This is just a short thought, before I hit the sack for a deep sleep. I remember in 2008, when John McCain gave his concession speech, thinking that was the best speech I had heard him give...by far. I thought if McCain had been able to communicate that way during the campaign, he might have done a lot better.
Another great concession speech was Al Gore in 2000, a speech that was widely praised and rightly so.
Romney's speech was a disaster. The lip smacking was still there, along with his condescending attitude. It was mostly a thoughtless speech, lacking in grace. It showed a complete inability to reflect on what had just happened except at the most superficial level. He seemed so absorbed in his own pain that he was unable to communicate any real emotion, as if the robot caricature of him was accurate. Additionally, the line "I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation" struck me as self righteous and condescending toward the President.
Perhaps I am being harsh and others have a different and better perspective. If so, please correct me.