On November 6th, the 44th president of the United States was chosen by the voter’s in this country. After a tiring and record setting expensive election, the speeches given by both President Barack Obama and Senator Mitt Romney had me coming away with at least a sense of finality to the whole ordeal. After what many expected to be a possibly much later night, with possible counties taking hours to count some ballots, the night ended seemingly early with a decisive win for Obama in the Electoral votes with a 50% to 48% popular vote in favor of Obama, according to Associated Press.
Even with much uncertainty was still left unanswered, or for that fact even brought up, the admissions made by President Obama in his victory speech regarding Romney and those who supported him reflected the fact that many disagree with some of the direction the country has taken or his actions. He reaffirmed the need to move forward by trying to reach across the aisle and form a bi-partisan government, hopefully less hindered by gridlock and partisan hard line stances.
The speech by Romney included thanks and congratulations to his supporters, the country, and President Obama. Romney added praise in a heartfelt moment with his wife Ann, whom he said, “would have made a great first lady.” Sad in some ways as it always is to watch the losing candidate’s speech. For some reason even after all the division, whether it’s uncharacteristic optimism tampering my cynicism or just certain things both men said, I came away feeling the night was more about America than political parties. The President’s reiteration of the promises he made on the trail, along with some new goals for both the government and the country, was albeit more for the heart of the Democratic Party, but also phrased to appeal to all. For example, on the topic of the increasing frequency of devastating storms along with current crises facing the country, President Obama said, “We want our children to live in an America that isn’t burdened by debt, that isn’t weakened by inequality; that isn’t threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet.” This was one of the reasons that I felt his speech was made to feel inclusive even to those that didn’t necessarily vote for him.
After such a long campaign with some memorable moments, but many more commercials I’d rather forget, I am glad to feel at least a sense of finality to the whole thing. Especially with the bad taste most elections leave in people’s mouths, hopefully business as usual takes a little longer to get in full swing this time, we can only hope.
About the author:
T.J. Hayes is a California native with a strong passion for self expression, philosophy (moral / ethical, political, etc,) open dialogue and discourse, honest inquiry, among many others depending on his mood or what side of the bed he’s been waking up on. T.J. as always, invites any questions or criticism regarding his articles or views, and is always willing to have a healthy and albeit sometimes, lively discussion.
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