Why is Deans post-Iowa speech referred to as a "concession" speech?

[dansolo]

This is a major factor of the media spin that I'm suprised no one has picked up on. In almost every accounting, the speach after the Iowa caucus is referred to as a concession speech. It wasn't a concession speech. Howard Dean wasn't dropping out, and wasn't conceding anything.

[Democrats unite]

1. I don't think anyone has said he is dropping out...

But if you still don't believe he lost Iowa, then their lies your problem.

[janx]

5. Did Edwards give a "concession" speech?

He didn't win either, did he?

[dansolo]

6. Where did I say that?

Did you even read what I posted? What was Dean supposed to be "conceding"? The prize is the nomination, not the most delegates in Iowa.

[sangh0]

2. I wouldn't complain

The speech a candidate gives after losing a vote is typically a concession speech where the candidate "concedes" that he did not win, and congratulates the winners. It's considered a sign of etiquette and decorum. Though you are right to point out that Dean conceded nothing, doing so does not help Dean because it makes him sound like a sore loser.

[janx]

3. I picked up on it. I've never understood it!

He came in third and went on to New Hampshire.

Is that considered losing?

[cprise]

4. Because they want to see the last of him quickly

And think maybe they can wish it true.

His issues make them too uncormfortable.

[jsw_81]

7. Maybe because he LOST the Iowa caucus?

In case you forgot, Dean came in a distant third behind Kerry and Edwards. Since this was a caucus, the word "concession" didn't mean that your candidate was dropping out, only that he lost that particular caucus. Take tonight for example. When Kerry wins, Dean will deliver yet another concession speech along with Clark, Edwards and the others. But the race will be far from over.

[janx]

8. OK, he didn't win first place.

So I will ask you, too: why, then, didn't Edwards make a "concession" speech as well?

[jsw_81]

10. No offense

But are you completely clueless about politics or what? When you LOSE an election you CONCEDE.

[wtmusic]

11. He didn't lose

Is this not obvious or something? Why doesn't Clark concede? He didn't even participate.

[Democrats unite]

13. Thats a good reason for not conceding

If your not running in a race.

[janx]

17. How did he lose? He came in third with the necessary

delegates, and he went on to New Hampshire.

I will ask again: Did Edwards give a concession speech? Did he "lose" too?

[sangh0]

12. Who said that?

WHat makes you say Edwards didn't give a concession speech?

[janx]

18. I've never seen any media coverage of Edwards's making

a "concession" speech.

I could be wrong. Did he make one? Did I miss something?

[sangh0]

20. You've got to be kidding!!

You don't even know if Edwards did or did NOT give a concession speech, but that didn't stop you from saying that Edwards did NOT give a concession speech?

Talk about a credibility gap!

I could be wrong. Did he make one? Did I miss something?

Yes, you missed the practice of reasonable people who don't accuse candidates of not doing something if they don't know if the candiate did it or not.

[janx]

24. Did he? It certainly wasn't covered much if he did so.

Would you please answer my question instead of looking for things to jump on me for? Thanks.

[Virgil]

9. UR right. Why would you do it after one state anyway?

Whoever heard of such a thing? Are you supposed to give 20 or 30 concession speeches during the primary? Do you give seperate concession speeches on Feb. 3rd for SC and MO if you lose them or can you have one.

It was Gephart that conceded he was toast. Dean had a hit job put on him.

[ModerateMiddle]

23. If you're giving 20 or 30 concession speeches

during a primary, it's time to go home.

[arewethereyet]

14. He was conceeding that he had lost the Iowa Caucus

thats what a concession speech is

[janx]

19. What did he lose? He came in third, with the required

amount of delegates. Did Edwards also "lose" the Iowa caucus?

[arewethereyet]

22. Yes Edwards did lose, and he conceeded as well

if you do not win, you lose.

[ModerateMiddle]

25. I think this is what folks are objecting to...

the idea that if you didn't win, you lost. Dean did not "lose" Iowa, in that he had to drop out of the race or anything. But "conceding" means that someone else won.

And someone else DID in fact, win (i.e. came in first).

[arewethereyet]

29. I suppose what you say is true but it does not change reality

if you do not win, then you lose. Its an either/or thing. Been taht way forever. This is not Pee Wee t-ball and I pity people who seem to think it is.

[janx]

27. So are we going to have "concession" speeches from every

2nd or 3rd place candidates after EVERY primary or caucus?

[arewethereyet]

28. that is the appropriate thing to do

they won't all be covered and, knowing that, it could be a phone call and a press release, but yes, its how its done.

[SheilaT]

15. Did anyone else

make a "concession" speech? No? Why not? Maybe because all that was at stake in Iowa was the delegate selection to the state convention where the delegates will be selected to the national convention?

Even Dick Gephardt who then dropped out of the race didn't make a true concession speech.

[sangh0]

26. Wrong

Gephardt and Edwards gave concession speeches. I'm not sure about the others.

[Individualist]

16. The media

will twist the facts no matter what Dean does. People who bought into the spin apparently don't know the difference between a pep rally and a concession speech.

[ModerateMiddle]

21. because he lost Iowa, duh

this is normal. You do the gracious thing and commend your opponent for winning. Then you speak to your own supporters and vow to keep fighting, but it IS a concession speech.

[janx]

30. So you are supposed to appear sufficiently humbled, eh?

Maybe that's part of the problem the establishment government types and the media had with Dean's rally in the first place. We can't have anyone breaking the mold, you know...

[RetroLounge]

31. This is why we will lose.

because people cannot step away from their freaking EGOS and are so invested in their candidates, like it is a reflection on their manhood/womanhood or something.

The MEDIA defines the terms, and the sheep just follow along.

EVERY single media outlet refered to Dean's speech as a concession speech.

NOT ONE media outlet I heard, and I watch/listen/read a lot, called Edward's speech a concession speech.

Edwards was supposed to come in 4th or worse, but came in second, hencew the media defines him a winner.

Dean was supposed to come in first, but came in third, hence the media defines him a loser.

and the Sheep just follow along...