US President Barack Obama elected to second term

(Vatican Radio) US President Barack Obama has won a second term in office. Addressing the nation with a speech after receiving the concession of his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, President Obama said, “I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead.” The President also spoke of the need to repair the national discourse. “The recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won't end all the gridlock or solve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus and making the difficult compromises needed to move this country forward,” he said, adding, “that common bond is where we must begin.” Listen to our report:

Romney conceded to his opponent in a phone call before speaking to his supporters in Boston. In his concession speech, Romney described the conversation and renewed his congratulations, saying, “[President Obama’s] supporters and his campaign also deserve congratulations.” Romeny added, “I wish all of them well, but particularly the president, the first lady and their daughters.” Romney also called for an end to divisive partisanship. “The nation, as you know, is at a critical point,” said Romney, adding, “[a]t a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing.” Romney went on to say, “Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work.” The defeated Romney also praised the President, saying, “This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation.”

In the legislature, Democrats extended their control of the Senate, while the Republican Party retained control of the House of Representatives.