I thought well of them both, although I don’t think Romney could top McCain’s 2008 concession speech for graciousness: “Tonight—tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama—whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.”
McCain’s supporters, however, did not match their candidate’s good sportsmanship. In their vocal responses and applause, Romney’s supporters showed a lot more civility toward the opposition than did McCain’s four years ago.
Obama didn’t have to say much; all he really had to do was supply the rousing language to give his supporters an outlet for their emotions. I think he did that perfectly well and got a few good lines in there as well. Here’s a transcript.