( CNN ) -- Barack Obama told supporters that `` change has come to America '' as he claimed victory in a historic presidential election . Sen. Barack Obama addresses a crowd of 125,000 people in Chicago , Illinois . `` 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 , '' Obama said in Chicago , Illinois , before an estimated crowd of up to 240,000 people . With Obama 's projected win , he will become the first African-American to win the White House . Obama had an overwhelming victory over Sen. John McCain , who pledged Tuesday night to help Obama lead . Watch Obama pay tribute to McCain » . `` Today , I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much , and tonight , I remain her servant , '' McCain said . McCain called Obama to congratulate him , and Obama told the Arizona senator he was eager to sit down and talk about how the two of them can work together . President Bush also called Obama to offer his congratulations . 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 . Obama will be working with a heavily Democratic Congress . Democrats picked up Senate seats in New Hampshire , New Jersey , North Carolina and Virginia , among others . Read about the Senate races . `` While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight , we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress , '' Obama said . Watch more on the balance of power » . Flanked by American flags , Obama told the roaring crowd , `` This is your victory . '' `` To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote , but I hear your voices , I need your help , and I will be your president too , '' he said . Watch Obama tell voters 'all things are possible ' » . Supporters in Chicago cheering , `` Yes , we can '' were met with cries of `` Yes , we did . '' More than 1,000 people gathered outside of the White House , chanting `` Obama , Obama ! '' Sen. Hillary Clinton , Obama 's former rival for the Democratic nomination , said in a statement that `` we are celebrating an historic victory for the American people . '' iReport.com : Share your Election Day reaction with CNN . `` 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 . '' Sen. Ted Kennedy said Americans `` spoke loud and clear '' in electing Obama . `` They understood his vision of a fairer and more just America and embraced it . They heard his call for a new generation of Americans to participate in government and were inspired . They believed that change is possible and voted to be part of America 's future , '' the Massachusetts senator said in a statement . As results came in Tuesday night , Obama picked up early wins in Pennsylvania and Ohio -- states considered must-wins for McCain . Obama also won Virginia , a state that has not voted for a Democratic president since 1964 . Going into the election , national polls showed Obama with an 8-point lead . Voters expressed excitement and pride in their country after casting their ballots in the historic election . Poll workers reported high turnout across many parts of the country , and some voters waited hours to cast their ballots . Read about election problems . Tuesday marks the end of the longest presidential campaign season in U.S. history -- 21 months . Obama , 47 , will now begin his transition to the White House . He will be sworn in at the 44th president on January 20 , 2009 .
NEW : This means the product will ship as received by the manufacturer, sealed, with all advertised components, and with the manufacturer warranty. `` Change has come to America '' NEW : Sen. John McCain congratulates Sen. Barack Obama . Obama will be working with heavily Democratic Congress . He will be inaugurated on January 20 , 2009 .