Generations of Bushes watch and wait

4.40pm


WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush declared himself upbeat and said he believed he will win re-election on as he watched election returns with his family.

With voting in some states still open, Bush appeared to be trying to encourage the party faithful.

"We're very upbeat, thank you," Bush told reporters. "I believe I will win."

Several generations of Bushes and some family friends were seated on chairs and a sofa in the West Sitting Hall on the second floor of the White House residence, a place reporters are rarely allowed to visit.

Many Republicans are worried that Bush might lose the presidency given the closeness of the vote in several key swing states.

Bush said he felt good about where the election stood and believed the winner would be known on Tuesday night.

"It's going to be an exciting evening," he said.

- REUTERS