May 30, 2008

Prof: Concession speeches are more than just talk

"Most concession speeches have common themes because they generally include a call for national or party unity, thanks to their supporters, praise for the democratic process and acknowledgement for what was accomplished during the campaign," says Stacey Connaughton, an assistant professor of communication. "However, what is often unknown is how the candidate will portray defeat. For example, will the words, 'I concede,' actually be used? Will the candidate frame defeat as a victory of some sort?"

The final primaries for Democratic candidates Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are in Montana and South Dakota on June 3. The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 25-28.

"A concession speech is a prelude to the victor's acceptance speech," Connaughton says. "The individual candidates and the context of the campaign influence what is said in both the concession speech and the acceptance speech. Concession speeches are symbolic, as well as have common themes. Usually, the person conceding will be surrounded by family and supporters when giving the speech. You also can expect short speeches."

Two of the most unforgettable concession speeches were delivered in the last decade, Connaughton says. In 2004, presidential candidate John Kerry's vice presidential nominee, John Edwards, spoke first. Instead of openly conceding, he proclaimed that he and Kerry would continue to fight for a better America, encouraging supporters to do the same. Then, Kerry gave his concession speech.

"You usually don't hear from the vice presidential candidate on the losing side first. That was unusual," she says.

"In 2000, presidential candidate Al Gore officially conceded more than a month after the election because of the vote recount. His speech was different. Only a few, immediate family members, as well as Sen. Joseph Lieberman and members of the Lieberman family joined him, and he was careful in how he celebrated the democratic process because of the recent controversy."

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Stacey Connaughton, (765) 494-9107, sconnaug@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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