we may have battled fiercely, but it's only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. from george to lenore to their son mitt, the romney family has chose tone give back to americans through public service. that is their legacy that we honor and applaud tonight. [cheering] >> word also that governor romney spoke by phone with the president to congratulate him on the victory. then the former g.o.p. challenger graciously accepted defeat before a crowd of his own supporters, that were gathered outside his campaign headquarters in boston. >> i have just called president obama to congratulate him on his victory, his supporters and his campaign also deserve congratulations. i wish all of them well. but particularly the president, the first lady and their daughters. this is a time of great challenges for america.