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1、16. The best speech after defeatGood evening. Just moments ago, I spoke with George.W.Bush and congratulated him on becoming the 43rd president of the United States,and I promised him that I wouldnt call him back1 this time.I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can start to heal2
2、 the divisons3 of the campaign4 and the contest5 through which we just passed. Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln,who had just defeated him for the presidency,“ Partisan feeling must yield to6 patriotism, Im with you, Mr.President, and God bless you.” Well,
3、 in that same spirit, I say to president-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor7 must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship8 of this country. Neither he nor I anticipated this long and difficult road. Certainly neither of us wanted it to happen.Yet it came, and now it has ende
4、d, resolved, as it must be resolved, through the honored institutions of our democracy.Over the library of one of our great law schools is inscribed the motto9, “ Not under man but under God and law.” Thats the ruling principle of American freedom, the source of our democratic liberties. Ive tried t
5、o make it my guide throughout this contest as it has guided Americas deliberations10 of all the complex issues of the past five weeks. Now the U.S Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt, while I strongly disagree with the courts decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome w
6、hich will be ratified11 next Monday in the Electoral College. And tonight, for the sake of12 our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession13.I also accept my responsibility,which I will discharge unconditionally,to honor the new president-elect and do everything poss
7、ible to help him bring Americans together in fulfillment of the great vision that our Declaration of Independence defines and that our constitution affirms and defends. Let me say how grateful I am to all those who supported me and supported the cause14 for which we have fought. Tipper and I feel a
8、deep gratitude to Joe and Hadassah Lieberman who brought passion and high purpose to our partnership and opened new doors not just for our campaign but for our country. This has been an extraordinary election. But in one of Gods unforeseen paths, this belatedly15 broken impasse16 can point us all to
9、 a new common ground, for its very closeness can serve to remind us that we are one people with a shared history and a shared destiny. Indeed, that history gives us many examples of contests as hotly debated, as fiercely fought, with their own challenges to the popular will. Other disputes have drag
10、ged on17 for weeks before reaching resolution. And each time, both the victor and the vanquished18 have accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation19. So let it be with us. I know that many of my supporters are disappointed. I am too. But our disappointment must be overcome by
11、 our love of country.And I say to our fellow members of the world community, let no one see this contest as a sign of American weakness. The strength of American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome. Some have expressed concern that the unusual nature of this elec
12、tion might hamper20 the next president in the conduct of his office. I do not believe it need be so. President-elect Bush inherits a nation whose citizens will be ready to assist him in the conduct of his large responsibilities. I personally will be at his disposal21,and I call on all Americans-I pa
13、rticularly urge all who stood with us to unite behind our next president.This is America.Just as we fight hard when the stakes22 are high,we close ranks23 and come together when the contest is done. And while there will be time enough to debate our continuing differences, now is the time to recogniz
14、e that that which unites us is greater than that which divides us. While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party. We will stand together 24 behind our new president. As for what
15、Ill do next, I dont know the answer to that one yet. Like many of you, Im looking forward to spending the holidays with family and old friends. I know Ill spend time in Tennessee25 and mend some fences, literally26 and figuratively27. Some have asked whether I have any regrets and I do have one regr
16、et: that I didnt get the chance to stay and fight for the American people over the next four years, especially for those who need burdens lifted and barriers removed, especially for those who feel their voices have not been heard. I heard you and I will not forget. Ive seen America in this campaign and I like what I see.Its worth fighting for and thats a fight Ill never stop. As for the battle that ends tonight, I do believe as my fa
