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

[the governor of Jennsylvania]

And... it always starts to get ugly after a few days, doesn't it?

[Jennifer Can't Shut Up Sweet]

Bush wasn't the best President in our history....but he didn't mean to harm our country (and while we can blame a lot on him, we cannot blame the housing market on him). I do not approve of the entire former terrorist hosting Obama, because he doesn't regret his previous actions. So for you to hang out with that person, makes it seem like you are okay with those views. Lie down with dogs, get up with Fleas. I dont' think it's a good decision, but I do not think that Obama approves terrorists or their actions. I am afraid of where he could lead us, however, I will not be like the people that tore down at Bush non stop. Because I don't think it's right. But if Obama changes things in a way that I feel are detrimental to our country, then for the next election you will find me using all my spare time to campaign for someone else.

[Daisy]

Jen, in one of your books you state that you don't even know the names of your state's elected officials. I'm not trying to be critical, just wondering how much thought you're putting into your political beliefs.

I would think that as someone who went through being unemployed and without health insurance, you'd be interested in seeing a better situation for Americans who are in the same position. You, along with Fletch, were forced to commit insurance fraud to get your allergy medication! That's a horrible position to be put in, and I have to say that the republican position on healthcare would keep people down when it comes to healthcare.

I hope in the future people can vote on the issues instead of being stuck in a rut of identifying themselves as a member of a political party.

[Betty]

Okay, I'd like to address Jen's friends comment of
"We'd never have had a Reagan without a Carter."

Here's what I think what if Bush is the Carter and Obama is the Regan in this political situation? The media has compared Obama to Reagan and they similarities in campaigning efforts.

I deeply respect your opinion Jen and you will eventually win from this election, you'll just be winning a better America.....

[Sally]

Would people please stop insinuating that Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter have anything in common? Thanks.

[Emily Allyn]

"I find it fascinating that almost two hundred people have commented on this blog and not one has done anything other than kiss Jen's ass for 'taking the high road' and for being so 'gracious' and 'respectful.'
A post that ends with some ridiculous 'no Reagan without Carter' reference and 'whatever happens I win' needn't be glorified. It actually sounds pretty bitter and angry to me."

Oh Carly from NYC, I'm sorry that you don't quite get it.

In a world where most people either a)boast that their guy won or b)whine that their guy didn't, Jen did what Jen does best, which is be honest and not boast nor whine. She may have sounded whiney to you, but in fact, she was just stating a fact. She may not like "your guy" but she didn't insult him. In fact, she simply quoted her friend, so in reality, it wasn't even technically her statement.

Since Jen is a public figure (legally, she is) and has, on occasion, voiced her political beliefs, she felt it was her responsibility to address the election. Anyone who reads her blog regularly knows her views. She was gracious over her loss. She even saw a silver lining where other Republicans might not. Her statements were not glorified, but stated. She always wins, because she choses to win.

So to say that she is bitter is, I'm afraid, a misstatement. I hope that as one of Jen's readers, you can realize that Jen speaks her mind. She is honest. Her post last week was anything but bitter. If you don't like her politics, then don't comment. If you can't read her, knowing that she's a Republican, then don't read her.

I think I speak for the rest of us when I type: we don't want to read mean comments. We, like Jen herself, want to keep things positive. Sure, posts like that might make for good material in future books - but for me, it brings down the mood.

I personally adore Jen. Even if my politics were opposite hers (in fact, they just might be), I would never accuse her of being bitter because she was honest.

So, thank you Jen, for a lovely post. I always know I can trust you to be classy.

[Missie]

Loved this post, you said what I felt.

However, I do object to having to wait that long to find out your views on the election. Like you have a life and a career that you need to be seeing to and a move going on or something instead of writing something immediately post-election! Whatever.

