'Proud' Bush declares mandate

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President Bush clinched a second term yesterday after Sen. John Kerry decided against forcing a dramatic political standoff, clearing the way for the Bush team to declare a mandate for four more years.

"America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens," the president told supporters at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington. "I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I am proud to lead it forward."

Mr. Bush also issued an appeal to "every person who voted for my opponent."

"To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support, and I will work to earn it," he said. "A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation."

The speech was delivered shortly after 3 p.m., one hour after Mr. Kerry publicly acknowledged the futility of legal challenges aimed at reversing his loss in the pivotal state of Ohio, where Mr. Bush bested him by 136,483 votes.

"In America, it is vital that every vote count, and that every vote be counted," Mr. Kerry told supporters in Boston. "But the outcome should be decided by voters, not a protracted legal process.

"I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail," he added, after being introduced by his running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.

Mr. Kerry came to this conclusion late yesterday morning and telephoned the president at 11:02 a.m. to convey his congratulations. Mr. Bush took the three-minute call in the Oval Office and praised his foe as "very gracious."

"I think you were an admirable, worthy opponent," Mr. Bush said, according to an aide. "You waged one tough campaign."

He added: "I hope you are proud of the effort you put in. You should be."