Menu
04/11/2004
Divided America urged to unite behind Bush presidency
After the bitter presidential campaign battle, one that cleaved the US Janus-like into coastal Democrats versus Mid-West/southern Republicans, George Bush has issued a rallying call for all Americans to unite behind his presidency.
In his first speech following the results, President Bush began by paying tribute to his "very gracious" rival John Kerry, who conceded the race after it became clear that he had lost Ohio – the linchpin for victory in this year's poll.
"Senator Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes," Mr Bush said.
Extending this conciliatory tone to the electorate, Mr Bush directly appealed to Democrat voters for their support over the next four years.
"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. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust," he said.
"A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America."
He also spoke of the need for "good allies at our side" to secure freedom and peace in the face of terrorism.
It was an election for the record books – the largest-ever plebiscite; the largest-ever vote for a winning candidate; the largest-ever vote for a sitting president. And with 57 million votes in the bag, Tuesday's poll gave Mr Bush control of the senate and the House of Representatives.
There is also the possibility that President Bush could rebalance the Supreme Court, as the age of the panel, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist's thyroid cancer diagnosis, could mean new appointments to the nine-member panel will open up in the second term.
Giving a flavour of what his second term will bring, Mr Bush pledged to help emerging democracies and "uphold our deepest values of family and faith". He also highlighted the economy, public schools, social security, and tax code reform as priorities for the incoming administration.
Assessing his first term – "four historic years" – Mr Bush said: "Our people have restored the vigour of this economy, and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy, and honour to America. Our nation has defended itself, and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward."
He went on to thank Republican voters for their hugs, prayers and incredible work in the campaign.
(gmcg/sp)
In his first speech following the results, President Bush began by paying tribute to his "very gracious" rival John Kerry, who conceded the race after it became clear that he had lost Ohio – the linchpin for victory in this year's poll.
"Senator Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes," Mr Bush said.
Extending this conciliatory tone to the electorate, Mr Bush directly appealed to Democrat voters for their support over the next four years.
"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. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust," he said.
"A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America."
He also spoke of the need for "good allies at our side" to secure freedom and peace in the face of terrorism.
It was an election for the record books – the largest-ever plebiscite; the largest-ever vote for a winning candidate; the largest-ever vote for a sitting president. And with 57 million votes in the bag, Tuesday's poll gave Mr Bush control of the senate and the House of Representatives.
There is also the possibility that President Bush could rebalance the Supreme Court, as the age of the panel, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist's thyroid cancer diagnosis, could mean new appointments to the nine-member panel will open up in the second term.
Giving a flavour of what his second term will bring, Mr Bush pledged to help emerging democracies and "uphold our deepest values of family and faith". He also highlighted the economy, public schools, social security, and tax code reform as priorities for the incoming administration.
Assessing his first term – "four historic years" – Mr Bush said: "Our people have restored the vigour of this economy, and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy, and honour to America. Our nation has defended itself, and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward."
He went on to thank Republican voters for their hugs, prayers and incredible work in the campaign.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 October 2009
Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
07 July 2005
World leaders unite in condemnation of London attacks
World leaders attending the G8 summit at Gleneagles have united in condemnation of the terror attacks in London on Thursday morning. Prime Minister Tony Blair read a joint statement from the leaders before he left the summit to return to the capital. The statement said: “We condemn utterly these barbaric attacks.
World leaders unite in condemnation of London attacks
World leaders attending the G8 summit at Gleneagles have united in condemnation of the terror attacks in London on Thursday morning. Prime Minister Tony Blair read a joint statement from the leaders before he left the summit to return to the capital. The statement said: “We condemn utterly these barbaric attacks.
11 April 2003
Blair and Bush broadcast Iraqi freedom message
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the people of Iraq that a “new and better future beckons” for their country. Mr Blair's message was carried via 'Towards Freedom TV', which was broadcast with Arabic subtitles direct to the people of Iraq from an airborne transmitter flying over Baghdad.
Blair and Bush broadcast Iraqi freedom message
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the people of Iraq that a “new and better future beckons” for their country. Mr Blair's message was carried via 'Towards Freedom TV', which was broadcast with Arabic subtitles direct to the people of Iraq from an airborne transmitter flying over Baghdad.
03 November 2004
Bush wins second White House term
George W Bush has won a second term at the White House following his Democratic rival's decision to concede defeat this afternoon. It was as close as the polls suggested it might be, but by late afternoon John Kerry conceded defeat after he lost all hope of winning the key state of Ohio.
Bush wins second White House term
George W Bush has won a second term at the White House following his Democratic rival's decision to concede defeat this afternoon. It was as close as the polls suggested it might be, but by late afternoon John Kerry conceded defeat after he lost all hope of winning the key state of Ohio.
08 December 2006
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
