A look back at concession speeches
Historic presidential concession speeches
John McCain highlighted the significance of Barack Obama's win
Date: November 4, 2008
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEFEATED REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, JOHN MCCAIN, SAYING:
"This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight. I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together. To find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited. Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans, and please believe me when I say, no association has ever meant more to me than that."
After a legal battle over the results, Al Gore conceded to George W. Bush
Date: December 13, 2000
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEFEATED DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, AL GORE, SAYING:
"Now the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt: While I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome, which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College. And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession. I also accept my responsibility, which I will discharge unconditionally, to honour the new president-elect and do everything possible to help him bring Americans together in fulfillment of the great vision of our great Declaration of Independence defines and that our Constitution affirms and defends."
Hillary Clinton conceded to Donald Trump in 2016
Date: November 9, 2016
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEFEATED DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I'm sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share in the vision we hold for our country."
