Election Night

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

This election cycle has been, in a word, long.  Long.  Very.  Very.  Long.  Personally, it started as an observer's puzzle:  Who would do what?  Which party would put forth the most inspiring ticket?  How would the country embrace its first viable black candidate?  Would the parties fracture?  How long would Hillary hold out hope?  How many times would Bill Clinton use "I" statements when talking about his wife's candidacy?  How many times would I worry it would come down to style and not substance?

Then things got personal.  For those of you patient souls who have read this whole blog and journeyed through Stickerdom with me, it's not new information for you to learn this election cycle changed something deep within me.  Or maybe my head finally caught up with my convictions?

While the results roll in, I have a few thoughts about what will happen.  For the record, I will be deeply surprised, yet profoundly thankful if John McCain wins.  Should he win, I pray that our nation does not witness riots or outlandish behavior.  One of the incredible characteristics that makes our country great is our history of peaceful transfer of power.  I pray and I hope that nothing mars that legacy. 

Should Obama win, we will continue our slide into socialism.  My fervent prayer is that there are enough moderate Democrats in Congress to reign in what could easily be a Liberal Field Day.  Lest we frighten the children, I won't list all the possibilities of Liberal Carnival Acts.  Or is it Carnivorous Acts?

The upside, as William Kristol has already said brilliantly (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/opinion/03kristol.html) , it will give Republicans time to regroup.  After the debacle of Carter and the Democratic Congress, we got Reagan.  After Clinton and the Democratic Congress, we got Newt.  My prayer is that should we have the opportunity to rethink our position and grow stronger in purpose, we are better prepared to lead.  The Republicans who win the next round need - no, must - be better prepared to lead the country.  (Real Change Newt Gingrich)  We cannot lose the next race through lack of preparation.  I'm not talking about winning the White House.  It's imperative we win the hearts and minds and imaginations of Americans and instill in them the desire to work and strive for the American Dream and lead them to it.  We cannot win Congress and the White House and fail to lead.  That's the lesson of the last decade.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.  It's been illuminating.