op-ed
Christian Grantham was a student activist in the late 90s and later was a consultant to domestic policy forums for the Clinton Administration as well as events for HRC and GLAAD.
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November 03, 2004

As many times as I've witnessed four years of half measures and opportunities squandered by President Bush, I can't help to be skeptical. Today, Kerry's concession was gracious and demonstrated a level of unity sadly missing from President Bush over the last four years.

By contrast, President Bush described his 'to do list' for the next four years as things he "will" accomplish while describing the challenge presented by Kerry of unifying the nation as something he'll simply "work" on.

Half of America does not agree with this President or the direction our country is going. President Bush will have to do more than simply pledge to try. If there is one absolute mandate granted President Bush by a divided American people, it is to demonstrate leadership and make unity a national priority.

KERRY CONCESSION
With that gift also comes obligation. We are required now to work together for the good of our country. In the days ahead, we must find common cause. We must join in common effort without remorse or recrimination, without anger or rancor. America is in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion.

I hope President Bush will advance those values in the coming years. I pledge to do my part to try to bridge the partisan divide. I know this is a difficult time for my supporters, but I ask them, all of you, to join me in doing that.
[Transcript of Kerry Speech - John Kerry - 11-03-04]

BUSH VICTORY
To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America.
[Transcript of Bush speech - Mercury News - 11-03-04]