Let me start off by saying that I’ve had a rough few weeks. As polls tighten during the closing moments of a presidential campaign, a political news junkie like me is in a constant state of overdose. I suppose it wouldn’t be so caustic to my system if I didn’t feel as though I had some personal opinion invested in the result, but perhaps that’s unavoidable as it’s part of being a political animal. I hope beyond anything that I don’t eventually become a husk of a human being like Chris Matthews who is unapologetic in his opinion that life is just a big campaign. But I’m sure I’m not far off in many of my friends’ and families’ eyes.

That said, what happened last night was historic. It was a perfect culmination of all that the Democratic Party represents being overwhelmingly supported by a clear majority of the American people. It was more than a man of African-American decent being elected to the highest office. It was more than a mandate for Obama’s progressive vision for the nation and a rejection of the failed Republican policies. It was a justification of the frustration with this government that has built within myself and millions of other people finally being released in electoral landslide. It was all those things and more.

So to my Republican friends out there, if you don’t understand why you lost so soundly and clearly, don’t try to blame it on a single shallow reason and take a very long look in the mirror. As I’ve stated many times to many different people, this country took a very hard right when Bush took office with a Republican congress. And in case you missed it, that was a disaster. Now some argue that because of that very reason we should all be scared of a Democratic congress and President, and I can see the merits in that argument. It has validity. But we need to bring the good ship America back to even keel so that we can start working on the issues that matter. No more of this flag-lapel-pin / gay-marriage / freedom-fries bullshit. It’s time that the big person issues get addressed seriously.

Also, I can understand if you’re upset. Because of outcomes of the past couple elections I can tell you quite honestly that I know how it feels. I’m so used to Democrats snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, I kept my mouth pretty much shut when the polls started to favor Obama heavily. Even though I wanted to make post after post about how little McCain’s chances of winning were, I refused to jinx the whole thing — I left nothing to chance. I did not need to wake up this morning and dread another four years of a Republican White House. So I can sympathize. And while I’d love to dance on the grave of the GOP, I’m man enough to recognize that I’ve been there and it sucked to be on the losing end. Unlike Bush, I actually want everyone at the table of ideas. Our problems are too big for only half the electorate to deal with. Both candidates said as much in their respective speeches last night.

A side note to John McCain:
If there is anyone who really needs to take a hard look at the way they conducted themselves in the campaign, it’s you. Palin acted like I would expect any power-hungry neophyte Republican to act. She has an agenda and I’m fairly certain that we haven’t seen the last of her in national politics. But I can say without reservation that I’m appalled at the way you conducted yourself over the past few months. I watched as you systematically decimated your own image in exchange for the very cheap and dirty political tricks and posturing that you were the victim of in the 2000 campaign. But in watching your speech last night, I like to think I detect a hint of regret in your delivery — a shade of the maverick that was chiding the shell of the man that remains testament of what nasty politicking reaps. You have to live with this hideous monster you created and your reputation is forever tainted by the tawdry tactics you so vociferously decried in years past. I’m certainly glad I’m not you today, Senator McCain.

Above all else I’m looking very much forward to President Obama. By the news of his elevation alone, our allies from all over the world seemed to cheer in one voice that America has finally come to its senses. The benefits of rebuilding our international relationships cannot be emphasized enough in the long term impact that it will have in situations both peaceful and tense. With our friends once against solidly at our side, America can again become the great and benevolent hope of the world.

We can also start to make pragmatic decisions with regards to our faltering economy, our impact on the global climate crisis, the insanity of our dysfunctional healthcare industry and our crumbling national infrastructure. There is little doubt that the previous administration has left an immense challenge for us. So it’s up to us to make what will be some hard decisions about our national priorities. We’ve elected the right person for the job. Of this I am certain.