Andy Loves Concession Speeches
The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News correspondent Andy Rooney.
Our big election is coming up Tuesday and I'll be watching. I'm a big fan of the concession speeches so I look forward to hearing the losers late Tuesday night. Don't look for me in the office early Wednesday morning.
There are a few things the losers always have to do. For instance they have to congratulate the winner even if they hate him.
Barry Goldwater: To President Lyndon Johnson, in Johnson City, Texas, congratulations on your victory.
Ford: After Betty reads the statement that was sent to Governor Carter by me.
Mondale: I called the president of the United States and congratulated him on his victory for reelection.
Dukakis: I called Vice President Bush and congratulated him on his victory.
H.W. Bush: I just called Governor Clinton over in Little Rock and offered my congratulations.
Gore: I spoke with George W. Bush and congratulated him on becoming the 43rd president.
Kerry: I spoke to President Bush and I offered him and Laura our congratulations.
And thanking his staff is important.
Stevenson: First I want to express my respect and my thanks.
Nixon: To our volunteer workers. It was a magnificent group.
McGovern: I will never forget the people of this campaign.
Perot: I want to thank the staff that's worked tirelessly on this for doing an incredible job.
Kerry: My absolutely unbelievable dedicated staff.
Even though their votes count the same as old people, politicians almost always mention young people.
Mondale: And I want to say a special word to my young supporters this evening.
Dukakis: Especially to those of you who are young people.
H.W. Bush: A special message with the young people of America.
How come no one is mentioning my set?
The loser is probably fed up with politics but he has to say his party is going to continue the fight.
Mondale: This fight didn't end tonight.
Dole: To stay and fight for the American people.
Kerry: I'm going to fight on for the people and the principles.
I'd be surprised if God listens to political speeches but he's almost always asked to Bless America.
Mondale: And God Bless America. Thank you very much.
H.W. Bush: May God Bless the United States of America. Thank you very, very much.
Dole: And God Bless America.
Kerry: God Bless America. Thank you.
When Harry Truman beat Henry Wallace in 1948 a conscientious staff member wrote a congratulatory note for Wallace to send to Harry Truman.
Wallace took one look at the note and said, "Under no circumstances will I congratulate that sunova bitch."
Written by Andy Rooney