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 Â '' 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
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- 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 Â '' `` 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