We began this journey in the depths of winter nearly two years ago, on
the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. I knew that
the size of our challenges had outgrown the smallness of our politics.
I believed that Democrats and Republicans and Americans of every political
stripe were hungry for new ideas and new leadership, and a new kind of
politics. Twenty-one months later, we’ve come so far. We’ve come so close...because
of you. That’s why we cannot afford to slow down or sit back. We cannot
let up for one day or one minute or one second in this last week. Not now.
Not when there’s so much at stake. I ask of you what’s been asked of Americans
throughout our history.... I ask you to believe - not just in my ability
to bring about change, but you. I know this change is possible. Because
I've seen it. I’ve seen it over the last twenty-one months. I have had
the privilege to witness what is best in America. I've seen it in the lines
of voters that stretched around schools and churches...in the young people
who cast their ballots for the very first time, and those not-so-young
folks who got involved again after a very long time. I've seen it in the
faces of the men and women I've met at countless rallies and town halls
across the country...men and women who speak of their struggles but also
of their hopes; of their dreams. Hope! What led those who couldn't vote
to march and organize and stand for freedom...that led them to cry out,
It may look dark tonight, but if I hold on to hope, tomorrow will be brighter.
That's what this election is about. That’s the choice we face right now.
Don't believe for a second this election’s over. Don't think for a minute
that power concedes. We have a lot of work to do. We have to work like
our future depends on it in this last week, because it does depend on it
this week. We can choose hope over fear, and unity over division; the promise
of change over the power of the status quo. We can come together as one
nation, and one people, and once more choose our better history. That's
what's at stake. That's what we're fighting for. And if in this last week,
you will knock on some doors for me...and make some calls for me, and talk
to your neighbors, and convince your friends...if you will stand with me,
and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you - we will
win this general election...and together, we’ll change this country and
we will change the world. God bless you, God bless the United States of
America. Let’s get to work!