US must heal its divisions
2004-11-03 22:45
Boston - Defeated Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry on Wednesday
said America must begin "healing" dangerous divisions, after
conceding defeat in the US election to President George W Bush.
Kerry said he and Bush had spoken about the danger of divisions
cleaving US society when he called the president to congratulate
him on winning a second term in office.
"I hope that we can begin the healing," Kerry said, in a formal
concession speech in his home city of Boston.
"In America it is vital that every vote count, and that every
vote be counted.
"But the outcome should be decided by voters, not a
protracted legal process.
"I would not give up this fight if there
was a chance that we would prevail.
"But it is now clear that even
when all the provisional ballots are counted, which they will be,
there won't be enough outstanding votes for us to be able to win
Ohio.
And therefore, we cannot win this election," Kerry added.
Kerry, often seen as aloof and distant on the campaign trail,
appeared deeply moved, and his voice cracked with emotion as he
thanked the thousands of local operatives who worked for his
campaign.
"I wish I could just wrap you in my arms and embrace each and
every one of you individually all across this nation, I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank
you."
Kerry was greeted by cheers and a standing ovation from
supporters packed into the historic hall, after arriving for the
speech delivered just an hour before Bush was due to make his
victory address in Washington.
- SAPA