Former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry hugs hus wife Teresa Heinz Kerry after his concession speech in Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo: Jeff Haynes/AFP) Hear a portion of John Kerry's concession speech.

Wednesday, November 3—The race for the White House is over. In a speech in historic Fanueil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, Senator John Kerry thanked his supporters and his family for their support. He also talked about his earlier conversation in which he congratulated President George W. Bush.

"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," he said. "Today I hope that we can begin the healing."

He promised that every vote cast on Tuesday would be counted, but that he was conceding the race because "there won't be enough outstanding votes for us to be able to win Ohio. And therefore we cannot win this election."

He stressed that the decision should come from the people and not a long court battle, which is what happened in 2000.

With tears in his eyes, Kerry thanked Americans for their support during a grueling two-year long campaign.

"It was a privilege and a gift to spend two years traveling this country, coming to know so many of you," he said. "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."

President Bush Declares Victory

Soon after Kerry's speech, the victorious President Bush addressed the nation.

"America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens," said Bush. "With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans. And I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your president."

White House spokesman Scott McClellan talked to the press about the phone call between the two candidates. "You waged one tough campaign," McClellan quoted the President as saying. "I hope you are proud of the effort you put in. You should be."

Bush is the first U.S. presidential candidate since his father to win with more than 50 percent of the vote, an indicator, White House aides said, that the country is more united now than it was in 2000, when Bush lost the popular vote to Vice President Al Gore.