Hey, Denny Crane & Alan Shore, The Election is Over!
The clip is borrowed from an episode of Boston Legal that ran two weeks ago, but I just saw it yesterday. In it, Denny Crane and Alan Shore (William Shatner, James Spader) argue over whom to vote for in the presidential election and – completely lose it. I guess tension ran high in many other places as well, but now the election is over. Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President and brighter days await America after eight years of George W. Bush’s mismanagement. This is the time for both Democrats and Republicans to come together and make a difference. Senator John McCain has pledged to help President-elect Obama, but it remains to be seen in what way. You could say though that I’m still in the honeymoon phase, because I cannot identify with those on the left who are already griping about some of Mr. Obama’s decisions. House Representative Rahm Emanuel has been chosen as Obama’s Chief of Staff, which was criticized by Republicans as hurtfully partisan and leftists as an obvious wink to the Clintonistas (and Mr. Clinton was, say some, too much of a conservative president).
Give the man a break, I say. Just like Obama, Mr. Emanuel is from Chicago. The two men know each other well, Emanuel has proved himself to be an excellent strategist – and he has the toughness to make things happen. Doesn’t that sound exactly like someone President Obama should have next to him in the West Wing? Besides, it is much too soon to complain about decisions Obama makes. At least give him 100 days to make an impact – then we can start complaining.
I’ll end this post with a personal reflection. I was in New York on November 4th, watching the whole spectacle in Times Square. It was quite a marvel to behold, standing there with all those people, watching CNN’s election coverage on the big screens. Then suddenly, there was a huge breaking news sign and we all knew it meant that Senator Obama had received more than 270 electoral votes – and everybody erupted into cheers. It was a beautiful night, full of hope and joy even though we had no idea of what an Obama presidency would mean. As I watched his victory speech, I was moved… and nervous as I realized that his shoulders bore the burden of unrealistic expectations. Many will feel invigorated by his time in the White House… and many will be so disappointed to learn that their lives won’t get that much better.
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