Victory and Concession Speeches

 

Candidates Show the Power of Dignity to Help Ease Hostilities

UNITE, the non-profit founded by Tim Shriver to ease the country’s political divisions, today released its Dignity Index scores on candidates’ post-election speeches. The panel’s scores showed clear bipartisan agreement on the scores and strong appreciation for the dignity expressed in the campaign-ending passages.  

“Campaigns are long, challenging tests for all sides,” said Shriver, co-creator of the Index. “Everyone gets hit with attacks at some point, and everyone gets hurt. Positive expressions of goodwill can help the two sides begin to get past the pain of the campaign.” 

The speeches, from both the winning and losing sides, expressed dignity in a variety of ways, including by mentioning a shared love for the state; a commitment to patriotism even in defeat; a determination to earn the votes “of the brothers and sisters” on the other side; a commitment to put the divisions in the past; the hope that “success will bring us together;” a promise from the winning candidate to work for the benefit of the voters who opposed her, and the gentle challenge of a losing candidate who said -- when his supporters booed the mention of the winner -- “Haven’t I taught you we can leave it on the field sometimes?”

“A good victory or concession speech is a strong mark of character,” said Tom Rosshirt, Dignity Index co-creator and a former White House speechwriter. “The best speeches are marked by humility, and a truly humble speech is at least a little bit hard for the candidate to say. A concession speech should congratulate the other side on its victory. The victory speech should make the point that the other candidate worked hard, their supporters are important, their views matter, and they should play a role in the decisions that lie ahead.”

On election night, millions of people are disappointed, sometimes heartbroken. If the winner can surprise the other side with graciousness, it could create good feelings that linger. Kind words in dark times are rarely forgotten. 

Next week will be the final release of the National Citizens Panel, with panelists highlighting and commenting on some of their favorite dignity passages of the 2024 campaign. 

 

THE LATEST SCORES

Panelists score by matching language from the speech passage with descriptions in the Dignity Index scoring guide, which is available here. 

 
 
 
 
