November 4, 2008
Posted: 11:16 PM ET
 John Kerry watched election returns.
John Kerry watched election returns.

(CNN)– Sen. John Kerry released the following statement in response to Sen. Barack Obama's victory:

"Tonight we elected a President who has inspired a majority of Americans with his vision and policies, a man who is principally a leader for these times who happens to also be African American; and because of America’s stunning ability to move on and transform, to write a new chapter of our history, Barack Obama will be President during the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

"Tonight there are tears of joy and disbelief in small rural communities and inner cities, where for too long, some weren’t sure anything was really possible for them.

"Tonight new dreams are born and old truths are affirmed. Tonight we enter a new America, the best America, the America of our highest hopes."

Filed under: Barack Obama


rixhard uting   November 5th, 2008 9:13 am ET

I'm so pround of Barack Obama to become history and I'm very happy he doing hard work and let we can change and get better future . Let god bless our county. Good job Mr Barack Obama

Verna C.   November 5th, 2008 5:00 am ET

Senator Kerry, Thank you for introducing Barack Obama to our nation four years ago. As sad as I was after the 2004 election results, I am that much and more elated tonight! I believe everything happens for a reason, and perhaps we lost four years ago so that this could happen now. Thank you for your continued service to our country. You are a true American hero, and we owe you…BIG TIME…for your part in helping us reclaim our country and our future.

Dori in AZ   November 5th, 2008 4:22 am ET

HERE, IN ARIZONA … WE ARE STILL UP AND CELEBRATING!

THANK GOD FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK H. OBAMA!!!!! The MAJORITY of us have come together to work toward change. A majority of the popular vote AND twice as many of Electoral College votes than McCain. As President Obama and Vice President Biden move forward, I imagine that there will be more people who open up and begin working along with the rest of us to make our country strong and good for all its citizens.

Those who choose to continue to live in their narrow worlds of fear and hate are welcome to them. But, for most of the people in the U.S., we are more than willing to make sacrifices, be hopeful, and work toward peace and justice for all.

Sholbo   November 5th, 2008 3:19 am ET

Thank you Sen Kerry and congrats on your own re-election.I want you to know that we can't afford to lose you to the Sec. of State position as it will amounts to minus one Dem.Sen. from congress.Pls stay in the congress to help BO/JB 08.

Sohrab   November 5th, 2008 3:08 am ET

Mr. Obama is a catalyst of Change, Hope to the Future,new kind of leadership he can bring to the world where people hate each other,I pray for his grandmother who put off a new car because of Obama and its my absolute honor to the American people who put their belief in Obama. Obama's faith in himself made HIM (history in the making). In the face of adversaries he wasn't a crybaby.The most energetic ,intellecual President Barack Obama.

Cee   November 5th, 2008 2:50 am ET

Thanks, Senator Kerry for choosing Obama to be the keynote speaker in 2004. That help enormously to get onto the national stage and eventually propelled him towards today's victory.

Angry Citizen   November 5th, 2008 2:30 am ET

Senator John Kerry- thank you for your service and for your hard work in helping to elect Obama.

Elizabeth   November 5th, 2008 2:10 am ET

Thank you, Sen. Kerry – for your statement and for your early, and important, support for the man who is now our President-Elect. Today, finally, I can put aside my continuing regret about your loss four years ago, and I hope that you can feel some solace also. You have been a good leader for our party and our country and I know you will be a critical part of the new administration, either directly or as a leader in the Senate. Thank you.

P. Gordor   November 5th, 2008 2:04 am ET

God Bless America! and God Bless President Barack Obama!

Anonymous   November 5th, 2008 1:59 am ET

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Today is only the beginning, let's ALL work together. May God bless and protect our President-elect, Barack Obama and his beautiful family.

Chris   November 5th, 2008 1:53 am ET

I let my 7 year old stay up until we found out the results. I tucked him in and he said after witnessing his mother overwhelmed w/ happy tears. "Is this going to make tomorrow very different? Will my school change? What is going to happen b/c of this election. I don't know if I like change." I said to him… "this is a good change. Things are going to get better." He smiled as I tucked him in. I am so proud of my country!

PO   November 5th, 2008 1:42 am ET

Congratulations to the Americans for a job well done! God Bless Obama! God bless USA

JANE TAYLOR EASTWOOD   November 5th, 2008 1:40 am ET

FROM CANADA — I AM THRILLED!!

Independent FL voter   November 5th, 2008 1:21 am ET

I agree with Leo.

I'm one of those white, Catholic, former Republican voters who backed Obama, and I'm glad I did.

Welcome to the revolution.

al chapman   November 5th, 2008 1:09 am ET

God Bless you John Kerry, you won without winning!!! You are a great American….do not let anyone say otherwise and you elected the 44th President of the United States.

