I googled great speeches in history on this date because I was really lacking inspiration and I was shocked to discover that 7 years ago was one of the saddest days in American History. On this day, on Decem.ber 13th 2000 Al Gore conceded to George Bush. And we all know what happened next. Could Al have just never conceded?
I'm trying to remember exactly if I had school the next day but I just remember all of us liberals were so angry yet resigned. It sucked. And I just remembered I did ahve school because Mrs. Werner said something in AP US Government like "if only he had given that speech months ago he would've won- he was so presidential." If only. Anyway here are the repsective speeches (President in my heart) Gore's followed by GweeB's.
God save America.
VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE DELIVERS REMARKS
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 wouldn't call him back this time.
I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can start to heal the divisions of the campaign and the contest 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 to patriotism. I'm with you, Mr. President, and God bless you."
Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship 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 motto, "Not under man but under God and law." That's the ruling principle of American freedom, the source of our democratic liberties. I've tried to make it my guide throughout this contest as it has guided America's deliberations 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 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 of the people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.
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 grateful I am to all those who supported me and supported the cause for which we have fought. Tipper and I feel a 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 God's unforeseen paths, this belatedly broken impasse can point us all to 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 dragged on for weeks before reaching resolution. And each time, both the victor and the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation.
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 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 election might hamper 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 disposal, and I call on all Americans -- I particularly urge all who stood with us to unite behind our next president. This is America. Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks 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 recognize 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 behind our new president.
As for what I'll do next, I don't know the answer to that one yet. Like many of you, I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with family and old friends. I know I'll spend time in Tennessee and mend some fences, literally and figuratively.
Some have asked whether I have any regrets and I do have one regret: that I didn't 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.
I've seen America in this campaign and I like what I see. It's worth fighting for and that's a fight I'll never stop.
As for the battle that ends tonight, I do believe as my father once said, that no matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as well as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out.
So for me this campaign ends as it began: with the love of Tipper and our family; with faith in God and in the country I have been so proud to serve, from Vietnam to the vice presidency; and with gratitude to our truly tireless campaign staff and volunteers, including all those who worked so hard in Florida for the last 36 days.
Now the political struggle is over and we turn again to the unending struggle for the common good of all Americans and for those multitudes around the world who look to us for leadership in the cause of freedom.
In the words of our great hymn, "America, America": "Let us crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."
And now, my friends, in a phrase I once addressed to others, it's time for me to go.
Thank you and good night, and God bless America.
My fellow Americans, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight. Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor Perry, distinguished guests and friends:
Our country has been through a long and trying period, with the outcome of the presidential election not finalized for longer than any of us could have EVER imagined. Vice President Gore and I put our hearts and hopes into our campaigns; we both gave it our all. We shared similar emotions.
I understand how difficult this moment must be for Vice President Gore and his family. He has a distinguished record of service to our country as a Congressman, a Senator and as Vice President.
This evening I received a gracious call from the Vice President. We agreed to meet early next week in Washington and we agreed to do our best to heal our country after this hard fought contest.
Tonight, I want to thank all the volunteers and campaign workers who worked so hard on my behalf, I also salute the Vice President and his supporters for waging a spirited campaign, ...and I thank him for a call that I know was difficult to make.
Laura and I wish the Vice President and Senator Lieberman and their families the very best. I have a lot to be thankful for tonight. I am thankful for America and thankful that we are able to resolve our electoral differences in a peaceful way.
And I am thankful to the American people for the great privilege of being able to serve as your next President. I thank my wife and daughters for their love. Laura's active involvement as First Lady has made Texas a better place, and she will be a wonderful First Lady for America.
I am proud to have Dick Cheney by my side, and America will be proud to have him as our next Vice President. Tonight, I chose to speak from the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives because it has been home to bipartisan cooperation.
Here, in a place where Democrats have the majority, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to do what is right for the people we represent. We had spirited disagreements, and in the end, we found constructive consensus. It is an experience I will always carry with me, and an example I will always follow.
I thank my friend, House Speaker Pete Laney, a Democrat, who introduced me today. And I thank the legislators of both parties with whom I worked. Across the hall in our Texas Capitol is the State Senate, and I cannot help but think of our mutual friend, the former Democrat Lieutenant Governor, Bob Bullock. His love for Texas and his ability to work in a bipartisan way continue to be a model for all of us.
