President O: Triumphant Chicago Mob Welcomes President-Elect

CHICAGO—In the end, it was Barack Obama by a mile.

With a comprehensive victory over John McCain that included solid wins in traditional Republican strongholds, the Obama campaign emphatically ended the era of George W. Bush and prepared to take power armed with a mandate for change.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time," Mr. Obama said from a flag-adorned stage in front of tens of thousands of euphoric supporters here in Grant Park, "tonight is your answer."

Before Mr. Obama's declaration of victory, and John McCain's concession of defeat, Mr. Obama's closest allies were already heralding the dawning of a new political era.

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