Extract from ABC News
By Zena Chamas and Dan Colasimone
Americans will soon hear their next president claim victory.
But, in a tradition that dates back more than 120 years, the concession speeches made by defeated presidential candidates have often been just as iconic.
Over the last century, dozens of presidential hopefuls have made their speeches with grace and humility, leaving their supporters with memorable last words.
History of the concession speech
"Here's the way I see it," former president George HW Bush said when it became clear he had lost the 1992 US election to Bill Clinton.
"The people have spoken and we respect the majesty of the democratic system.
"I just called Governor Clinton over in Little Rock and offered my congratulations … America will always come first, so we will get behind this new president and wish him well."
His gracious words and call for unity after a feisty election campaign against the smooth-talking upstart from Arkansas were seen as admirable, but by no means unusual.
The tradition of the concession speech first began as a courtesy rather than any kind of legal requirement.
It started with a telegram from William Jennings Bryan to the man who defeated him in the 1896 US election, William McKinley:
Lincoln, Neb., November 5.
Hon. Wm. McKinley, Canton, Ohio: Senator Jones has just informed me that the returns indicate your election, and I hasten to extend my congratulations. We have submitted the issue to the American people and their will is law.
W.J. Bryan
There have been 32 concession speeches — in some form or another — across every election since.
Al Smith gave the first radio concession in 1928, after losing to Herbert Hoover.
In 1940, movie-goers watched Wendell Willkie concede to Franklin D Roosevelt in a newsreel.
After losing to Dwight D Eisenhower in 1952, Adlai Stevenson gave his concession on live television.
In 1960, after Richard Nixon lost to John F Kennedy, he said: "My congratulations to Senator Kennedy for his fine race in this campaign."
The late war hero John McCain's dreams of leading the nation were dashed by Barack Obama in 2008.
His concession speech, though, showed respect, restraint and humility.
Although hurting at his loss, he was able to recognise the significance of the moment.
"This is an historic election," he said, "and I recognise the special significance it has for African Americans, and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain.
"These are difficult times for our country and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face …
"Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans, and please believe me when I say that no association has ever meant more to me than that."
By the time he'd finished, the hyper-partisan crowd's boos had turned to respectful applause for the incoming president.
In 2016, former first lady Hillary Clinton had pollsters convinced she would be the 45th president, but when she lost to Donald Trump, the following morning Ms Clinton gave her speech.
She expressed her disappointment and pain of her loss, but asked her supporters to accept the outcome.
She said about Mr Trump: "We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead."
Concession speeches have mostly followed a certain structure up until this point, generally congratulating the winner.
They have served their purpose — showing supporters that the decision that's been made must be accepted in good faith.
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