After Tense Wait, Bush Claims Presidency

WASHINGTON, D.C.—After a night of uncertainty, President George W. Bush greeted supporters yesterday afternoon, declaring victory in a speech that reached out for Democratic support even as it pledged to stay the course on divisive issues such as tax cuts, Social Security reform, and the war on terror.

“America has spoken, and I’m humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens,” Bush told hundreds of supporters gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center here. “Our nation has defended itself and served the freedom of all mankind. I’m proud to lead such an amazing country, and I’m proud to lead it forward.”

At the end of the brief speech, Bush called on a polarized electorate to unite behind him.

“Today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent,” Bush said. “I will do all I can to deserve your trust.”

Bush led the race with 274 Electoral College votes as of last night, compared to 252 for Kerry. New Mexico and Iowa remained too close to call.

President Bush’s belated but triumphal arrival at the Reagan Building was greeted with wild cheers and applause, as sleep-deprived supporters let off one last burst of energy after an emotional and exhausting Election Night.

Many attendees, some of whom had not slept since Tuesday morning, had been expecting to see the president speak sooner. Hundreds of supporters remained at the Reagan Building until dawn yesterday morning, buoyed by rumors of an impending speech and energized by an all-but-official victory for their candidate. One announcer even teased the audience at 3:00 a.m., promising “one more guest speaker.”

But in deference to Kerry’s early morning decision to delay his concession, Bush opted to put off an official declaration of victory. The gathered throngs would have to wait a few more hours before seeing their candidate crowned.

“I left here at 6 a.m. and got back around noon to see the president,” said Erin O’Connor, co-chair of Georgetown Students For Bush. “[The speech] was very, very impressive. He was very gracious,” she added.

“I think it was an exciting event, one that laid out a positive and optimistic vision for the country’s future,” Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told The Crimson. “The president did an excellent job.”

“It was well worth the wait,” said Allison Henry, a Bush staffer.

But some Election Night guests never got the chance to see the man they had come to celebrate. Several dozen eager supporters found themselves locked out of the main hall of the Reagan Building yesterday afternoon, barred by security guards who said the event was at full capacity.

“Sorry, we’re full,” one beleaguered guard told a group of frustrated supporters, many waving their credentials from the night before.

Craig Rodgers, a freshman at American University, said he was disappointed he didn’t get to see Bush in person, but remained excited about the results.

“I know he’s speaking and that makes me happy,” Rodgers said.

“It kinda sucks, but what can you do?” shrugged Faith Sleeper, a senior at American University, as she stood beside a group of security guards. Sleeper spent Election Night watching returns and munching on elephant-shaped cookies with other Republicans on her campus. Following Bush’s remarks, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and other high-ranking Republican officials walked through a row of cheering onlookers as they exited the building.

“Bush says what he means and means what he says. I love the man and what he represents,” said one enthused guest, boxing promoter Don King.

Clad in a pinstripe suit with checkered sneakers and an “America’s First Family” pin, King described himself as a “personal friend” of Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie. But what was the maestro behind Mike Tyson doing at a political event?

“Boxing is an inherent part of those who can participate in freedom,” King told The Crimson. He added, “Those who supported George Walker Bush spoke out loud and clear in a very mandate type of voice.”

—Staff writer Michael M. Grynbaum can be reached at grynbaum@fas.harvard.edu.