[Kass]

Bravo Jen!
What a refreshing viewpoint you have! Such a rarity from someone in your party, I am so tired of the bitterness that most conservatives have been spewing throughout the election and continue to even though it's over. I will say that I don't at all share your political views but I think it is crucially important for all of us to band together and stop all of the bi-partisan bullshit and actually do some work to improve the country. We are in a bad way right now and the only way to get things done are to put aside all of the party politics and work together to find solutions to our problems. We have too long been divided and to what end? Has being on totally either sides of the political spectrum done anything for us except provoked us to argue about what we think is right? It's only caused frustration and bitterness and it's time for CHANGE, yes as played out as it may seem by now, we need it, period. Now I would like to think that Obama is the person who will be able to bring America out of the funk that it's been in for the last 8 years but no one can really say for absolute certainty. What I do know is we as a people can make one of 2 choices, we can either continue the party politics that the Bush administration was so good at promoting which got us absolutely no where OR we can get behind our president-elect here and now and put aside our differences and fight for what's good for our country.
Oh and a quick note on McCains concession speech: THAT was the McCain of yester year, the one who didn't give a damn about party politics, who actually cared about getting stuff done for the good of the country regardless of party. That was a man I could've actually seen myself voting for despite my liberal viewpoint. Why he decided to ditch that former self for the bitter, negative, dumbed-down politics we saw during the campaign, I'll never know, it's pretty obvious that it didn't help him or his party during the election. And even though my party is the victor here, it kind of infuriates me that the Republican party chose to go the way it did in the campaign, the negativeness and the fear mongering of its people into making them basically believe that if Obama gets elected the country is going to go in the toilet and we're all going with it (Yes, there are people out there who believe this including a good portion of my family). I know that conservatives aren't at any lower of an intelligence level than myself or anyone in the democratic party but yet I feel as though the Republicans where trying to appeal to the dumbest part of their followers in this campaign (i.e. Joe the Plumber?!!), who by the way isn't a licensed plumber and owes thousands in back taxes (ya, I bet he's scared of Obama's tax policy since he hasn't even paid taxes in the current administration). Anyway, I don't understand why they went this way, and if I were a Republican I would be as frustrated as all hell with the way their campaign was handled.
Ok, I guess I'm going off on a rant, didn't really mean to, guess it's hard to get off the tangent that I've been on for the last 2 years!
ANYWAY, thanks for the refreshing post Jen and thank you so much for your books, they are just ridiculously awesome, can't wait for the next!

[Tara]

Jen for President in 2012 -- who's on-board? I'll be her VP and we'll decorate the Oval office in shades of pink and green. Fleth would be a great first Husband, and Mazie and Loki make Barbara Bush's "Millie" look like a mutt.

Jen in 2012!

P.S. If I had a blog, I would have said the EXACT same thing about the election -- brilliance!

[Susan]

Jen ~ you are a better person than me. Yes, our team lost, and while I have DEEP respect for the office of the President of the Untied States, I have NO respect for the man who will hold that office. You need only look at who championed this candidate and with whom he associates to know who he is. I too pray for a successful 4 years because I want my daughters to grow up in the America I love ~ if he goes down the road he has promised, both teams will have lost.

[Jennifer Sweet]

I am so utterly SICK of people that people on the other side of the political spectrum are evil. I don't think most people, be they dem's are rep's, want anything bad for our country. We just have different ideas how to get to the best possible country. I voted McSame....but I am excited about the possibilites our new president brings. He's inspirational. I don't think he was the best for the job...but that will never be proven one way or the other so I will throw my full support AND respect behind him because he is our president, and he deserves it.

[Kate]

After never writing a single word about the election, Jen isn't even allowed to mention that her side may EVENTUALLY win without being called "bitter and angry."

That's frightening.

[Alice]

I believe James Carville said something along those lines (in regard to the quote you referenced) in the 92 election. Maybe in the documentary "The War Room."

[Alex]

I wanted my guy to win (and he did - sorry Jen) but I also feel sorry for the winner in a way. Bush and his policies broke this country and now we ALL hope that Obama can fix it, but he won't be able to do it alone. We have too much at stake and I don't know about you, but I am not caring so much about the little nit picky issues - but the big ones are definately on my mind; our soldiers fighting two endless wars and the worsening economy. God please help us all to get things working again.

[Cath]

Our new political mantra has been found! "We'd never have had a Reagan without a Carter." Thank you!!!

