Refusing to Concede an Election Is Not Winning

You're not a winner, you're just a jerk

I mock and criticize Democrats who refuse to concede elections they’ve lost — Hi, Stacey! — so I gotta mock and criticize Republicans who refuse to concede elections they’ve lost. It’s only fair.

Better luck next time, Laura Loomer:

Mike DeForest @DeForestNews6

“I’M NOT CONCEDING!” Laura Loomer attacks the Republican Party and alleges voter fraud after losing GOP primary to incumbent Florida congressman Daniel Webster. #news6

“I’m not conceding because I’m a winner!” If that was how winning worked, Colin Kaepernick would have a Super Bowl ring.

Losing to someone named Daniel Webster doesn’t seem to bring out the best in people:

The Recount @therecount

“I am pleading with the Republican Party to please start taking this issue seriously. Please.” — Far-right congressional candidate Laura Loomer, who was defeated by conservative Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), sobs while falsely claiming voter fraud cost her the primary.

And right there, Loomer just demonstrated why she’s not fit for public office.

Speaking as someone who has lost more often than I’ve won, take it from me: Denying a crushing loss might make you feel better in the moment, but it doesn’t fix the problems that led to the loss. Lying to yourself doesn’t change the truth.

As the great Philip K. Dick once said: Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.

Which doesn’t mean you should give up. Every loss is a lesson. But if you refuse to even try to learn from it, if you’re determined to blame everybody but yourself, I have no sympathy for you. Refusing to admit defeat isn’t a sign of strength. It’s just a sign that you’re a dick.

Don’t be a dick.