I'll Address This Topic Again in Four Years

Today's the first day I've had my computer up and running, connected to the internet, and properly assembled in my new office, so... hi!  Did you miss me? 

At some point during the last week when putting this room all together you'd think I'd have noticed the windows in my office are like God shining a flashlight down on the earth, but I did not.  Now in order to actually sit here at my desk and not be blinded, I have cardboard boxes shoved in the windows to block the direct rays.  I'm sure my neighbors are super-pleased and I've thus again proved you can take me out of the ghetto, but...

Anyway, what to cover first?  I've gotten too many emails to ignore the elephant in the living room so I'm breaking my own rules and talking about the election. 

In short, my team did not win. 

And in theory, I'm partially at fault because I didn't work for the campaign like I normally do.  Worse yet (although it wouldn't have mattered because I not only live in a Blue State, but also the president-elect's HOMETOWN) I didn't even get to vote.  Our move was supposed to be complete around 2:00 PM last Tuesday at which point Fletch and I were to head to the polls.  Our movers didn't get done until almost 8:00 PM.  As we were tied up at both houses the whole time, we never got a chance to leave.  Argh.

So, here's where you might think I cry and moan and rend my garments. 

Not going to happen. 

My guy lost.  I accept that.  (And watching his concession speech, I wonder if he even really wanted it in the first place.) 

Although I'm not on board with many of the coming administration's views, I'm not going to spend the next four to eight years of my life despising Obama.  I'm not going to place "presidential countdown" tickers on the side of my blog.  I'm not going to cover my car with hateful bumper stickers. 

I don't want to waste that kind of energy. 

I'm not going to disrespect the office Obama's about to hold, regardless that it's well within my rights to do so.  I'm going to do my best to support him because I believe he's a good man with honorable intentions, even if I think he's way off on stuff like taxes and the Second Amendment. 

President-elect Obama and I are not on the same page politically, but this summer we were on the same page of the NYT bestselling list.  I guarantee he and I have common ground; I just need to find it.  I plan to read his memoirs because I think it's important to connect with him.  He seems like an awfully likable guy and I'm determined to find a way to do so.    

This election reminds me of a powerful speech I heard years ago.  A quick Google search reveals nothing about who said it (maybe Bush on the campaign trail?), but the gist of it was, "They had their chance to lead; they failed."  Kind of ironic that it now applies to the side who said it first, but it's true.  My team failed.  We didn't deserve another win.   

On his show, Dennis Miller talked about taking a car service somewhere the day after the election.  His driver was telling him how he cried when he saw the results.  Miller said that even though he spent the last year rallying against an Obama presidency, he could recognize the value of having someone lead who inspires that much hope.  I can't disagree.

I'll be rooting for Obama's policies to exact the positive changes for which everyone hopes.  Now his team has the chance to lead and, for the good of this country, I want them to be successful. 

Fortunately after the past eight years, the bar hasn't been set too high.

On the other hand, I keep quietly repeating something my friend Lisa wrote in my birthday card last week... "We'd never have had a Reagan without a Carter."

So I figure whatever happens, I eventually win.

(Am closing comments the minute anyone attacks anyone else.  Be respectful to each other, please.) 

Comments

[Veronica]

Well said Jen. I couldn't agree more.

[Soren]

Happy Belated Birthday Jen!
Mine's tomorrow and I'll raise a toast to you too!
:D Soren

[amy g]

Thanks for being so diplomatic about it. I hope we can ALL work together to make the next 4-8 years a huge success!
-- Member, The Other Team

[Elizabeth]

Nicely put. I for one am very much looking forward to the next four years (at least) with a president that can speak as eloquently as you write.

[Allie]

I just want to say kudos to you! I think it's a responsible and great message you posted. I know too many people who "lost" on November 4 and haven't quit bitching. I think we need to be supportive and give him a shot. When he messes up, then you all can bitch. Until then let him work his magic and restore hope to our very broken nation.

