tRicK oR tReAt 227
warned the media, “He doesn’t want to answer any questions analyzing
the election, so be sensitive, OK?”
Slade was flanked funereally by Sally and their two daughters. Their
eyes were swollen. Sally found it hard not to hang her head. It was so pain-
ful to watch her guy concede. The Senate was his life’s ambition. His chin
was up but his smile was thin and his words, though gracious, had a dis-
tant quality, as if he was reading from a prepared text. Blinking into the
glare of the TV lights, he read a letter of congratulations to Adams: “You
ran a skillful and effective campaign which peaked at exactly the right
time. You begin a Senate career at an exciting and challenging time in
our nation’s history. You have my best wishes for a satisfying and success-
ful term.” He thanked his family, his campaign workers, his Senate staff
and the people of Washington for “28 magnificent, challenging, exciting
years.” No regrets. “I would not give up the past six years for anything in
the world.”^36
“Senator,” a TV reporter cried out, “what went wrong?”
“Analyzing elections is for winners and for pundits,” Gorton replied
crisply.
What about the future?
Gorton said he would never again seek elective office, but he said it in
such an abrupt way that someone asked it again a few minutes later.
“That’s what I said,” he said.^37