Richard Gephardt: “This is a day of celebration for candidates and our families, and it is also a day of celebration of our continuing…”

“This is a day of celebration for candidates and our families, and it is also a day of celebration of our continuing experiment in democracy, which we again have successfully achieved, even in the face of a very close election. What sets America apart is that despite very difficult events, we decide elections by the rule of law, and we have peaceful transitions of power. We hope for a bipartisan atmosphere in this new Congress, and we understand that this requires not just words, but deeds and actions. We know that our differences on issues are heartfelt and real, but I hope the closeness of the margin between our parties in the Congress will be viewed as an opportunity, not a hindrance. This is the people's House, and we are all proud to be part of it. It is not a Republican House; it is not a Democratic House. As a recognition of that principle, it is our hope that in gestures, both small and large, on the part of each of us as individuals and as leaders, we will make that principle a daily reality.”