President Bush has won a second four-year term in office. The Republican incumbent delivered his victory speech in Washington shortly after his Democratic opponent, John Kerry, conceded defeat.
The president declared victory in a building named for the last Republican president to win two terms in office: "American has spoken. And I am humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens."
His words brought an end to a bitter, hard fought election season. He had hoped for a quick victory but a long night of vote counting in the crucial state of Ohio delayed the outcome.
Senator Kerry conceded once it became clear the president's lead was insurmountable. President Bush joined Mr. Kerry in saying it is time to bridge the political divide: "So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent. To make this nation stronger and better I will need your support and I will work to earn it."
Mr. Bush will be inaugurated for a second term on January 20th.