It’s the answer that led those who’ve been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. 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.

　　诸疑既释，则冷彻者可得激情，忧惧者可得勇气，犹疑者可得笃定。平生襟抱，虽屡遭辱没，然值此风云之际，鼎新革故，当仁不让，倾力而动乾坤者，吾侪之外，更何人哉!俟望诚久，其志弥坚。幸天地明察，乃有今日，乃有此刻，乃有此一选举——吾邦之大变革，乃自兹而始!

　　A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain. Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he’s fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they’ve achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

　　顷接参议员麦君凯恩电，虽未得晤，幸有一谈，其言谆谆，其意诚诚，鄙人感佩甚矣。选战期内，麦君劳碌几重，奔波几许，皆为国家计。夙夜劬心，诸般求索，非余所能及。其于国于民之惊人牺牲，亦诚非庸庸如吾辈者所可想见。以麦君之胆魄襟怀，能为吾邦所用，实国家之幸，万民之幸也。前途漫漫，国事未定，余所盼切由衷者，唯共麦凯恩君、佩林君，及诸贤士比肩，会吾等之绵力，成吾邦之大业。

　　I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.