My Post-Election Thoughts

Last night I gathered with friends at my home and on the web to watch the election results. As I was taking in the evening, these were some thoughts that ran through my brain. Let me try to do this without acknowledging the candidate that received my vote.

• We’ve elected our first African-American President. That’s historic.
• I’m proud to be an American. Our political process really works.
• I was encouraged to see the number of people in line at the polls here in Anderson and across the country. People really seemed to engage the process.
• The biggest surprise of this election process for me was watching Obama upset Clinton to get the nomination.
• Runner up to that for me was watching the collapse of the Giuliani campaign.
• Though I know they were numerous, I don’t recall watching any television ads for either Obama or McCain.
• As far as I know, we did not receive any direct mail advertising from either campaign.
• I thought the branding of the Obama campaign (graphics and otherwise) was far superior to McCain.
• I’m glad I didn’t have to run on the Republican ticket given the current economy. I don’t know if any candidate could have beaten Obama this year.
• Personally, I think the campaign ended up being more about “change” than it had to do with specific ideas.
• Honestly, I didn’t want to vote for either of these candidates for different reasons. But I did.
• I like Obama’s personality and charisma more than McCain’s. I tend to think the more “likeable” candidate usually gets elected regardless of their platform.
• Senator Dole. Senator Gore. Senator Kerry. Senator McCain. I think it’s a tough mountain to climb when you’re viewed as an established Washington insider.
• I’m amazed at how seamless the transition is in America when we select a new leader.
• I think it’ll be interesting to watch the Democrats shift from the Clinton era to the Obama era.
• I think it’ll be interesting to watch who rises up to lead within the Republican party.
• I preferred the visual layout of the CNN HD coverage over the Fox News HD coverage last night. Fox News tried to cram too much information on one screen.
• McCain’s concession speech for very honoring to his opponent.
• Obama’s victory speech was stirring.
• I think Obama is a great communicator. I love watching people who are gifted orators.
• Oh, and one more thing… I believe God is sovereign and that he’s the only answer to real change in our lives and in our communities.

That said, I still love politics. There was a day not too long ago when I thought I wanted to run for public office. I may still do it after all the kids are out of the house. In the mean time, it’s fun for me to watch the action from the sidelines. Not quite as fun as watching a good football game…but still pretty fun.