Nov 5, 2008 2:15 am US/Pacific
McCain Concedes, Congratulates Obama
PHOENIX (AP) ―
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Republican presidential candidate John McCain concedes defeat to Democrat Barack Obama beside his wife Cindy during his election night rally at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa on Nov. 4, 2008, in McCain's home town of Phoenix, Ariz.
Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Republican John McCain concedes the presidential race to Barack Obama, saying the Democrat has achieved a "great thing" for himself and the country with his historic victory.
McCain — with wife Cindy on one side and running-mate Sarah Palin on the other — urged his supporters to put aside partisan differences and work to get "the country moving again."
Speaking from outside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, McCain told his supporters: "It's natural tonight to feel some disappointment. Though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours."
As the results came in Tuesday evening, a senior aide told CBS News the McCain camp was hoping for a "miracle," but the Arizona senator was not able to defy expectations in one of the worst election years for Republicans in decades.
"We have come to the end of a long journey," McCain said in a concession speech late Tuesday night. "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly."
"Let there be no reason now for any American not to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on earth," he added, lauding the historic nature of Obama's victory for African-Americans.
McCain told disappointed supporters he had called Obama to congratulate him on his victory, and called on them to support the president elect.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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