Obama: 'Yes, we can'

CHICAGO, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama, basking in the wonder of supporters in Chicago, told the United States and the world Tuesday that "change has come to America."

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," said the first African-American elected U.S. president.

Obama defeated Sen. John McCain of Arizona in a long and hard-fought campaign.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America," Obama told the 125,000-plus crowd at Grant Park in Chicago.

Obama praised McCain for the campaign he ran, saying his opponent waged a tough campaign and "fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. ...We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader."

After thanking his running mate, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, his family and his campaign staff, Obama said: "But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you."

Obama said the challenges facing the nation are great and may not be resolved "in one year or even in one term. ... (But) I promise you, we as a people will get there."

"This is our time," Obama said in closing. "to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one ... . And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."