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Kerry concedes, Bush wins, the next four years begins:
- Kerry’s decision was relayed to NBC News by a senior adviser, who said the senator had phoned Bush to concede and would make a concession speech at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
According to two officials familiar with the situation interviewed by the Associated Press, Kerry ended his quest shortly after 11 a.m. ET, concluding one of the most expensive and bitterly contested races on record, with a call to the president.
“Congratulations, Mr. President,” Kerry said in the conversation described by sources as lasting less than five minutes. One of the sources was Republican, the other a Democrat.
The Democratic source said Bush called Kerry a worthy, tough and honorable opponent. Kerry told Bush the country was too divided, the source said, and Bush agreed. “We really have to do something about it,” Kerry said according to the Democratic official. [MSNBC]
I like John Kerry and wish him well – I have no doubt he would have served ably as president, but it is not to be. I’ m glad Bush agrees the nation is too polarized, and I hope he has the balls and grace to do something about it.