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They deployed every trick, every lie, and every Hollywood celebrity they could find. Chuck Schumer tried to buy this Senate seat like it was a piece of Manhattan real estate, but he learned what we've always known: that Texas isn't for sale and Texans can't be bought.
Ted Cruz
Republican incumbent Senator of Texas in his re-election victory speech.
3 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Makes a personal attack on the other, targeting performance, competence, appearance, background, character or morals.
Subtext goes here
Disdains the other side.
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Panelist Thoughts
Celebrating victory is expected but the time for finger pointing is a pre-election tactic and needs to be toned down now that the votes have been counted.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
There is no dignity being used here.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
47% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
3.47
• Left Avg: 3.33
• Middle Avg: 3.48
• Right Avg: 3.62
Agreement: Strong
88%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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You can't just be a patriot when your side wins. So tonight, we didn't win, but we will continue to be patriots.
Colin Allred
Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas in his concession speech.
5 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt.
Subtext goes here
I share my views with no contempt so they're easier for others to hear.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
I like what I'm reading because it shows how people are supposed to think. It's like saying we cant just be friends when something bad happens. We need to be friends when something good or bad happens. And those are the things that we need to see more often. Just because we did not win does not mean we have to be in bad terms.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Even though he did not win, he didn't hope that the other side fails
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
51% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
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5
6
7
8
Average Score
5.42
• Left Avg: 5.42
• Middle Avg: 5.52
• Right Avg: 5.29
Agreement: Very Strong
91%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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And, just a moment ago, I received a call from Governor Hogan congratulating me on tonight's victory, offering his congratulations and the congratulations of Yumi, and I know that we both share a very deep love for Maryland and a commitment to Maryland so I certainly want to thank him so much for his service.
Angela Alsobrooks
Democratic Senator-elect of Maryland in her victory speech.
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Can see the good in the other side and will acknowledge their skills and accomplishments.
Subtext goes here
Feels affection for their partners on the other side; they are proud of the relationship and feel it is special.
Subtext goes here
We have more in common than we think.
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Panelist Thoughts
I am going to rank this as a six because she spoke highly of her opponent in her speech and there was no hint of disdain or vitriol.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Refreshing to hear encouragement from one candidate to another vs all the backstabbing that’s been going on.😉
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
65% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
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3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
6.16
• Left Avg: 6.33
• Middle Avg: 6.13
• Right Avg: 6.00
Agreement: Very Strong
99%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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We worked to earn every vote. And we didn't write off our Republican brothers and sisters either. For 22 months, I've traveled all around this state. The thing I learned is that we have so much in common. Because whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, we all want the same thing, a better life for our kids, and to give our kids a better future. It's just that simple.
Ruben Gallego
Democratic candidate leading the Senate race in Arizona in a declared victory speech on Election night.
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
We don’t let our disagreements keep us from cooperating on the things we agree on.
Subtext goes here
We have more in common than we think.
Subtext goes here
We talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share, and using them as a basis for cooperation.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
This is a great example of a 6. When working together because we all want the best for our country and it does not matter in what political party you are in. Just let's work together and make things happen. I love to see positive passage and things you can relate to.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
That is what we want, a better life for our kids. Let's all hope that is what we get.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
63% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
6.08
• Left Avg: 5.96
• Middle Avg: 6.26
• Right Avg: 5.95
Agreement: Very Strong
99%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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And I'm asking every citizen all across our land to join me in this noble and righteous endeavor. That's what it is. It's time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us. It's time to unite, and we're gonna try. We're gonna try. We have to try. And it's gonna happen. Success will bring us together.
Donald Trump
President-elect in his victory speech.
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
We don’t let our disagreements keep us from cooperating on the things we agree on.
Subtext goes here
Believes they have a duty to talk to the other side, find common interests and values, and use them as a basis for cooperation.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
I love to see passage positive without contempt. This passage I like it because it's talking about working together and how being together we can accomplish more things. When we don't use contempt we can accomplish more things in our country.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
It's very refreshing to hear a Presidential candidate, now President-elect, to seek cooperation without name calling.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Not a perfect match, but it's a call for unity and thus talking to the other side and working with them.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
53% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
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3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
5.89
• Left Avg: 5.79
• Middle Avg: 5.97
• Right Avg: 5.90
Agreement: Very Strong
100%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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8
And to all of those who did not support me, who did not vote for me, I’m extending an olive branch. Let me prove to you exactly what I can do for you. I’ll see you in the future.
Lauren Boebert
Republican Representative of Colorado in her victory speech.
6 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
We don’t let our disagreements keep us from cooperating on the things we agree on.
Subtext goes here
Believes they have a duty to talk to the other side, find common interests and values, and use them as a basis for cooperation.
Subtext goes here
Subtext goes here
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Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
She is stating that she wants to be there for both sides, no matter who they voted for
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
States that she will work for the other side, but not necessarily listen to them.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Another nice sentiment that is non-attacking and hopefully fosters cooperation.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
52% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
5.87
• Left Avg: 5.75
• Middle Avg: 5.94
• Right Avg: 5.90
Agreement: Very Strong
99%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
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8
I would like to congratulate Adam Schiff. [crowd boos] Haven't I taught you the Garvey way? Haven't I taught you that we can leave it on the field sometimes?
Steve Garvey
Republican Senate candidate of California in his concession speech.
5 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
Speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt.
Subtext goes here
The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. They belong here, too.
Subtext goes here
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Panelist Thoughts
He is letting the crowd know that they should not make personal attacks on people by saying "leave it on the field " he is trying to promote respectful and professional interactions.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Encouraged his supporters to treat the other side with respect.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Well said by Garvey. Athletes like him learn early and often that victory is sweet, but loss is inevitable and accepting it crucial.
A panelist in the middle , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
35% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
5.77
• Left Avg: 5.38
• Middle Avg: 6.16
• Right Avg: 5.65
Agreement: Strong
89%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY
1
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5
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8
We chose hope over hate, competence over chaos, decency over division.
Josh Stein
Democratic Governor-elect of North Carolina in his victory speech.
5 is the most frequently chosen score by members of the National Citizens Panel.
Why was this contempt dignity ?
"They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us."
"Those people are evil and they're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them."
"We're the good people and they're the bad people. It's us vs. them."
"We're better than those people. They don't really belong. They're not one of us."
"The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. It's their country too."
"We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share."
"We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don't share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds."
"Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what."
Top Reasons
I share my views with no contempt so they're easier for others to hear.
Subtext goes here
Speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt.
Subtext goes here
Subtext goes here
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Subtext goes here
Panelist Thoughts
This is a very straight forward passage. We can see the positive lines of the speaker and how contempt was not used in order to give us a positive speech.
A panelist on the right , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
The quote states that the other side is hateful, incompetent, and divisive while his side has all the good qualities.
A panelist on the left , Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
, Score: 1, Score: 2, Score: 3, Score: 4, Score: 5, Score: 6, Score: 7, Score: 8
Score Analysis
37% of all panelists
Contempt
Dignity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Average Score
5.08
• Left Avg: 4.75
• Middle Avg: 5.42
• Right Avg: 4.95
Agreement: Moderate
77%
of panelists
agree this is
CONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTCONTEMPTDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITYDIGNITY

All of the National Citizen Panelist quotes have been attributed verbatim to retain the authenticity of the language.

Press Contact: press@unite.us

 
Ashley Guckertnational citizens panel