President Obama captivated a crowd of supporters at his Chicago headquarters, and millions of viewers around the world, as he delivered a powerful and impassioned victory speech praising his family and supporters after securing the US presidency for a second term.
First Lady Michelle and the couple’s daughters Sasha and Malia joined the president on stage to an explosive reception as Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, sealed delivered, I’m yours,’ blasted through the stadium.
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Obama’s calm words captivated the boisterous audience instantly, as his family left him on stage and he commenced his address by thanking Americans who helped him claim victory, and thanked voters for believing in him.
But the highest praise went to the president’s greatest supporters, his wife and daughters.
“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me twenty years ago,” he said as cheers erupted for the First Lady.
“Michelle, I have never loved you more, and I have never been prouder than to watch our country fall in love with you, too, as our nation’s First Lady.”
“Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you’re growing up become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mum.”
He did deliver one piece of bad news to the family though.
“I will say that, for now, one dog’s probably enough,” he joked.
The cheering audience also earned their fair share of praise from the president as he acknowledged his supporters as part of America’s ‘family’ as well.
“All of you are family,” he said.
“We are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people.
“Thank you for believing all the way. You lifted me up the whole way, and I will always be grateful.”
Obama’s rousing address followed Republican hopeful Mitt Romney’s gracious concession speech, in which he congratulated the President, and thanked his own family.
“I have just called President Obama to congratulate him on his victory,” he said.
“I wish all of them well, but particularly the president, the First Lady and their daughters.
“I also want to thank Ann, the love of my life. She would have been a wonderful first lady.”
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“Together with your help and God’s grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on earth,” Obama said as he wound up his speech to raucous applause.
“Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless the United States.”