The concession speech is forthcoming in Boston. The TV people are saying that Kerry will emphasize our divided America and speak of "coming together," "reaching across the lines," whatever. I totally disagree with that strategy. I mean, sure, you HAVE to say something like that... But I think it's very important not to give the Republicans that much goodwill. Remember last time? People speculated that Bush would have to be mindful of the narrowly divided electorate and Gore gave one of those "it's time for us all to come together" concession speeches. And what happened? Bush Co. took this country all the way to the right!
If I were in charge I would deliver a different type of concession speech, one which speaks from a position of power and not of weakness. I sat down and tapped out my own version in about twenty minutes. The speech (below) is very good, very powerful. This election was the first I truly cared about and now I'm thinking of a career in political speechwriting!
If you want to feel motivated and invigorated, read the Extended Entry...
The Speech:
"Now is the time for a defeated candidate to speak of Uniting, and of Coming Together. And that is true. After a hard-fought campaign covering so many important issues, the majority of voters have chosen my opponent, President Bush. I concede that. Those who support me must accept this outcome as the will of America as a whole.
"But "coming together" has two meanings -- there must be movement from both sides. The majority in this country would do well to bear in mind that forty-eight, forty-nine percent of Americans threw their support behind me. These are their constituents now. Policies should be crafted with an eye towards compromise and satisfying the greatest numbers of Americans, not further dividing this nation with wedge issues and bullying tactics.
"My sincere hope is that in my continuing role in the Senate I will be able to work with members from both sides, and the Administration, to address the important issues facing this country: issues such as Securing our Homeland, our borders, our imported cargo; issues such as Alleviating Poverty and Restoring Economic Opportunities at all levels of society; and issues such as Extending Health Care Coverage to the majority of Americans. These are things we can and must do. I promise to continue to do my best.
"You must do your part. Do not dip into a four-year slumber. You may have supported candidates who did not win. For your support of my candidacy, I sincerely thank you. But even though your votes did not go toward the eventual winner, they still count. Here's how they count: they establish your numbers as an indisputable fact. You still have a right to have your voices heard and hold your elected officials accountable, even if you did not vote for them.
"Keep an eye on the process these next four years and do not -- I repeat DO NOT -- allow the implementation of policies abhorrent to you, nor the destruction of what you value. Stand watch. When necessary, make your voices heard and your numbers felt. This was not a crushing defeat and do not let anyone try to tell you that it was. You must not despair. You must stay active. I and my party will continue to fight for you.
"In England they have a concept called the "Loyal Oppostion" -- that's what we are. We are loyal because we honor our President, our men and women in uniform, and our constitutional democracy. We call ourselves "the Opposition" because we still adhere to the Democratic Party's positions on most issues. The task before us is to stay involved, communicate with our fellow citizens and with our elected officials. We can, we must, find common ground.
"The best way to support the victors in our elections, from statehouse to White House, is to let them know: I am your constituent; You represent me. Now, let's accomplish our shared goals for America!"
Will someone hire me as a speechwriter, please?
(In the event that a job offer is not forthcoming, I am at least considering tweaking the above and submitting it to a few papers as a Letter to the Editor.)