Soon as possible so that we can start to heal the divisions of the campaign, and the contest through which we just passed. Almost a century and a half ago, senator Stephen Douglas told abraham lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presidency, part isnt feeling must yield to patriotism. Im with you, mister president , and god bless you. Well, in that same spirit, i say to president elect bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may god bless his stewardship of this country. Neither he nor i anticipated this long and difficult road. Certainly, neither of us wanted it to happen. Yet it came, and now it has ended, resolved, as it must be resolved, through the honored institutions of our democracy. Over the library of on one of our great law schools is inscribed them on, not undermanned but under god and law. That is a ruling principle of american freedom, the source of our democratic liberties. Ive tried to make it my guide throughout this contest, as it has guided americas deliberations of all the complex issues of the past five weeks. Now, the u. S. Supreme court has spoken. Let there be no doubt, while i strongly disagree with the courts decision, i accept it. I accept the fidelity of this outcome, which will be ratified next monday, in the electoral college. And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people, and the strength of our democracy, i offer my concession. I also accept my responsibility, which i will discharge unconditionally, to honor the new president elect and do Everything Possible to help him bring americans together, in fulfillment of the great vision and that our declaration of independence defines, and that our constitution affirms and defends. Let me say how grateful i am to all those who supported me and supported the cause for which we have fought. Tipper and i feel a deep gratitude to joe and hadassah lieberman, who brought passionate high purpose to our partnership, and open new doors, and not just for a campaign, but for our country. This has been an extraordinary election, but one in gods unforeseens pants, this belatedly broken impasse can point us all to a new common ground, for its very closeness can serve to remind us that we are one people with a shared history and a shared destiny. Indeed, that history gives us many examples of contests as hotly debated, as fiercely fought, with their own challenges to the popular will. Other disputes have dragged on for weeks before reaching resolution, and each time, both the victor and vanquished have accepted the result peacefully, and in a spirit of reconciliation. So let it be with us. I know that many of my supporters are disappointed. I am, to. But our disappointment must be overcome by our love of country. And i say to our fellow members of the world community, let no and see this contest as a sign of american weakness. The strength of american democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome. Some have expressed concern that the unusual nature of this election might hamper the next president in the conduct of his office. I do not believe it need be so. President elect bush inherits a nation whose citizens will be ready to assist him in the conduct of his larger responsibilities. I personally will be at his disposal, and i call on all americans, i particularly urge all who stood with us, to unite behind our next president. This is america. Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest has done. And while there will be time enough to the bait our continuing differences, now is a time to recognize that that which unites us is greater than that which devices. While we get hold into not yield our opposing believes, there is a higher duty than the one we owe it to political party. This is america. And we put country before party. We will stand together behind our new president. As for what ill do next, i dont know the answer to that one, yet. Like many of you, im looking forward to spending the holidays with family and old friends. I know spent time in tennessee and then some fences, literally and figuratively. Some have asked whether i have any regrets. And i do have one regret, that i didnt get the chance to stay and fight for the American People over the next four years. Especially for those who need burdens lifted and barriers removed. Especially for those who feel their voices have not been hard. I heard you and i will not forget. Ive seen america in this campaign, and i like when i see. Its worth fighting for and thats a fight on never stop. As for the battle that ends tonight, i do believe, as my father once said, that no matter how hard the laws, defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out. So for me, this Campaign Ends as it began. With the love of tipper and our family, with faith in god and in the country i have been so proud to serve, from vietnam to the vice presidency. And with gratitude, to our truly tireless Campaign Staff and volunteers, including all those who worked so hard in florida for the last 36 days. Now, the political struggle is over, and we turn again to the unending struggle for the common good of all americans, and for those multitudes around the world who look to us for leadership in the cause of freedom. In the words of our great him, america, america, let us crown tsai good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. And now, my friends, in a phrase i wants addressed to others, its time for me to go. Thank you, and goodnight, and god bless america. Weeknights this month we are featuring American History tv programs as a preview of whats available every weekend on cspan 3. Tuesday night, former u. S. Senators, some, none reflects on the cold war, 75 years after it began. Senator none served from 1972 to 1977, as a democrat, from georgia. And, as senate arms Senate Committee from 1980, 17 1995. After leaving the senate, he could find the Nuclear Threat initiative. Senator nun talks about his experience during the cuban missile crisis. The leadership of truman, to george h. W. Bush. Foreign leaders who influenced events during the cold war, as well as the continuing threat of nuclear conflict. Watch tuesday at 8 pm eastern, and enjoy American History tv every weekend, on cspan 3. Next in American History tv, republic and george w. Bush victory speech from december 13th, 2000. A Texas Governor defeated Vice President all go, or in the general election, in one of the highlights contested races in u. S. History. The outcome was not decided until five weeks after voters went to the polls, when the u. S. Supreme court stopped the florida recount. Ultimately a warning the state and electoral votes to the presidency to president bush. This event took place in the texas house of representatives chamber, in often
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