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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kerry reflects on election losses but emphasizes national unity over partisan defeat.
In plain terms
Even when we lose an election we all wake up as Americans together.
What can you take from it?
Respect election results and prioritize national unity over partisan loss.

Where it applies

  • post election speeches
  • party meetings
  • civic gatherings

Putting it to work

  • concede gracefully
  • focus on unity
  • support democracy

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle political defeat?
  • What makes a nation stronger?

Another view

Political divisions can sometimes make unity difficult to achieve.

More from John Kerry

  1. George W. Bush. The 'W' stands for 'wrong'.

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  2. I don't think losing 3 million jobs, having deficits as far as the eye can go, having 2 million people lose their health insurance, turning your back on kids i…

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. George Bush's vision does not live up to the America I enlisted in the Navy to defend, the America I have fought for in the Senate, and the America that I hope…

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