When a boxing match ends, the sore, bloody and worn out pugilists engage in a sweaty embrace. It’s a sign of respect for each other and for the sport that is their passion and livelihood. The only time boxers don’t hug at the end of the match is when one of them is knocked out cold.

“For the second election night in a row, Hillary Clinton failed to acknowledge or congratulate Barack Obama after he won the day in dominating fashion.

On Tuesday in El Paso, hours after Virginia had been called for Obama, she stuck to her “Texas campaign kickoff” message and did not stray from an energetic, Lone Star-themed stump speech. She did mention Obama by name, only to chide his health care plan.” … Quotation from CNN Political Ticker

It’s standard practice for a losing candidate to call and congratulate the victor. It’s the epitome of bad taste and pettiness for Hillary Clinton to refuse to congratulate Sen. Barack Obama.

To get the measure of a man or a woman with a penchant for donning pants suits, consider how they react after a loss. Hillary expected a coronation — she wasn’t prepared financially, organizationally or emotionally for a long and bruising campaign. When Hillary loses, the consummate politician gives way to the real Hillary: A small, petty and evil woman.

Hillary has lost the last two rounds of the February contests, and she’s bound to lose the final round which includes Wisconsin and Hawaii. I know that it would be very humiliating for Hillary to make a weekly concession call to her rival, but it’s as much a part of a political campaign as kissing babies and giving stump speeches.

When Obama delivers the knockout blow, in Texas, Ohio or Pennsylvania, I hope that Hillary will finally learn how to be a gracious loser.