最精彩失败演说词.doc

16. The best speech after defeat Good 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 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, 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 ended, 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 to 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 which 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 possible 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