CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 06: U.S. President Barack Obama walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia to deliver his victory speech on election night at McCormick Place November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama won reelection against Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. (Credit: Getty Images)
President Barack Obama delivered his victory speech to thousands of rowdy supporters shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday morning following his decisive win over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Greeted by a roaring crowd, Obama said: "Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward."
"Tonight in this election you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come," the president added.
Obama expressed his gratitude for all voters, saying regardless of who they voted for they made their voices heard. The president rolled to a second term over Romney, winning more than 300 electoral votes.
Obama says he wants to meet with Republican rival Mitt Romney to discuss how they can work together. He says they may have "battled fiercely, but it's only because we love this country deeply."
Obama also thanked his running mate Vice President Joe Biden, who the president called the "best" VP to ever hold office.
"Thank you for believing all the way," he told supporters. "You lifted me up the whole way and I will always be grateful for everything you have done and all the incredible work you have put in."
"Tonight, you voted for action – not politics as usual," said Obama. "We've got more work to do."
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 06: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers his victory speech after being reelected for a second term at McCormick Place November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama won reelection against Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. (Credit: Getty Images)
President Barack Obama hugs his wife Michelle and daughter Sasha as daughter Malia, left, looks on before speaking at his election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (Credit: AP)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 06: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers his victory speech after being reelected for a second term at McCormick Place November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama won reelection against Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. (Credit: Getty Images)
"I have never been more hopeful about our future. I have never been more hopeful about America," Obama proclaimed.
Very much like his victory speech in 2008, Obama promised to fix the economy, create new jobs and fight for equality for all.
Romney telephoned the president and congratulated him before he spoke to disappointed supporters in Boston. In a graceful concession, he summoned all Americans to pray for Obama and urged the night's political winners to put partisan bickering aside and "reach across the aisle" to tackle the nation's problems.
Watch Obama's entire victory speech below:
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