[Jen in VA]

Jen your comments were very gracious...you are a better person than I am. Yup, my team lost too. But while I will give Obama a chance, I will respect him & the office as much as the Bush haters have respected the man & the office....NOT AT ALL!

[indycitygirl]

Being a longtime fan I knew what side you leaned on and was waiting to see what your view was when your team lost.I am proud of you for taking the high road and not spewing vile comments because your team lost.I am a liberal so you can guess who I voted for and kudos to you for being a class act.I hope wwe all can united together and make things work and yes,read Obamas book,its wonderful

[AJ]

That was extremely respectful and a very thoughtful way to voice your opinion. I love your books, and I really respect your stance on the elections. While my team won (yay!) it's so important to have everyone on board. The country really needs help and we all have to pitch in. Well put, and gold star for you.

[judith]

Actually, I think there would not have been a Reagan without a Nixon. So although I see your point, I think your analogy is a bit off.

After the fiasco of Nixon, the Republican Party had to retool itself. It couldn't do it quick enough, so that's where Carter came in. That's where Reagan and all of his homespun values came in to redeem the Republican Party.

Carter was just a placeholder.

[Lorie Turnbull]

Jen, I live in Wasilla Alaska, home of Gov. Palin. I am with you, my team lost, but there is no point wasting energy fighting it. Im looking forward to seeing what Sarah will do for our country in the future. Until then, we'll have to see what Obama has to offer!

[Casey C]

Hmmm...I liked it better when I didn't know your political views. Ah well...can't wait to read your next book. I'll try to forget what I just read here lest it lower my enjoyment quotient. Write on!

[Karen]

Oh, but without BUSH there'd be no OBAMA, my dear! The light is shining once again. The evil empire is about to leave...two wars, economy in the tank. I am so glad to have a new start. Obama is just what we need, when we needed it. *sigh* :) (twirling)

[sparkly_jules]

And remember, without Bush, there would've been no Obama.

Hope lives.

Hallelujah!

Jules

[Louise]

I have to say I agree with Cindy. Everything was sounding good til the last paragraph. A couple of snide remarks at the end, and it didn't sound so classy anymore.

And it frightens me that you wanted to have Sarah Palin as Vice President. She is scary.

[Melinda]

Jen,

This is the first time I have posted a comment but not the first time I have been on your blog. I am a huge fan of your books--I laughed until I cried and have bought several as gifts for friends. I think you are just great. I do disagree on your politics--as I am a lifelong democrat; however, I love the spirit of your message here. When Bush won, I vowed that I wanted to see him unite our country and I really appreciated what Bush did to heal our country directly after the hits on 9/11. I think it is important for all Americans to have your spirit of 'wanting what's best' for our country.

In the end, we are all Americans . . . we all love our country . . and we all want what's best, right?

I am looking forward to your next book.

Cheers,

Melinda

[Manic Mommy]

I remember seeing the button on your purse and knowing who your guy was. When I voted on last Tuesday, I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this. I know he's not going to win." at least not in our state.

Happy belated b'day you gorgeous you!

Is it truffle-diving season yet? Hee hee!

[Anna]

You = a class act.

[Kristi]

What a refreshing outlook! I am an Obama supporter but I understand the disappointment when the outcome is not as you would have hoped. But, like it or not, he is our president now. Ours. So I am hoping that people who don't "like" him will still give him a chance and be respectful of the office he holds. I sure as hell wouldn't want it!

[Molly]

Dear Carly in NYC: Don't forget, bitter is the new black! :) Loved the post, Jen.

[Jessi T]

You are one classy lady. Thanks for shedding a mature, logical viewpoint on this.

[Shea Long]

i totally agree.

can't wait for your next book

[toni]

although my team did win, i can't begin to imagine how frustrating it was for you that you weren't able to make it to the polls! you have sufficiently frightened me into never scheduling a move during the month of november!

[Carmen]

Thank you for posting this, thank you.

[Sarah NewFan]

Very well said.

[Daisy]

I wanted to say Thank You for saying what has been on my mind since election day. I sent your url for this page to a friend of mine to let her know how I've been feeling. I myself couldn't put it into words. Also I've listened to so many stories about people who have hope now, that I can't be upset by anyone in the seat of President that can inspire so much HOPE. We need that.

