Bush: 'God bless whoever wins tonight'

President Bush, joined by friends and family for an Election Night dinner in the White House, toasted the candidates who would succeed him, saying "May God bless whoever wins tonight."

 

White House press secretary Dana Perino said Bush, first lady Laura Bush, who is celebrating a birthday Tuesday, and members of the senior staff will monitor the results from the residence.

"The president believes tonight is a night to appreciate the strength of our country and our democracy, as citizens from all over the country exercised their right to vote today, after a historic campaign," Perino said in an e-mail.

Perino reiterated that Bush remains committed to a "smooth" transition regardless of whether Republican John McCain or Democrat Barack Obama wins Tuesday night.

"The president is committed to a transition that is as smooth as possible, a process that has been under way for many months, and as soon as we have a president-elect we’ll be able to do even more on that front," Perino said.

The dinner was a birthday celebration for the first lady that included some of her favorite dishes "and a coconut birthday cake." The president gave his wife earrings as a gift.