The spirit of cooperation I have seen in this hall is what is needed in Washington. It is the challenge of our moment. After a difficult election, we must put politics behind us and work together to make the promise of America available for every one of our citizens.
I am optimistic that we can change the tone of Washington, D.C. I believe things happen for a reason, and I hope the long wait of the last five weeks will heighten a desire to move beyond the bitterness and partisanship of the recent past.
Our nation must rise above a house divided. Americans share hopes and goals and values far more important than any political disagreements. Republicans want the best for our nation. So do Democrats. Our votes may differ, but not our hopes.
I know America wants reconciliation and unity. I know Americans want progress. And we must seize this moment and deliver. Together, guided by a spirit of common sense, common courtesy and common goals, we can unite and inspire the American citizens.
Together, we will work to make all our public schools excellent, teaching every student of every background and every accent, so that no child is left behind. Together, we will save Social Security and renew its promise of a secure retirement for generations to come.
Together, we will strengthen Medicare and offer prescription drug coverage to all of our seniors. Together, we will give Americans the broad, fair and fiscally responsible tax relief they deserve.
Together, we will have a bipartisan foreign policy true to our values and true to our friends. And we will have a military equal to every challenge, and superior to every adversary.
Together, we will address some of society's deepest problems one person at a time, by encouraging and empowering the good hearts and good works of the American people. This is the essence of compassionate conservatism, and it will be a foundation of my administration.
These priorities are not merely Republican concerns or Democratic concerns, these are American responsibilities.
During the fall campaign, we differed about details of these proposals - but there was remarkable consensus about the important issues before us: excellent schools, retirement and health security, tax relief, a strong military and a more civil society.
We have discussed our differences; now it is time to find common ground and build consensus to make America a beacon of opportunity in the 21st century.
I am optimistic this can happen. Our future demands it, and our history proves it. Two hundred years ago, in the election of 1800, America faced another close presidential election. A tie in the electoral college put the outcome into the hands of Congress.
After six days of voting, and 36 ballots, the House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson the third President of the United States. That election brought the first transfer of power from one party to another in our new democracy.
Shortly after the election, Jefferson, in a letter titled reconciliation and reform, wrote: "the steady character of our countrymen is a rock to which we may safely moor... Unequivocal in principle, reasonable in manner, we shall be able I hope to do a great deal of good to the cause of freedom and harmony."
Two hundred years have only strengthened the steady character of America. And so as we begin the work of healing our nation, tonight I call upon that character. Respect for each other. Respect for our differences. Generosity of spirit. And a willingness to work hard and work together to solve any problem. I have something else to ask of you, every American. I ask for you to pray for this great nation. I ask your prayers for leaders from both parties.
I thank you for your prayers for me and my family, and I ask you to pray for Vice President Gore and his family. I have faith that with God's help we as a nation will move forward together, as one nation, indivisible. And together we will create an America that is open, so every citizen has access to the American dream.
An America that is educated, so every child has the keys to realize that dream. And an America that is united in our diversity and our shared American values that are larger than race or party.
I was not elected to serve one party, but to serve one nation. The President of the United States is the President of every single American, of every race and every background. Whether you voted for me or not, I will do my best to serve your interests, and I will work to earn your respect.
I will be guided by President Jefferson's sense of purpose: to stand for principle, to be reasonable in manner, and, above all, to do great good for the cause of freedom and harmony.
The Presidency is more than an honor, more than an office. It is a charge to keep, and I will give it my all. Thank you and good night. May God bless America.
Here is a classic Daily Show moment fromt he next day (and what's interesting is to hear people cheering that Bush "won" something you would never ever ever hear today and especially not in the audience of The Daily Show)
And interestingly enough here is Charlie Rose and a panel from that same day discussing the speeches and what everything means for America. These are always fun to listen to to hear the hope and the promises that have been shattered into billions of little pieces and lost in the wind over the last 2556 days
Here it is, your Moment of Zen from December 14th, 2000 (focus on how young and small Jon Stewart looked and you won't shudder at the enormitiy of the moment too much)
fuck florida. still.
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