Richard Gephardt: “let me say to the ladies and gentleman of the House that I first want to thank my Democratic colleagues for their…”

“let me say to the ladies and gentleman of the House that I first want to thank my Democratic colleagues for their support and their confidence. I noted we were a little short, but I appreciate your friendship and your support. As you might imagine, this is not a moment that I had been waiting for. When you carry the mantle of progress, there is precious little glory in defeat. But sometimes we spend so much time lionizing the winners and labeling the losers, we lose sight of the victory we all share in this crown jewel of democracy. You see, Mr. Speaker, this is a day to celebrate a power that belongs not to any political party, but to the people, no matter the margin, no matter the majority. All across the world, from Bosnia to Chechnya to South Africa, people lay down their lives for the kind of voice we take for granted. Too often the transfer of power is an act of pain and carnage, not one as we see today of peace and decency. But here in the House of Representatives, for 219 years, longer than any democracy in the world, we heed the people's voice with peace and civility and respect. Each and every day, on this very floor, we echo the hopes and dreams of our people, their fears and their failures, their abiding belief in a better America. We may not all agree with today's changing of the guard. We may not all like it, but we enact the people's will with dignity and honor and pride.”