[TCC]

My team won! Yay Obama! But I must admit that I was moved by McCain's concession speech. He really became "human" for me at that point. As for Palin...well, if I can't say something nice...

[angeelew]

PS - Happy belated birthday!

[Frances]

Waaaay back in one of the early comments, it was noted that we need "more attractive, outspoken chicks running the country". Although I've never been accused of being overly shy or ugly, when I ran for local office I went more on the 'intelligent, concerned, & well-informed' platform. And won. My point is, I want the person running the country to be smarter than me - smarter than most people, actually. Don't you? Let's focus on the attributes that make for a good leader, not just good TV.
Great post, Jen.

[angeelew]

Sen. McCain's speech was sincere and gracious ... the only regrettable part was the "booing" from the audience members when Obama's name was mentioned. As a "blue" Arizonan (and I'm a rarity in this red state), I was extremely embarrassed. There we were, Arizona, being seen on the national stage, and we conducted ourselves in such a disrespectful manner. If only McCain's audience at the Biltmore had been as gracious and respectful as your post, Jen. Even my 70-year-old mother, a die-hard Republican, was ashamed of the audience's reaction. We certainly didn't represent very well!

God, I'm so happy I can stop obsessing over the election ... and start obsessing over when I'm going to get to read PRETTY IN PLAID!

[Sally]

Jen - is your new house in the city or did you finally move to the suburbs? Also, I know your experience in what I assume is Bucktown might have robbed you of having faith in the citizens of Chicago. I went to the Obama rally (which was AWESOME) and let me tell you - Chicagoans can be some pretty well-behaved people. There was no pushing or shoving or yelling (well, screaming when the jumbotron of CNN would show the crowd and at other key moments of the evening), everyone was on their best behavior which I did not expect but did appreciate. It was weird because every time I've even been to an event in Grant Park, I always swear I'll never be back because there's always so many idiots. But not this time. I guess I don't really have a point here. Just that while you have had so many bad experiences with your fellow Chicagoans, the rally was a rare treat to see 150,000 of them so well-behaved.

[Christina]

"We wouldn't have had an Obama without a Bush," is perhaps the truest statement I've heard. I am pleased that Obama won, but I hope very deeply that people can stop gloating or mourning and focus on working together as a country, a group of people who have a vested interest in...well...you know, working together. These aren't sports teams; these are our leaders. OURS, not yours and not mine, but ours. It made me smile to read your post. Thank you for that!

[Caitlin]

Oh Jen, you are amazing. Way to keep the bar raised with your class and dignity. I wish more Republicans were like you (or Democrats after Bush won the last election).

[Karen]

Jen,

Well done.

[scarlet]

We're pretty much the same here so thanks for saying it more eloquently than I would have. I'm holding onto my "not talking politics" vow (except in comments, I guess).

[Laurie]

I appreciate your comments Jen. You share the same feelings as most of my fellow McCain/Palin supporters. Aren't you just a little bit scared though about the future of America?

[Sheila]

Jenn - very, very mature post. But do you still feel that way given how many ex-Clinton staffers (and not necessarily the good ones) he's bringing back?

[Val]

Jen,
We missed you! My team did win and I am pleased. After the last eight years, I believe that even though the task is daunting, the right person for the right time was elected. God Bless America!

[KarenLeigh]

Very well said Jen. Thank you for reminding the McCain supporters that our role is to support our President now.

[Jen Ochej]

I have to say, I was very impressed with this post. Well spoken, Jen.

[Jill]

You are so classy, I am glad you are on my team!

[Kiki]

I was wondering how you would respond to the election, and I like how you answered. Thank you for your willingness to speak out about working together instead of add ing to the dissent.

And even though I didn't vote for your team, I'm astonished at the abuse being piled on Sarah Palin. I'd love to hear your comments on that. We need more attractive, outspoken chicks running the country and the treatment she's getting is not going to help that happen.

[Karina in T.O]

So glad you're back, Jen! Totally missed you!