[Cindy]

Perfectly said! I agree with everthing. We need to back our President, no matter what political party he/she is in.

Good luck with your new digs! Can't wait until your next book is done.

Let's get you to come to Grand Rapids, MI

Thanks for keeping us all grounded!

~Cindy

[Carly in NYC]

Why don't we all try2heal@yahoo.com?

[Melissa]

Thanks for being a gracious person. I like Obama and am way, WAY not Republican. I love your books and your blogs and respect your difference of opinion. I'm glad you aren't like my boss. He spent Wednesday not speaking except to call anyone who voted for Obama and idiot. Sorry dude, we live in a democracy. The people voted and your opinion wasn't the majority. You can be sad and upset but not insulting.

[Daphne]

That was very well written and respectful, and, I for one, a total & complete Obama supporter , am glad for a change to hear a McCain supporter not spew bitterness regarding the outcome of the election. As I told a woman on the train the other day "Well, your team had 8 years to get it right, and I guess the country spoke and wanted someone else to take a stab at it."

Thank you, Jen, for at least being one person who didn't vote for Obama, for being willing to keep an open mind.

[rudy]

politics aside, you are a brilliant writer (which i'm sure you're already aware), and this post only confirms the intelligence and class i'd already suspected you had. i also appreciate the commentary. delightful as always. although i'm not sure in what context calling someone a "terrorist/muslim" (which was not true) is considered taking the "high ground." regardless, can't wait for the new book. i'm sure it'll be as good if not better that the others.

[lmt]

Jen, you are such a class act. Thank you for thoughtfully articulating the feelings I've had over the past week. I agree with you - even though my team lost, I'm going to approach these next four years with a positive attitude. No one likes a Bitter Betty! Obama didn't earn my vote, but as president he deserves my respect and support.

[kmd]

I too hope that Obama's presidency will bring a new spirit to America, and we will finally see an end to the kinds of personal attacks on a sitting president that were directed at Bush in the past 8 years and even more viciously at Clinton during his presidency.

Thanks for adding your very public voice to call for an end to all of that. Onward and upward.

[Stepheney]

Well said and you've definitely been missed. Now onto more IMPORTANT TOPICS:
Did you finish the Twilight series?????

[Jerri]

This post contains the essence of what makes you successful, Jen. The very essence.

There is heart inside even the bitchiest stories in your books. You can say the awful things many of us think because a) you're funny and b) you're genuine.

Your heart is on display here. Heart and common sense. None of us can afford to waste energy on old news, but all too often we do it anyway.

I'm going to print this out and save it. Good reading for the next time my team loses. Anything.

[nadine]

glad you're back and getting settled, jen. i'm in a bit of a depression about our team's loss, i just hope the country's economy doesn't follow my personal downslide. i wish obama the best of luck, he's gonna need it and i'll be supporting him as i do every president while they are in power. God Bless America.

[Michelle]

Happy Belated Birthday Jen,

You were sorely missed over the last two weeks. I checked back daily to check on your moving progress.

I couldn't agree with you more on your political stance. While I'm disappointed Senator McCain didn't win, I'm hopeful that Obama will bring the positive change that he promised throughout his campaign, without going overboard on democratic "handouts".

This election, for me anyways, was the most vocal I've ever been during an election. Spreading my view to my clients, family and friends, who were already on the same page. It was comforting to know we were all viewing the same show, even tho we didn't care for the ending.

Enough about that. Looking forward to the next book. Glad to hear you're getting settled into your new home.

Happy Belated Birthday!

[Jaye]

Jen, you were missed. I have been checking back daily. I hope that the move wasn't too heinous and can't wait to read about your new place.
As far as your take on the election - I agree with you 100%. He's not my choice, but I support him 100%.

[Melissa]

I'm on your team (you know, the one that lost) but I have to say that I agree with you 100%.

[Melissa]

I'm on your team (you know, the one that lost) but I have to say that I agree with you 100%.

[Melissa]

I'm on your team (you know, the one that lost) but I have to say that I agree with you 100%.