Some examples from American politicians on how to concede defeat and preserve unity
America has just finished another presidential election. (2020). Here is a collection of brief speeches made by previous defeated candidates conceding defeat. (Source: Internet)
1. Hillary Clinton 2016
“I still believe in America and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power. And we don’t just respect that, we cherish it.”
2. Mitt Romney 2012
“I have just called President Obama to congratulate him on his victory. His supporters and his campaign also deserve congratulations. I wish all of them well, but particularly the president, the first lady and their daughters. I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction. But the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and this great nation.”
3. John McCain 2008
“This is a historic election;and I recognize the special significance it has for African Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight. I’ve always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and the will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation’s reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound. A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt’s invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African American to the Presidency of the United States. I am sorry that we got here a little bit late and a little bit short.”
“Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans; and please believe me when I say:no association has ever meant more to me than that.”
4. John Kerry 2004
“Earlier today, I spoke to President Bush and I offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory. We had a good conversation and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need, the desperate need for unity, for finding the common ground, coming together. Today, I hope that we can begin the healing.”
5. Al Gore 2000
“Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presidency: “Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. I am with you Mr President and God bless you.” Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancour must now be put aside and may God bless his stewardship of this country. Neither he nor I anticipated this long and difficult road. Certainly neither of us wanted it to happen. Yet it came and now it has ended.Resolved as it must be resolved through the honoured institutions of our democracy.”
6. Bob Dole 1996
“I’ve said repeatedly in this campaign that the president is my opponent, not my enemy and I wish him well and I pledge my support and whatever advances the cause of a better America. That’s what the race was about in the first place, a better America as we go into the next century.”
7. George H.W.Bush 1992
“I just called Governor Clinton over in Little Rock and offered my congratulations. He did run a strong campaign. I wish him well in the White House and I want the country to know that our entire administration will work closely with his team to ensure the smooth transition of power. There is important work to be done and America must always come first. So we will get behind this new president and wish him well.”
8. Michael Dukakis 1988
“Just a few minutes ago, I called Vice-President Bush and congratulated him on his victory. And I know I speak for all of you and for all the American people when I say that he will be our president and we’ll work with him. This nation faces major challenges ahead and we must work together.”
9. Walter Mondale 1984
“We rejoice in the freedom of a wonderful people and we accept their verdict. I thank the people of America for hearing my case. My loss tonight does not in any way diminish the worth or the importance of our struggle and I am at peace with the knowledge that I gave it everything I’ve got.”
10. Jimmy Carter 1980
“I have a deep appreciation of the system, however that lets people make a free choice about who will lead them for the next four years. About an hour ago, I called Governor Reagan in California and I told him that I congratulated for a fine victory. I look forward to working closely with him during the next few weeks. We’ll have a very fine transition period. I told him I wanted the best one in history. And I then sent him this telegram and I’ll read it to you: “It is now apparent that the American people have chosen you as the next president. I congratulate you and pledge to you our fullest support and cooperation in bringing about an orderly transition of government in the weeks ahead. My best wishes are with you and your family as you undertake the responsibilities that lie before you and I signed it: Jimmy Carter.”
“The people of the United States have made their choice, and of course I accept that decision.”
11. Betty Ford – Wife of President Gerald Ford 1976
“The president asked me to tell you that he telephoned President-elect Carter a short time ago and congratulated him on his victory. The president also wants to thank all those thousands of people who worked so hard on his behalf and the millions who supported him with their votes. It’s been the greatest honour of my husband’s life to have served his fellow Americans during two of the most difficult years in our history. The president urges all Americans to join him in giving your united support to President-elect Carter as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities.”
12. George McGovern 1972
“I have just sent the following telegram to President Nixon: “Congratulations on your victory. I hope that in the next four years you will lead us to a time of peace abroad and justice at home. You have my full support in such efforts. With best wishes to you and your gracious wife Pat, Sincerely George McGovern.”
Sadly for America and the spirit of democratic governance the world over, Donald Trump broke faith when he failed to measure up to the standards set by his predecessors.
