WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush late on Tuesday telephoned his apparent successor, Democrat Barack Obama, to congratulate him on his 'awesome night', according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

'Mr President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride,' she quoted Mr Bush as telling Mr Obama.

'I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself,' Mr Bush told Mr Obama, she said.

Mr Bush, who was to make a public statement on the outcome of the 2008 vote at 10.40am (11.40pm Singapore time) Wednesday, also reached out to defeated Republican White House hopeful John McCain, the spokeswoman said.

'John, you gave it your all. I?m proud of you, and I?m sorry it didn?t work out. You didn?t leave anything on the playing field,' she quoted him as telling the Arizona senator.

Mr Bush also praised Mr McCain's 'fabulous and very classy' concession statement and sent his best to Cindy McCain, the candidate?s wife,' said Ms Perino.