General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsLooked into my crystal ball. Below is Susan Collins' concession speech.
My fellow Mainers,
Tonight, the voters of Maine have made their choice. I have spoken with Graham Platner, congratulated him on his victory, and wished him every success as he prepares to serve our state in the United States Senate.
While I am disappointed by the result, I respect it completely. The people of Maine have always valued independent judgment, and tonight they have exercised that judgment once again.
For nearly thirty years, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve this remarkable state. I am grateful beyond words for the trust you have placed in me over the decades, through times of prosperity, uncertainty, challenge, and change.
As I leave office, I do so with mixed emotions.
I remain hopeful about America's future. I remain proud of Maine. And I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served.
But I would not be honest if I did not admit that I am concerned.
I am concerned about the level of division in our country.
I am troubled by the harshness of our political discourse.
I am worried that too many Americans now assume bad faith from those with whom they disagree.
These concerns are not new. They have been growing for many years, under leaders of both parties and across multiple administrations.
President Trump has brought energy, determination, and a willingness to challenge long-standing assumptions in Washington. Many Americans clearly support that approach, and I respect their views. The President has focused national attention on issues that many voters felt had been neglected, and I understand why his message continues to resonate with millions of our fellow citizens.
At the same time, I would be less than candid if I said I have never been troubled by some of the tensions we have witnessed in recent years.
I have occasionally been concerned about the tone of our politics.
I have sometimes been worried by the speed at which trust in institutions has declined.
And I remain troubled when Americans lose confidence in one another.
These are difficult concerns because there are no easy solutions. They cannot be addressed by one party alone, one president alone, or one election alone.
I have always believed that our nation works best when leaders are willing to listen, when disagreements remain respectful, and when public servants remember that our constitutional system depends on restraint as much as conviction.
Perhaps that belief has sometimes placed me out of step with the mood of the moment.
But it remains my belief tonight.
I am concerned that compromise has become unfashionable.
I am troubled that moderation is often viewed with suspicion.
I am worried that Americans increasingly feel pressured to choose sides rather than solve problems.
Yet despite those concerns, I remain optimistic.
The history of our country is the history of citizens overcoming moments of uncertainty. It is the history of institutions adapting, of voters making their voices heard, and of democracy renewing itself again and again.
To those who supported me, I know many of you share some of my concerns. You are worried about our politics. You are troubled by our divisions. You are concerned about what the future may hold.
I understand those feelings.
But I would encourage you not to lose hope.
America is stronger than any one election. Stronger than any one movement. Stronger than any one political figure.
And Maine, in particular, has always shown a remarkable ability to remain practical, thoughtful, and independent even when the nation around us grows more polarized.
To Senator-elect Platner, I again offer my congratulations. The people of Maine have entrusted you with an extraordinary responsibility. I sincerely hope you will serve them well.
As for me, I leave public office deeply grateful, somewhat concerned, occasionally troubled, often worriedbut ultimately hopeful.
Hopeful in Maine.
Hopeful in our institutions.
Hopeful in the good judgment of the American people.
And hopeful that, despite our disagreements, we will continue moving forward together as one nation.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you.
May God bless Maine, and may God bless the United States of America.
Ilsa
(64,676 posts)her tagline of "concern." It's almost a verbal tic.