Presidential Election: Winner and Loser, How Gracious Were They?

Watching the presidential election coverage I wondered, how the two candidates felt as the returns streamed in? How would the "loser" prepare himself for his final speech? And how would the "winner" present himself as he delivered that all-important acceptance speech to the American public?

It was after midnight, when Governor Mitt Romney proudly walked on stage, by himself, greeting his supporters and proceeding to deliver his concession speech. His remarks were gracious and short, congratulating President Obama and calling on lawmakers and job creators to look beyond political lines and solve the problems facing the country.

Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, escorted President Barack Obama, on stage as he greeted his supporters and acknowledging his re-election as President of the United States. Inspiring and patriotic, Obama remarks included painting a vision of a bipartisan nation and promising "the best is yet to come".

Both men did an outstanding job delivering the two speeches that closed out the 2012 Presidential Election.

The Concession Speech
Romney, deeply sad walked on stage both proud and humbled. What I found most comforting about his concession speech was his authenticity. He didn't appear to have any prepared remarks and simply spoke from his heart, maintaining eye contact with his audience and keeping that Romney half-smile on his face. The one telltale sign that showed his feelings of defeat was his lack of any gestures. He kept his arms by his sides and any type of emotion was communicated strictly through his facial expression.

Victory!
Obama in his 20-minute, acceptance speech was the eloquent orator that we met during the 2008 election. He has an innate ability to quickly and easily connect with his audience by sharing stories or making anecdotal comments that reflect his understanding of the struggles of the average American, openly and easily sharing his love for Michelle and his daughters and the melodic inflection of his voice that makes it easy to listen to what he is saying. What I did miss during his talk was that famous Obama smile. He won and yet I never saw him smile or show any physical expression of excitement about his re-election.

Final Thoughts
My last comment. . . I couldn't help but notice how the stress of the campaign took a toll on both men. Romney and Obama both looked tired and perhaps even a little beaten up. And I am sure they are both glad it is over!