President Obama's Full Acceptance Speech

— -- Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny to perfect our union moves forward. (Applause) It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that triumphs over war an depression. The spirit that has lifted the spirit from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope. The belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams we are an American family and we will rise and fall as one nation, and as one people. (Applause)

Tonight in this election you the American people reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come. (Applause) I want to thank every American who participated in this election. Whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time; by the way we have to fix that. (Applause) Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone. Whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign your voice was heard and you made a difference.

I just spoke Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Congressman Ryan on a hard fought campaign. We may have battled fiercely, but it is only because we love this country deeply and we care so much about its future. From George and Lenore, to their son Mitt – the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through their public service and that is a legacy that we honor and applaud tonight.

In the weeks ahead I also look forward to sitting down with governor Romney to figure out where we can work together to move this country forward. I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, Americas "happy warrior" the best Vice President you could hope for; Joe Biden. (Applause)

And I wouldn't be the man today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago; let me say this publicly Michelle I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you too as our nation's first lady. Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you're growing up to become two smart, beautiful young women just like your mom. (Applause) And I am so proud of you guys; but I will say for now one dog is probably enough.

Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes, you're growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women just like your mom *cheers* and I'm so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog Is probably enough *laughs*. To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics *cheers* the best, the best ever. Some of you were new this time around and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning *cheers* but all of you are family, no matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together and you will have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful president.