2004.11.05自由時報
You just have no idea how warming and how generous that welcome is,
your love is, your affection. And I'm gratified by it.I'm sorry that
we got here a little bit late and little bit short.I spoke to President
Bush and I offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory.We
had a good conversation, and we talked about the danger of division
in our country and the need -- the desperate need for unity, for finding
the common ground, coming together.Today I hope that we can begin the
healing.
In America, it is vital that every vote count, and that every vote be
counted. But the outcome should be decided by voters, not a protracted
legal process. I would not give up this fight if there was a chance
that we would prevail.But is now clear that even when all the provisional
ballots are counted, which they will be, there won't be enough outstanding
votes for us to be able to win Ohio.And therefore we cannot win this
election.
It was a privilege and a gift to spend two years traveling this country,
coming to know so many of you.I wish that I could just wrap you up in
my arms and embrace each and every one of you individually all across
this nation. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.I will always be
particularly grateful to the colleague that you just heard from who
became my partner, my very close friend, an extraordinary leader, John
Edwards.
But in an American election, there are no losers, because whether or
not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as
Americans.That is the greatest privilege and the most remarkable good
fortune that can come to us on Earth.
With that gift also comes obligation. We are required now to work together
for the good of our country.In the days ahead, we must find common cause.
We must join in common effort, without remorse or recrimination, without
anger or rancor. America is in need of unity and longing for a larger
measure of compassion.
I hope President Bush will advance those values in the coming years.I
pledge to do my part to try to bridge the partisan divide.
I know this is a difficult time for my supporters, but I ask them, all
of you, to join me in doing that. Now, more than ever, with our soldiers
in harm's way, we must stand together and succeed in Iraq and win the
war on terror.
So with a grateful heart, I leave this campaign with a prayer that has
even greater meaning to me now that I've come to know our vast country
so much better thanks to all.