I will always be thankful that you gave us Barack Obama and you came so close!!!!

Bless you, You great American!!!

Darel   November 5th, 2008 12:59 am ET

Change is happening now in this country. America has spoken, and its time to roll up our sleeves, and get to work.Obama is our new President, and we need to unite to fix our problems. As great a vision as he has, he cannot do this alone! Stop the bickering and fighting, and let's get to work.We tried it the GOP way, and it didn't work. Its OUR COUNTRY, and we need to support our new President to help restore our country to greatness!

Leo   November 5th, 2008 12:58 am ET

Having shown humility for two hours, I can no longer match the dignity of the President-elect. For all the doubters, and especially the Hillary Clinton supporters who so forcefully argued that Barack Obama could not win, and that changing the electorate was "naive" and impossible: this one is for you. You were desperately wrong.

There is no person in America who could have done what Barack Obama did tonight. This is truly an historic night for an historic figure. America has been blessed.

To those like "Rick", let me be the first to say to you what people like you have been saying for years: love it or leave it, baby. America has spoken loud and clear, and your political philosophy has been thoroughly rejected, so if you don't like it, get the hell out.

zorba   November 5th, 2008 12:55 am ET

God Bless America, Land That I Love. Congratulations, President Obama.

eddie   November 5th, 2008 12:42 am ET

Edit
I don't even know what to say 11:35pm
Tonight is probably the most amazing night of my life. The past 14 years of my life have been spent in service to other people. I've cried, I've bled, I've poured my soul, I have given everything I have and then gave some more. And I know so many of you have done the same. We have all done this together. We have spent our lives trying to make a difference, trying to change the world, hell trying to actually be change. And here we are. We are validated. Everything we have worked for, everything we have done, every bead of sweat, every tear, every time we wanted to quit but didn't. We have been validated. I will not lie, I cried during Obama's speech. I cried because it's possible. I cried because my son can do it too if he wants. I cried because I now feel, for the first time, that we are who we say we are. I cried out of sheer joy and amazement. This is a moment that I will never forget and I hope none of you will either.

Lor   November 5th, 2008 12:40 am ET

Well said Sen. Kerry.
Congratulations President Obama and V. P. Biden!!! Congratulations America!!
We have hope for the future of our great Nation!
As Pres. Obama said, we must be united as one.
I am so proud of my country and my fellow Americans of every creed, race, religion! Thanks to each person who voted for this "Change"! And to those who did not vote with the majority, I sincerely hope that you will give our new President and Vice Pres. a chance to make our Nation whole again, just as each of us hope to be given a chance in this life.
May God bless this great country, and our newly elected. :) :)

suzie hoover   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

~
I have never, in my 55 years, been more proud to be an American.
Never.
~

dgs Louisville   November 5th, 2008 12:34 am ET

sen. Kerry you are preaching to the choir! Amen!

Tim   November 5th, 2008 12:31 am ET

Beautifully put, Mr. Kerry.

kathy in CT   November 5th, 2008 12:30 am ET

an absolutely lovely valedictory. Thanks to Senator Kerry for his eloquence and emotion!

Merrideth Crane-Horton   November 5th, 2008 12:11 am ET

Thank God! I always supported Obama and ALWAYS will! Godbless OUR great country! Godbless each of us poor and rich alike!!!

P santo   November 5th, 2008 12:10 am ET

"WAY TO GO!BAMA"!! : )

Mac Greensburg, PA   November 5th, 2008 12:09 am ET

Bless you Senator Kerry. May our country move forward and may we prosper and be forever proud . President Obama and you are part of this new beginning.

Ed   November 5th, 2008 12:07 am ET

L-O-S-E-R

Guy Jones   November 5th, 2008 12:02 am ET

Well-said, Senator Kerry.

Ryan Buaron   November 4th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

I called my American friend to congratulate her about Obama's win. From a non-American POV, after 8 years, it is cool to be American again.

Teesha.   November 4th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

This is more than history. The election of Barack Obama is a true result of change and the overwhelming belief that ANYTHING is possible. God Bless you, Barack.

Democrat 4 life   November 4th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

I am so happy Obama is President-elected
I

Joe in NJ   November 4th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Oh for Heaven's sake Kerry, shut up! Who cares what you have to say? I still can't believe the Dems were dumb enough to put you up as their nominee four years ago. I guess they thought anyone could have defeated Bush.

Hank in Phoenix   November 4th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I already sick of hearing how much this is about race and not quailifications, I've not heard once that President elect Obama is white and not back, he is after all only half Africian American and as far as I know that means he's at least as much a white man as black. I truly hope this is not the conversations and irresponsable reporting for the future of this country, or I feel we'll all be in for more than we bargained for!

