Tags
2016 Presidential Election, 2020 presidential election, an alternate reality, Concession speech, democracy, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Politics, USA
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“Donald Trump is going to be our president. We must accept this result and then look to the future. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.”
This is what Hillary Clinton said in her concession speech in 2016 when half the nation was in deep mourning. Many were convinced that the election had been “stolen”: by Trump’s call-out to Putin and the following Russian disinformation campaign, by Wiki-Leaks hacking of Democratic servers, by Comey’s disgraceful announcement of yet another fruitless investigation only days before the election, by the media’s constant hounding on the now debunked email scandal, by the razor-thin margin of votes that cracked the Blue Wall, by the fact that three million more people voted for Clinton than Trump.
As an avid supporter of Clinton, it was not easy to let go and move on, as I wrote about four years ago in Waking Up in an Alternate Reality. It still seems we are living in that alternate universe where half the country believes that Trump won instead of Biden. But Clinton’s concession speech, so full of grace and dignity, was a shining example of how to do so. It helped me immensely. She went on to say:
“Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power. We don’t just respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines the rule of law; the principle we are all equal in rights and dignity; freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values, too, and we must defend them.”
“This is painful, and it will be for a long time, but I want you to remember this: Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love.”
I wish President Trump could give this gift of concession to his supporters, a speech that would help them to move on to fight another day. And encourage them to give the next President an open mind and chance to lead. That’s what true leaders do. They put their country and their supporters first. But Trump’s presidency was never about this nation. It was about one man, Trump, who he will always put first.
These lawsuits will not change the outcome of the election. But in the meantime, chaos still reigns supreme under this administration. January 20th can not come fast enough.
Deborah J. Brasket 
Well said, Deborah. Trumpism is akin to Marxism in many ways.
Thanks V. J. That’s an intriguing observation. How so, if you don’t mind me asking?
Trumpism (not my term) is neither Republican or Democratic. His actions, words are divisive and mostly self-serving. Of course, this is my opinion and what do I know. His actions do concern me.
Agreed Deborah. I didn’t like her as a candidate, but appreciate her concession speech.
You weren’t alone. I had not realized how unpopular she was. Yet she did beat Trump by 3 million votes.
This is simply not how Trump does things. Ever. His entire life has been about going to war, and he certainly isn’t going to change now. He will spend every day for the rest of his life seeking revenge for the “wrongs” he believes were committed against him.
You are right. It’s worse than sad. It’s scary.
“Donald Trump is going to be our president. We must accept this result and then look to the future. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.” Hilary Clinton
Priceless.
We can wait just a tad bit more, can’t we, flower-sister? I will if you will!
😉
We have no choice but to wait. If you and Biden can wait, then I guess I can too! 😉
I absolutely agree with you, Deborah. January 20th cannot come soon enough. True leadership would be obvious to so many people, and yet for a great number of people, they see it differently. I hope this country can pull together under a respectful and compassionate leader. I see Biden has shown a lot of potential during this incredible time.
Thanks, Ka. I see potential in Biden too, but Trump is doing everything possible to slow the transition and make the difficult job he already has to do even harder.
Yes, it doesn’t seem like his opposition will be too successful. Though it’s incredibly upsetting to see the transition held up in the midst of the pandemic, when time is even more critical.
And it’s not just a Democrat phenomenon — watch John McCain’s concession speech. The portrait of civility and graciousness, a focus not one what the individual needs, but on what the democracy requires.
Yes, McCain’s speech was so gracious and healing. Trump is setting a terrible precedent.
So beautifully written. Thank you
Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me of Hilary Clinton’s words. What an incredible woman, and survivor, she is!
Earlier today, I remarked that ” I don’t know which is more dangerous … the 47.2% of the population that voted for him or the many who actually believe his unfounded claims about fraud, some of which chanted “stop the steal” at a Georgia rally yesterday. And don’t even get me started about the establishment GOP who sit silently by”
Thankfully, Biden / Harris won the election.
By the way, Emily Murphy is my new favorite curse word!
I’ve had the same thought about the 47 %. But even more o about all the enablers and sycophants in the Republican Senate. If they had done the right things and impeached Trump, we wouldn’t have to have gone through all this, or the Covid disaster either. while not a fan of Pence, I do believe he would have followed the advide of the healthcare professionals in dealing with Covid. Yet, thankfully Biden/Harris won, and now even Emily Murphy is turning toward the light.