unending struggle for the common good of all Americans and for those
multitudes around the world who look to us for leadership in the cause
of freedom.
In the words of our great hymn, "America, America": "Let us
crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."
And now, my friends, in a phrase I once addressed to others, it's
time for me to go.
Thank you and good night, and God bless America.