An entire year has now passed since the assault on the nation's Capitol, one of the most shameful acts in the nation's history. The acid test of a democratic republic is the peaceful transfer of authority, a test we nearly failed.
Essential here is to place nation above self, the common good before ego or pride. Fortunately, most of our aspirants to the presidency have been individuals of high character, as is exemplified by the following concession statements of some who were defeated:
• Republican Senator Barry Goldwater, who lost to Lyndon Johnson in 1964: "Congratulations on your victory. I have no bitterness, no rancor at all. I say to the President as a fellow politician that he did a wonderful job."
• Democratic Senator George McGovern, who lost to Richard Nixon in 1972: "Congratulations on your victory. I hope that in the next four years you will lead us to a time of peace abroad and justice at home. With best wishes to you and your gracious wife, Pat."
• Republican President Gerald Ford, who lost to Jimmy Carter in 1976: "I congratulate you on your victory. We will do all that we can to assure that you begin your term as smoothly and effectively as possible."
• Democratic President Jimmy Carter, who lost to Ronald Reagan in 1980: "I congratulate you and pledge to you our full support and cooperation to bring about an orderly transition of government."
• Democratic Vice President Albert Gore, who carried the national popular vote by more than half a million but lost the Electoral College to George W. Bush in 2000: "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. For the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession."
• Republican Senator John McCain, who lost to Barack Obama in 2008: "I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him. His success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs."
• Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who carried the national popular vote by nearly 3 million but lost the Electoral College to Donald Trump in 2016: "Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don't just respect that, we cherish it."
Then, of course, there is Donald Trump, who lost both the national popular vote and the Electoral College to Joseph Biden in 2020 — and is a national disgrace.
Joseph Tipler
Centralia