And if I may say as a Liberal from Canada, the tax thing? The old 'sharing the wealth' bit, and getting some universal healthcare under your belt?? It's not such a bad thing, man. If you get taxed up the ass enough, and have the knowledge that at least some of that money is going to help others who need it, and even you one day, it really isn't painful!

Like I tell my dad who's a ragin' Repub out of the good state of Florida (I say ragin' 'cause he's a bit of a yeller, not assuming all GOP's are ragin'), who always reminds me I live in a 'Socialist' country. "Dad, if I have a heart attack one day like you did, at least I won't be in debt $40K with medical bills.....I'll at least have something to fall back on....and if that means there's a tool out there who keeps going to the Emerg with a cold, and getting the same free healthcare as I do, well then?? You've got to take the good with the bad".

Nothing's perfect man, we all gotta make the best of what we're given, and worked for.

But again, regardless of our differences, tots missed you Jen, hope you're books going well and you'll be posting-a-plenty soon!

[DodiM]

Well said. As someone who is on the other side of the playing field I too hope he is successful for the sake of our country.

[Gigi]

As one of the only 12 known Massachusetts Republicans, I share your disappointment about "our guy" but like you, am respectful of the office and wish our new president-elect the best of luck. He's going to need it.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

I like what you had to say about not putting up presidential countdowns and bumper stickers. Although many people don't like the Bush administration, I think it is disrespectful and tacky to bash the leader of our country. And hopefully these types of people were pleased by the outcome and therefore will not continue this immature behavior.

[Tani]

Totally unrelated comment for Jen. I just finished reading your archives and laughed soooo much at the problematic bananas that you couldn't open. I, too have had issue with the elusive peel. A friend of mine gave me a great tip to peel them easily. Peel the other end! If you grab the end and move it slightly it gives and doesn't bend like the stem.
GOOD LUCK and I look forward to more of your posts.

[ayntastic]

Very well said as always. The last few days before the election I just kept thinking of "United we stand; divided we fall". I think that is truer now than at any point in my lifetime--we ALL need to work hard together to fix what is broken. I want to believe in a brighter future for my son and for all of us.

[Terri D.]

I, too, supported the McCain/Palin ticket and was devastated when the results came in. But that all changed the next morning when I saw on GMA the African-American man who said that he can now honestly tell his son that he can be ANYTHING he wants to be. That moved me to tears and it does every time I think about it, including now. I now believe that God has more in store for this Presidency than war and the economy. I think this Presidency is going to be about healing wounds. If Barack Obama can do that, he may go down in history as one of the greatest Presidents ever.

[Kelsey]

I am an Obama supporter but had been looking for your take on the election since before election day. You did not disappoint.

It makes me feel like there might be hope for the McCain supporters in my dorm who destroyed the Obama artwork I put on my door.

Anywho, I really appreciate your opinion and will work harder to be as eloquent and respectful toward the other side as you. :)

[Jessica]

Kudos to you Jen! That is exactly the way I feel about this election. I found myself having trouble communicating that to my friends and family. Although Obama was not my choice, he is now my president-elect. I respect that and him. I truly believe in the balance of power between Republicans and Democrats, and I think it is understandable to have a Democrat in the office now. I too worry about impending policy changes, but I do not feel the need to doom and gloom his whole presidency. I am thankful that he is such an inspiration to people, and I am saddened to realize how oppressed the black community still felt/feels.

[heather in tx]

Jen, this is why you are so beloved! This is why you sell tons of books and will continue to do so. I heart you! I live in a red state but a born and bred democrat from Chicago. Lots of sad faces here. Despite our political differences you are and shall remain one of my favorites peoples! When I'm in town next time I want to buy you pretty pink drinks.

[Kristen]

Unfortuantely, I believe the Republicans keep losing because we always take the "high ground". I believe we need to adopt the Democrats' tactics. First, I will give their president the same respect they gave mine. Second, I will work with the Republicans to get DC back 2010 and 2012 - "by any means necessary". Bitter? Yes. Sour grapes? You betcha. Just like the Dems were for eight freakin' years. 1-20-13.

