Concession speech don'ts - lessons from the 2010 elections

The silly season lived up to its name right up to the bitter end - even the concession speeches were "special."  This held true particularly for the 2010 Senate elections as well as a couple of races for Governor.  For the benefit of those thinking of running for office, I have compiled a list of no-nos for the concession speech. Sadly, it was all too easy to supply my audience with examples.  I found the selections on-line - they were probably just too good not to upload!

Carl Paladino -

Ah, Carl - what would we have done without you?  You helped take political entertainment to new heights.  For future candidates - here is a heads up:  It's not a good idea to threaten the winner with a baseball bat.  People may feel that this is more than a little over the top.  Just FYI = threatening reporters on camera is also not a great idea.

Christine O'Donnell -

From not being a witch to your firm stand against masturbation as well as your claim that scientists have been creating mice with human brains - it was obvious that your concession speech was going to be memorable.  Future candidates should take note that when you lose - you do so graciously and pushing your own agenda on the winner including asking them to watch a half-hour commercial starring yourself and your political views is not classy.  You LOST.  Elections have consequences and one of them is that YOUR agenda lost. Deal with it.

Sharron Angle -

Oh my goodness - from the candidate that wanted to abolish social security, medicare, medicaid, the department of education, the Federal Reserve, the IRS, and the department of weights and measures not to even mention overturning three amendments to the constitution - we have an even wackier than expected concession speech - if that is possible.

Word to the wise - if you received tons of money from outside sources, not in your state - don't mention it as a positive.  When a campaign reeks of money that is from the "outside" chances are there special interests will be competing with your constituents for representation.

One "DO!" Meg Whitman -

Surprise, surprise!  It was a bitter battle, but she admitted that she lost and encouraged her angry audience to "pull together" for California.  She stopped the "boos" that were coming from the crowd and was gracious and classy in her defeat.



So there you have it, candidates.. A "primer" of do's and don'ts  - from one of the most wachky election seasons I can ever remember.  You just can't make this stuff up!

© 2010 - Ruthmarie G. Hicks - http://www.therobberbaroneconomy.com. All rights reserved