… some closing thoughts on a sobering night, assuming Clinton does lose.
First, it is incumbent upon all members of the next two Congress’, Republican, Democrats, and Independents, to restrain Trump’s worst impulses. A retreat to partisan politics on the part of the Republicans, rather than a sober, adult approach to governance, may rain economic, cultural, and military disaster upon the United States.
Second, both parties need to develop new leaders. While I’m no political junkie, I must state that find it very difficult to think of anyone in either party who’s going to step forward and be ready, at the next election, to run and run effectively for the Presidency on either side. Now, this doesn’t mean I expect more disaster in four years; but this is the time to develop the candidates who have the experience and training – and, yes, there is training – to ably fill the office. Tonight we’re seeing the election of someone with no experience, and whose behavior does not inspire confidence. This is not acceptable in a country that likes to believe it is the strongest nation in the world. We must do better.
Third, a whole lot of people wanted change and therefore voted for Trump. They may get that change, despite the fact he’s limited in what he can do, but they may not like it.
They may not like it a lot.
How are we going to deal with them when they become dissatisfied with Trump? If ACA does, in fact, go away, and all of a sudden they’re once again without healthcare? What’s the worst case scenario? They become more radicalized? By many accounts, these are “low-information” voters – perhaps their main source of information was The Apprentice (not a show I ever watched). How do you transform an angry ex-Trump voter into a more reasonable voter?
Fourth, the Democratic Party should immediately institute a rule – every time somebody tries to point the finger of blame at some other part or member of the party, it should be broken. Maybe literally. The finger of blame is how you tear the party apart. Even pointing it outside the party should be discouraged. Obviously, there was a communications problem, so get to work on it. Is there blame to distribute? Sure. Don’t do it. Those who really screwed up will be edged out, starting with Mrs. Clinton, who will retire as the best candidate to have lost a general Presidential election (with apologies to Mr. Gore) in the modern era.
Fifth, I repeatedly hear that college educated women broken for Trump. WTF? I’ll just be flabbergasted.
And, finally, I look forward to hearing Bruce Bartlett’s reaction.
The world goes on. Work still opens tomorrow. No doubt a large chunk of the life savings will be wiped out soon, since I didn’t cash out today. More years of work while the United States melts down and rebuilds itself. The question is, will our leaders be able to communicate our best ideals to the voters, and make them work?
Or the worst?
