Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign

Are we a nation in search of a label? It seems that half of the pundits are looking for a short definition of the political mood.

Apparently their thesauri are too replete with adjectives.

Democrats won the presidency with 52% of the popular vote, but a spectacular 67.7% of the electoral college. They won at least 57% of the Senate, and at least 58.9% of the House. By every metric, the United States of America has preferred Democratic candidates to the opposition in the Republican party.

One could infer that between fifty and sixty percent of Americans are either Democrats or supported Democratic candidates for major offices. There are people who disagree with interpreting the results in this fashion.

They are called Republicans, and like Democrats in the past, they insist that the tally must be incorrect because they, personally, knew NO ONE who voted for the opponent. In 1972, Republicans mocked those who said this about George McGovern as liberal elitists. Thirty-six years later, one questions the definition of those who knew no one voting for Obama.

Both groups were or are in need of something, and that something is a wider circle of friends.

The wider circle of friends is found closer to the political center. Because Democrats won the electon, the Center Left should be examined first.

The Center Left is much like the plot of Lethal Weapon 3. Everybody thinks they know what it is, but when pressed for the answer, it turns out that the response one gets turns out to be anything but the Center Left or Lethal Weapon 3.

Please bear inmind that this would be an awkward situation if there were a good description of the Center Right as the term is being used. Since November 4th, a flood of commentatators has come out with a statement along the lines of "well, a Democrat may have been elected, but America is still a Center Right country."

One begs pardon. If America is a Center Right country, wouldn't a Center Right candidate like John McCain have won?

Those who speak of the Center Right are like all those who speak of the center on their side: they are those who lost to the other side of the political spectrum in the last election. In other words, they are partisans who are so invested in strict ideological adherence that they are no longer able to functionally acknowledge that someone from their opposition could ever win. Partisans tend to be loud, and extremely paranoid. The ones on the right are also armed.

Partisanship will eventually go too far and cause problems for people with whom they have significant ideological overlap. Ralph Nader had sycophants inside the Carter administration, and a symbiotic relationship with Democrats until he stripped enough votes from Al Gore to make G. W. Bush president.

Those laughing about that on the right should be reminded that the last time a partisan fragged his own side, it was Ross Perot taking G. H. W. Bush down in 1992. Counterproductivity, thy name is partisanship.

The election was not close enough to have been won by trickery. It came down to which candidate ran the best campaign and connected his ideas best to the wants and needs of the American electorate.

Senator McCain's bravery and extraordinary sacrifice are compelling. No question exists that any American would hope to emulate McCain's courage if called. From privilege to prisoner and back, John McCain is synonymous for patriot.

Governor Palin resonated with those who only become empowered when others are excluded. The tolerant Center Right who had welcomed the candidacy of Senator McCain gave the Alaska Governor a chilly reception, and her performance on policy did not acquit her well. Mrs. Palin will long be remembered for talent insufficient for her ambition.

Vice-President-elect Joe Biden will be recognized for his competence, preparation, and perseverance. With regard for his charisma, well, is anyone exactly sure what he looks like?

President-elect Obama is defined as someone who finds triumph in impossible circumstances. No question lingers regarding his profound faith in the promise of the United States for all of its citizens. Barack Obama connected as definitively American with 52% of voters who are also by definition American.

No other adjective is necessary.