Five (Initial) Takeaways

Well, after countless handshakes, hundreds of millions of dollars raised, and thousands of speeches, it looks like the 2012 election is in the bag.  Here are five very preliminary takeaways -

1. It seems we are exactly where we were before the election. Obama is the president, the Senate remains in Democratic hands, and the House remains in Republican hands. As to how the “new,” old order will break the partisan gridlock in Washington remains to be seen.

2. The Electoral College map remains largely unchanged in that the Northeast and West coasts are Democratic and the South and heartland are Republican. America remains divided with two very different visions for who we are as a people, the proper role of government, and the values that define the nation.

3. If there is one clear outcome of this election it is that we need to reform the electoral system. From a confusing Electoral College to convoluted amendments on the Florida ballot to not being prepared to hold an election during a terrible storm, our system of elections leaves much to be desired.  As I write this piece it also appears that , while Obama has won the Electoral College vote, Romney might well carry the popular vote.

4. It will be nice to turn on the television and NOT see nasty political ads.

5. Let the 2016 presidential campaign begin…  get ready for Hillary Clinton/Julian Castro versus Chris Christie/Marco Rubio!

Tags | election night, obama, romney