Ed   November 4th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

You're a loser John. Plain & simple. Who cares what you have to say? I didn't even know that you were still alive? L-O-S-E-R

AM   November 4th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

Very well said!

PAUL   November 4th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Finally we have someone who keeps his word?

jbaby   November 4th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

John Kerry, you Rock!

bissy( a nigerian residing in uk)   November 4th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

I can,t wait to hear Sean Hannity addressing Barack Obama As President Obama for the next four years

Rick   November 4th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Tonight new NIGHTMARES are born. It is a sad day for America.

Nelle Cueni   November 4th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

I have NEVER been more proud to be an American than I am at this particular moment! Upon hearing the announcement that Barack Obama is our next commander-in-chief, I cannot fathom that our country has elected the most capable person in the running for our world's greatest leader! Barack Obama is a brilliant man….not a brilliant Black man….a brilliant MAN! I am thrilled that he will finally make the changes that we, as a country, need so desperately to make. God bless America, and God bless President-Elect Barack Obama!!!

tony   November 4th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

Today a word turned incarnate by the collective effort of all Americans. This act, perpetuates that word further, to all people of all colors, and gives birth to the certainty that only we can give names to our limitations.
All you have to do is believe in that word, Hope.
Yesterday, some hoped that they could be heard, but some could not; as such democracy died.
Today, the silence of yesteryears unequipped with the power of change, seizes and roars a deafening scream of “yes we can” by the cast of our votes.
In casting such votes of hope, we empower tomorrow’s generation with the knowledge that collectively they can manifest change.
Today we have given birth to children’s participation in democracy.
So, tomorrow, while the sun may rise the same way, and we may individually go about our own daily tasks; there will be an undeniable truth,
Hope is real.

Cedric   November 4th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

A VICTORY 4 DEMOCRACY it is. America now is on the verge of a new horizon

Tiff of lithia springs   November 4th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

THANK YOU SENATOR KERRY.

a realist   November 4th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

You know I am curious if all the dead came out and voted for Obama again the same way they did in his race against Hilliary… won't matter too long anyway there are WAY too many crazys in this country just wait till he tries that gun control bs he tried back home… he will learn gun control is using both hands to aim… hello Mr Kenedy version 2… err I mean Oboma lol

S. Boatman   November 4th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

Now We Can All Move Forward!

Meevee   November 4th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

no offense but he would have made a bad president. OBAMA LOVERR!!!

YES IN TEXAS   November 4th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

IT IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR THIS COUNTRY TO COME TOGETHER AS ONE PEOPLE AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

DOLLORBIL   November 4th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA

tanecia   November 4th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

God Bless America. Barack Obama/Biden 2008

Denise Groves   November 4th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

omg!! i AM SO grateful the good Lord allowed me to live to see this day! What a historic occasion! A black man will be POTUS!! I am so happy! I will not be able to sleep tonight!

joe the plumber   November 4th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

I'm disapointed in americans for supporting a candidate based on nothing more than unachieveable lies. Hopefully by January we can have Bidden ready to take over the presidency.

Veronica   November 4th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Beautifully done Kerry!

David S.   November 4th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

I hope the "new" America he is referring to is not socialism. Personally I am worried about this change of direction but glad Bush will be gone.

TATANKA   November 4th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS BARACK OBAMA.

Southerner   November 4th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Tonight, a new nightmare is born.

soloobama08   November 4th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

WE SET THE BAR HIGH> THE USA IS AN EXAMPLE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. UNITED WE STAND.

No Hillary = No Obama   November 4th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

More hype.

Holly   November 4th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

It is not so much his race that is an issue but more like his policies. Making history is not as important when larger issues are at stake. I think America seriously got this one wrong.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 4th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

God Bless President -elect Obama.

From TX   November 4th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Kerry is dreaming. That is a scary thought.

Prophecy is Fullfilled.   November 4th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Never doubt the Bible again… It is really happening here and now:

.. “And in the land shall rise the son of Cain.” From the north The Deceiver[Palin], a known Beast of false witness; will take the mark of Cain.
Together they seek to spread fear and invoke hate among the refugees of sin.
In their quest for power they will ignore the light of truth shining on the deeds and words they proclaim.
But take heart, for throughout the land the seekers of light shall rise up and not be fooled. With their strength, the mark [Cain] will be cleansed from the earth and no longer hold power to sway the blind.

Can I get an amen…? :)

Citizen   November 4th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Yes we can.

Walt   November 4th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Well said Brother Kerry, well said.

Brad   November 4th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

He will also be the first president elect to give an interview via hologram.

YES IN TEXAS   November 4th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

IT IS FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!

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