I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,” McCain said before his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona. “Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much, and tonight, I remain her servant,” he said. McCain’s running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, was standing with him, but she did not speak. McCain called Obama to congratulate him, Obama’s campaign said. Obama thanked McCain for his graciousness and said he had waged a tough race. President Bush also called Obama to congratulate him. With his projected win, Obama will become the nation’s 44th president and its first African-American leader. Obama will address the country from a rally in Chicago, Illinois, at midnight. Supporters in Chicago cheering, “Yes, we can” were met with cries of “Yes, we did.” Obama’s former rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton said in a statement that “we are celebrating an historic victory for the American people.” “This was a long and hard fought campaign but the result was well worth the wait. Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world.
– McCain pledges to help Obama lead - CNN.com
