My Concession Speech

On the heels of Florida (and as John Edwards and Rudy Guillani are in the process of doing), I've decided to end my candidacy for President of the United States of America.

Unlike my opponents', mine was a campaign almost exclusively of substance rather than style, of message rather than media circuses (or "circi," as they should be called). I'm proud to say I dealt with the issues put before me in as honest and straightforward way as I could. Even in conceding defeat, I believe this does and should mean something.

Granted, if I had to do it again, I would consider spending some money to actually get the word out about what I said, as well as have held a press conference (or at least written a press release), but all that's in the past now; I'm moving forward.

I trust that you, my faithful following, can move forward as well. Though I've been asked (at least by my wife) who I would endorse in the wake of my candidacy withdrawal, I feel it's too early to extend my support just yet. I need time to process all that's gone on this past year, to reconnect with my family, and to figure out who I'm for in the Super Bowl. Once those needs are met, I might have something for you.

As I close, let me just say thank you to those who believed the impossible - that is, that someone with no experience, no money, and no political affiliation could make a difference in this race. Thank you to those who dared to believe that our democratic process could work, that the grassroots of middle America could produce change, and that the privilege of serving in the public realm could be a privilege rather than a perk.

I heard you, friends - all six of you - and I believe that we as a nation have been the better for it. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.