We spent so much time going round telling them to get out there and vote

"We spent so much time going round telling them to get out there and vote. Now they ask us what's the point if they don't get counted?"There was one thing, however, all were agreed on - the new President would get the support of the people. Americans are nothing if not adept to rallying round the flag even if through gritted teeth.. Thank you very much. Good evening my fellow Americans, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight Mr Speaker, Lt Governor, friends, distinguished guests Thank you very much.

Good evening my fellow Americans, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight Mr Speaker, Lt. Governor, friends, distinguished guests. Our country has been through a long and trying period, with the outcome of the presidential election not finalized for longer than any of us could have ever imagined. Vice President Gore and I put our hearts and hopes into our campaigns; we both gave it our all. We shared similar emotions.I understand how difficult this moment must be for Vice President Gore and his family. He has a distinguished record of service to our country as a congressman, a senator and as vice president.This evening I received a gracious call from the vice president. We agreed to meet early next week in Washington and we agreed to do our best to heal our country after this hard fought contest.Tonight, I want to thank all the volunteers and campaign workers who worked so hard on my behalf, I also salute the vice president and his supporters for waging a spirited campaign and I thank him for a call that I know was difficult to make.Laura and I wish the vice president and Senator Lieberman and their families the very best I have a lot to be thankful for tonight. I am thankful for America and thankful that we are able to resolve our electoral differences in a peaceful way.And I am thankful to the American people for the great privilege of being able to serve as your next president I want to thank my wife and our daughters for their love.

Laura's active involvement as first lady has made Texas a better place, and she will be a wonderful first lady for America.I am proud to have Dick Cheney by my side, and America will be proud to have him as our next vice president. Tonight, I chose to speak from the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives because it has been a home to bipartisan cooperation.Here, in a place where Democrats have the majority, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to do what is right for the people we represent. We've had spirited disagreements, and in the end, we found constructive consensus. It is an experience I will always carry with me, an example I will always follow.I thank my friend, House Speaker Pete Laney, a Democrat, who introduced me today.

I want to thank the legislators of both political parties with whom I worked. Across the hall in our Texas Capitol is the State Senate, and I cannot help but think of our mutual friend, the former Democrat Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. His love for Texas and his ability to work in a bipartisan way continue to be a model for all of us.The spirit of cooperation I have seen in this hall is what is needed in Washington It is the challenge of our moment. After a difficult election, we must put politics behind us and work together to make the promise of America available for every one of our citizens.I'm optimistic that we can change the tone in Washington, D.C.

I believe things happen for a reason, and I hope the long wait of the last five weeks will heighten a desire to move beyond the bitterness and partisanship of the recent past.Our nation must rise above a house divided. Americans share hopes and goals and values far more important than any political disagreements Republicans want the best for our nation And so do Democrats. Our votes may differ, but not our hopes.I know America wants reconciliation and unity I know Americans want progress And we must seize this moment and deliver. Together, guided by a spirit of common sense, common courtesy and common goals, we can unite and inspire the American citizens.Together, we will work to make all our public schools excellent, teaching every student of every background and every accent, so that no child is left behind.