The words might look fine on paper, but Bush could not muster a half iota of enthusiasm or emotion—in any shape or form—for this short statement. In case you missed it, be sure to watch McCain's extremely gracious concession speech (full clip at the bottom of the page).
That's fairly churlish, saying Bush didn't muster enthusiasm. First, it was a very gracious statement, acknowledging the enormous historic moment of America finally electing someone other than a white man. Second, Bush, like most presidents, is beat and burned out. Let him fill out his term quietly.
First, as I wrote, the words themselves are fine, courteous even; the delivery was terrible. Second, no President gets a free pass simply because he's been run deep into the ground by his own presidency. Third, you might like this: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122584386627599251.html
After 8 years of Bush you except a silver-tongued orator? Aside from two stirring speeches after 9/11, the man never could deliver a speech. I'll be glad when the Bush-bashing, which at this point is so repetitive, is out of fashion.
And yes, I did read that WSJ piece, which was fine.
