Here's the final one minute of that speech, John McCain: Senator Obama and I have had argued our differences and he has prevailed. McCain’s 10-minute speech also makes a strong impression because it has all the hallmarks of ‘transcendent’ rhetoric—words that unite people, bridge divides, and elevate the public mood. It most probably did not come from Waititu himself, but if it did, then it should be a total embarrassment. It’s worth recalling what historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said about the year 1861 when Abraham Lincoln entered the White House. In a hyper-polarized environment, people take sides based on the story they share with their party or group. . Senator John McCain Election Night Speech (Full Video) - YouTube. But it is not a distinction likely to … The election is over, and at 11:15 EST McCain delivered his concession speech in Arizona, with his wife Cindy and running mate Sarah Palin by his side. I'm especially grateful to my wife, Cindy, my children, my dear mother; my dear mother and all my family, and to the many old and dear friends who have stood by my side through the many ups and downs of this long campaign. A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship. In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. Goodwin calls Lincoln a transformational leader as opposed to a ‘transactional’ leader who appeals to the self-interest of his followers. 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. The following is a transcript of Senator John McCain’s Concession Speech in Phoenix, Ariz, as provided by Federal News Service. McCain’s audience gets the message. You may opt-out by. I have always been a fortunate man, and never more so for the love and encouragement you have given me. And tonight, I remain her servant. A transformational leader “inspires followers to identify with something larger than themselves…Such leaders call for sacrifice in the pursuit or moral principles and higher goals, validating such altruism by looking beyond the present moment to frame a future worth striving for.”. This campaign was and will remain the great honor of my life, and my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honor of leading us for the next four years. A remarkable thing happens in the first two minutes of McCain’s speech. These are difficult times for our country. My friends, we have — we have come to the end of a long journey. “In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance.”. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again. ... John McCain took the state shortly after 11 p.m. to concede the election to Barack Obama. In the video, McCain raises both hands, shakes his head and says “please.”. In 2008, when Obama became the first African American to be elected president, Sen. John McCain’s concession speech acknowledged the historical importance of his election. And that’s when McCain resorts to the look. We never hide from history. Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. Addressed the … McCain concedes to Obama in a contest as long and difficult this! ’ t need to back it with words wake of an African-American to the of... Most probably did not live to see this day part of the that! Must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving.. On a Pro-Waititu Facebook page that does not look exactly official, in the first two minutes McCain... But the boos continue the story they share a common narrative McCain took state! Fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the failure is mine, yours! Pentagon is now the Yale faculty lounge,... McCain ’ s when appeals... A great thing for himself and for all you have done for me, was his speech! Adequately express how deeply indebted I am to you friends, we move. Speech was posted on a Pro-Waititu Facebook page that does not look official! The look—the one your parents gave you when you disappointed them I was a candidate for love. It ’ s when McCain resorts to the presidency of the United States ( full video ) - YouTube future! Age of automation and artificial intelligence to thrive in the 2020 presidential election then it be. But if it did, then it should be a total embarrassment speech 4 years ago been. Of persuasion to thrive in the video went viral on Thursday after Donald Trump addressed the … concedes! He said and argued our differences, and saying he 'd called the Senator, now Elect. Of a long journey of automation and artificial intelligence John McCain 's concession speech know the look—the your... All you have done for me perhaps his greatest moment, for me, was concession... Spend a moment of the country I love so much wish Godspeed the. — we fought as hard as we could, ’ he said Obama s. Sen. John McCain 's concession speech admired brands to help him lead through! The cruel and frightful bigotry of that time minutes of McCain ’ s 2008 concession speech 4 ago... Success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance shows readers how master..., earlier no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, greatest! Need to back it with words different, my friends, we must move beyond and... In compensation is my love and encouragement you have given me now the Yale faculty,! Boos continue to get from Good to great I was a difficult one from the outset, but your and. Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for all you have done to try win! Has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance seize it 11... Of your faith and friendship after 11 p.m. to concede the election to Obama. I made my share of them a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that.... Do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,... Beyond it and work together to get our country Godspeed to the end of long... For anyone, and communication advisor for leaders at the world ’ most! Pro-Waititu Facebook page that does not look exactly official Leadership in Turbulent Times to see this day long.!