[Kate]

You know, I wondered the same thing during his concession speech-was there some relief there? When it became apparent a few months ago that the economic mess was far, far worse than most of us had imagined, I wondered if both of them were wondering what the hell they were thinking volunteering for this job.

McCain's speech was graceful, eloquent, and overall just unbelievably good, but I wondered if I didn't hear just a little bit of "Man, am I glad I don't have to be the guy to pull us out of this".

[Jen Bunch]

Very beautifully articulated (as always). Thank you.

[Jenny T]

Thanks for your thought Jen and I'm glad to hear the move went well and you're out of the mold! While I'm registered for the winning team, I voted for the losing one. Either way, it's better that we all suck it up, accept the outcome, and support the O-Man.

[paula]

Jen - you could definitely teach a lot of Americans a thing or two about class!Regardless of who someone voted for last week, it'd do this country well for all of us to remember that he is our new President and for the sake of this country we should all be hoping that he is the change that we most definitely need.

On a lighter note - I've told everyone who will listen how wonderful your books are, and person after person have confirmed that indeed they are. I've also reminded everyone that they should run out & buy your new one in May! Please, please, please continue to write books that make me laugh til I cry, (and please continue to blog in between!) because this world is a little better with people like you in it!

[Crystal Mohrmann]

Well said Jen. I'm on your team on this one and also felt the loss. However, I think your post is incredibly well stated and it's true that it's hard to be mad that someone who inspires so much hope in an America where hope is lacking won. I hope he is successful in pulling this country together like he plans.

I however hope he is unsuccessful on carrying out some of his policies (such as those in regards to taxes, the second amendment and abortion). But...what's the likelihood of that?

Anyway, LOVE your books and LOVE your blog!

-Crystal

[Wendy]

I would vote for you Jen.

[EGE]

(Sorry. I kept hitting the "back" button and it kept resending my comment. Der.)

[EGE]

...and we would never have had an Obama without a Bush.

Let's hope he pulls it off!

[EGE]

...and we would never have had an Obama without a Bush.

Let's hope he pulls it off!

[EGE]

...and we would never have had an Obama without a Bush.

Let's hope he pulls it off!

[Emily]

You sound exactly like most of my conservative friends. I'd like to think Dems would be that gracious if we lost too. Most of my conservative friends agreed that they weren't voting for Obama so much as against what the Republican party has become, and so they reluctantly cast their votes for the other team. The Republican party has a lot of soul-searching to do, and I can only hope that it does emerge again as a party of thinkers. I know so many conservative intellectuals who are just bewildered by the last eight years and wondering where their party went. I, like you, wish the best for both parties because I wish the best for America. Well-said, Jen!!!

[Anna]

I know we don't agree politically, but Jen, I love you. And I want to thank you for NOT going on a tirade like so many of the people I call friends have thus far. You are a far better person than they are.

[BB]

My team won and I couldn't be happier!!! Yeah Obama!!!! I also think McCain gave a very emotional and appropriate concession speech.

[the governor of jennsylvania]

Kristin - the Twitter/Lame Bush thing is KILLING me. The one about having to wear a regular suit to the press pool? GENIUS.

[Eileen Cook]

You are a class act baby. This makes me want to buy you a drink. Granted I already wanted to- but still

[lee j]

glad you're back. the world didn't end Wednesday and some of our guys won on the local level which is important (i too live in a blue state MI) with any luck our governor will be wisked away to help our new president, hopefully not on the economy though.

[Karen]

I agree whole heartedly,with grace and truth.And Damn,lisa's quote is going to be a great mantra,since my boyfriend will need to be drugged for the next 4 years.Poor thing can't stop yelling at the tv.You have been missed lovey!

[Sheri C]

Just wanted to say well said Jen, I completely agree with you!