In an electoral college landslide, Bill Clinton defeated George Bush and Ross Perot yesterday to become the 42nd president of the United States.

Clinton led in states totaling 365 electoral votes, while Bush trailed with 173. Of the popular vote, Clinton received 43 percent, Bush 38 percent and Perot 19 percent, with 84 percent of all precincts reporting.

In his victory speech in Little Rock, Ark., Clinton said that "in massive numbers, the American people have voted to make a new beginning." Turnout for yesterday's election was over 100 million, a record high.

"This election is a clarion call for our country to face the challenges of the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the next century," Clinton said.

Clinton's voice cracked as he spoke, as much from exhaustion and his chronic voice fatigue as from emotion.

Clinton thanked both his opponents, praising Perot for demonstrating the "need to reform the political system," and Bush for his efforts in the White House.

"I want all of you to join with me tonight in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to President Bush for his lifetime of public service," Clinton said.

Bush, flanked by wife Barbara, White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker III and other aides and supporters, conceded defeat just after 11 p.m. EST from a Houston hotel.

"The people have spoken," Bush said just after West Coast polls closed. "We respect the majesty of the democratic system."

"[Clinton] did run a strong campaign," Bush said. "I wish him well in the White House." Later, Bush asked Americans "to stand behind our new president."

Bush promised to work with Clinton to ensure a "smooth transition" of power.

Independent candidate Ross Perot conceded even before Bush did, heralding his popular vote total of almost 20 percent as an important message for the nation's leaders.

"We're sending Washington a laser-light message to listen to the people," Perot said in Dallas. "You have changed this country through your massive efforts."

When Perot mentioned Clinton and the crowd booed, the billionaire chastised his supporters, urging them to give the president-elect "a big round of applause."

Perot--who took third in every state--cast himself as the people's grain of sand, saying "I hope we can work together to make pearls in the future."