The Election is Finally Over

George W. Bush will be our President for another four years. I'm stating the obvious for I'm having a difficult time grappling with the reality of the situation. Bush didn't just win the electoral college vote, but the popular vote by a healthy margin. And frankly, I'm dumbfounded, amazed, and uneasy.

With the exception of the political cartoons, movies, and endorsements linked in my side bar, I resisted the urge to personally write about it. And I could have written plenty -- the race had consumed nearly all my attention and energy, not to mention conversations among friends, family and coworkers. It permeated nearly every nook and cranny of my day to day life, and despite the outcome, I'm quietly thrilled to have it all back.

A few parting thoughts -- first, I'm amazed that with all the shifting endorsements and unsatisfied conservatives that Bush voters from 2000 stuck to their guns. Second, all the talk about "large turnouts supporting Democrats" was crackers. The Republicans were just as successful at getting their supporters out as the Democrats, and the long lines were anything but an indicator of Kerry momentum. Third, despite all the chatter about record numbers of young people showing up, it appears (thus far anyway) the majority sat on their apathetic butts once again. Four, whatever group handled the exit polling should be canned. Their inaccurate slant towards Kerry had an enormous psychological effect on voters, the media, and potentially had the power to disrupt the outcome.

I strongly feel Bush doesn't deserve another four years, and I would bet there are plenty of Bush voters who would privately admit the same. But there were clearly more powerful forces at play -- most notably morality, religion, and fear -- that not only solidified Bush's base, but brought them out in record numbers.

As of this writing, Ohio is still undeclared, but for all intents and purposes it's done. America has shown the rest of the world -- which for the most part are vehemently against Bush -- that we support our President, his policies, and ideology. I am not part of that majority, nor optimistic. But I can hope.

Best of luck George -- you're going to need it.