Nov 5, 2008 2:19 pm US/Eastern
Crist Congratulates President-elect Barack Obama
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
-
-
Charlie Crist
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who was once on the short list of candidates to join Senator John McCain as his vice-presidential nominee, has issued his first statement congratulating President-elect Barack Obama's victory.
"I congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his historic victory. Our nations democracy is a shining example admired throughout the world for its ability to peacefully transition from one leader to another," Crist said in a prepared statement.
"Now that the people of Florida and our nation have spoken, it is time for our nation to unite behind President-elect Obama with one purpose – to strengthen our economy and increase opportunity for all Americans," Crist continued. "It is amazing what we can achieve when we keep our focus on those who really matter – the people we serve – and not on worrying about those who should get the credit."
Crist's statement mirrored the call for bipartisanship President-elect Obama made during his acceptance speech on Tuesday night.
"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long," Obama said.
"While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divide than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends, though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.' And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Burned Teen's Family Staying Positive
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
