[af_vet_rr]

Calling the winner to congratulate him is a longstanding traidtion and one rooted in “healing” the various rifts, at least on a personal level, once a nominee is chosen.

Calling in this case “concedes” nothing. It simply respects a tradition that has been helpful in bringing together the party after the race is over.

So wait, candidates are supposed to call every winner after every primary/caucus in the primaries?

As far as "bringing together the party", Romney is doing everything possible to divide and conquer the party. He is as much a danger to Conservatives as Obama is.

[fightinJAG]

Yes, traditionally the second-place finisher calls the winner after each race.

Just like in football, the losing QB is expected to make a good effort to seek out the winning QB and at least try to say something nice/neutral to him.

It’s not a big deal, yet — again, just like in football — if the tradition isn’t followed, the loser looks petty and he gets talked about badly for a day or two, or longer.

Does Newt need that?

He could have called and said anything he wanted to Romney, but at least have made the call and acknowledged that Romney won. Tell him “see you in the next state” or whatever.