John McCain Concedes 2008 Presidential Election

John McCain

Pol Light #159 occurred late in the evening of November 4, 2008, when John McCain conceded the 2008 United States Presidential Election to Barack Obama. John McCain has served as a United States Senator from Arizona since 1986. From 1982-1986 he served in the United States House of Representatives.

The following is a video of Senator John McCain's concession speech delivered from the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix on November 4, 2008. 



One of the key portions of the speech included these remarks about Barack Obama:

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight. 

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Sen. Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still has the power to wound. 

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit -- to dine at the White House -- was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth (Transcript of John McCain Speech, NPR).

The following is an audio of the entire speech.


John McCain has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. You can read them by searching with the "John McCain" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of John McCain in this post is in the Public Domain.