McCain Loses With Grace

Republican presidential nominee John McCain made one of the most difficult calls in the history of his career after 10 pm last night.

He conceded the most historic election in recent memory to Illinois senator Barack Obama.

Afterwards, he went on the stage of his election night party in Arizona to deliver the concession speech to the world.

Undoubtedly, it must have been utterly gut-wrenching to declare himself the loser, after nearly 2 years of campaigning for the highest office in the land. This would make his third consecutive loss in a presidential election, his closest to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Still, despite the humiliation of losing by nearly 200 electoral votes, McCain approached the stage with a smile and his closest supporters; wife Cindy and running mate Sarah Palin.

As he approached the podium to announce the end of his bid for president, you wouldn't guess he was doing so. However, as he spoke, you could see the defeat wearing down on him. Still, he spoke with more strength than I've seen from him in months, telling the world to support the new president-elect.

Unfortunately for him, his eloquent and emotional speech was nearly ruined by the obnoxious booing of those in attendance as he spoke Obama's name. He explained to them that dwelling on the loss would be beneath the American standard. He explained that Americans move forward; he would, and his supporters should as well. He said he would do everything in his power to aid the future president in helping preserve the country's status as the leader of the world, and that despite obvious ideological differences, we are all still united as Americans.

It can be argued that if McCain has presented this kind of attitude during the last leg of the election, instead of falling into gimmickry and nasty political tactics, he might have won this contest. Still, it is good to know that John McCain, the maverick, the man who worked with both parties, the man who is ultimately 100 times more qualified than the man who beat him in 2000 and 2004, still exists.