Earlier this afternoon, I participated in the National Press Club’s Luncheon which featured both DNC Chair Howard Dean and myself.  We both gave remarks regarding the outcome of the election and took questions from both press and attending guests.

I spoke on how America has finally realized a vision of a color-blind society that was first inspired the Republican Party into being on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday.  I noted that our vice-presidential nominee – Sarah Palin – received more votes than any woman in American history.  In all, with Barack Obama’s promises to cut taxes, merit pay for public school teachers, and renewed offshore drilling, I would say he simply ran the most successful moderate Republican presidential campaign since Dwight Eisenhower. 

In reflection, what has changed since 2004 is not the national philosophy, but the national mood.  President-elect Obama leads a center-left party, but he must now govern a center-right nation.

Last night I attended the RNC Election Night Party where I watched the election returns come in with our staff and volunteers.  Though we fell short of our goal of retaining the White House in a very difficult political environment, I’m grateful for the strong efforts that everyone made on our Party’s behalf.

As Chairman, I’m confident our Party will be back stronger than ever in elections to come as we work to promote policies that make America safer and more prosperous.  I look forward to continuing our work together and rebuilding our Party to meet the challenges ahead.