'Change has come to America'

'Change has come to America'. These were the words uttered by Barack Obama as he addressed the United States for the first time as the president-elect.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

"I promise you - we as a people will get there," he said at a victory rally in Chicago which was telecasted live around the world.

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

"But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand."

The police estimated that 125,000 people gathered in Grant Park to hear Obama claim victory.

Message to the world

He has a message for those listening to his speech outside of United States.

"To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you.

"And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."

Meanwhile, Obama also told the jubilant crowd that he was looking forward to working with Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin "to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead."

Earlier, McCain had urged all Americans to join him in congratulating Obama on his projected victory in the presidential election.

"I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face," McCain said before his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much, and tonight, I remain her servant," he said.

Bush calls to congratulate

McCain called Obama to congratulate him, Obama's campaign said. The latter thanked McCain for his graciousness and said he had waged a tough race.

President George W Bush also called Obama to congratulate him.

Bush told Obama he was about to begin one of the great journeys of his life, and invited him to visit the White House as soon as it could be arranged, according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

With his projected win, Obama will become the nation's 44th president and its first African-American leader.

Supporters in Chicago cheering, "Yes, we can" were met with cries of "Yes, we did."

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people gathered outside of the White House in Washington DC, chanting, "Obama, Obama!"

Obama's former rival for the Democratic nomination, Senator Hillary Clinton said in a statement that "we are celebrating an historic victory for the American people."

"This was a long and hard fought campaign but the result was well worth the wait. Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, vice-president Joe Biden, and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world."

Transcript of Obama's victory speech in Chicago