The campaign that had increasingly seemed more uncivil war than election run-up is finally behind us. But the post-mortems and Monday-morning quarterbacking are not likely to end even on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
And Sarah Palin speculation, to be sure, will become a national pastime until she finally signs on with Fox News. As a result, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will continue to look ever more competent and mature beyond his years.
But this much should be so obvious that we shouldn’t need to dwell, baby, dwell:
*In a change-year election, change typically trumps “experience.” And when “experience” undermines itself (see Palin, Sarah), the results should have surprised no one.
*That an African-American can win the presidency still seems surreal. But this was the perfect political storm: given an incumbent party saddled with economic and geopolitical implosions, a presidential opponent who could only play the POW/“socialist”cards so far, a veep candidate less qualified than Tina Fey and the uncommonly charismatic candidacy that was Barack Obama’s.
Moreover, Obama is African-American – not American-African as his subtly threatening, racial predecessors — Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton — were. He wasn’t a racial opportunist and professional provocateur. His change agenda wasn’t based on grievance, pandering, and white guilt.
*Enough Americans – ideology aside – were more than ready for smart and articulate.
*“The American Dream” still resonates.
*Regardless of who won, presidential election campaigns shouldn’t last this long or cost this much. Too much time spent on trivialization and character assassination – and too much money allocated for marketing and advertising. Neither, ultimately, is good for meaningful democracy.
*The key game-changer was the financial meltdown. Not even the most partisan Democrat wanted that.
*Nancy Pelosi is still obnoxious.
*“Country First” was a disingenuous oxymoron once Palin was added to the GOP ticket. The real Faustian message: “McCain’s Last Shot At The Presidential Brass Ring First.”
*Anyone with a frame of reference dating back to 2000 knew the day McCain shared a Liberty University stage with Jerry Falwell, “an agent of intolerance,” his real “maverick” days were over. Now there’s only James Garner.
*Most elections are still won in the middle – even such a bizarrely polarizing one as this. Palin never gave McCain a puncher’s chance at this decisive demographic.
*Joe Biden will be a much better vice president than vice presidential candidate. His liaison work with Congress will be critical – and his across-the-aisle mettle will be tested early. Mark these words.
*McCain was gracious in defeat. No integrity bypass.
*Obama has a shot at coming to grips with a transcendent, global issue that impacts everything from America’s security to economy. From national defense to free trade agreements. From energy independence to green-planet cooperation.
Where exactly does the U.S. fit in this world, the only one we have? How do we again become the force for good that has long been our destiny? He has a shot at hitting the re-set button internationally.
Why not work with our allies and negotiate with our adversaries? Can’t we be strong – without being arrogantly unilateralist? Must it be a sign of weakness if others like us again?
It’s called enlightened self interest. To reiterate, Obama has a shot.
McCain had no shot.
Now on to those likely Obama cabinet picks…