As John Taylor pointed out a couple of days ago, Obama’s victory speech had an odd passage:
I honor [McCain’s] service, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine.
It was reminiscent of another speech, from 1962. The speaker had just suffered a crushing defeat, and was physically exhausted. As he later acknowledged, he let fatigue and disappointment get the better of him.
I believe Governor Brown has a heart, even though he believes I do not. I believe he is a good American even though he feels I am not.
Thus went a certain leader’s “last press conference,” following his loss to Pat Brown for the governorship of California.
For a moment at least, Barack Obama in victory sounded like Richard Nixon in defeat.