A tired challenger concedes

11/03/04In his own words, John Kerry arrived at Boston's Faneuil Hall this afternoon "a little bit late and a little bit short." The Massachusetts senator returned to the site where he started his presidential campaign to publicly concede his defeat to George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election.

"It was a privilege and a gift to travel this great country and come to know you," Kerry told supporters filling the hall and viewers watching live on television. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart." He extended specific thanks to his running mate, Sen. John Edwards; his family; and his campaign staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the past several months.

Although faced with a loss, Kerry urged his supporters, "Don't lose faith. What you did made a difference, and building on itself we go on to make a difference another day. I promise you that day will come."

Kerry talked about the importance of voting, and thanked all Americans-Democrats, Republican and Independents-- for casting ballots for what they believe it. "In an American election there are no losers because whether or not the candidates are successful, we all wake up in the morning as Americans."

But Kerry hinted at the bitterness in the closely fought election, speaking of a country that is "in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion." He said hopes President Bush will advance those ideas in the future, and continue efforts to get Americans back to work and strengthen the economy.

He ended his brief speech with what he called a simple prayer: "God Bless America."