Winners and Losers from Election Night

Here are some of the various winners and losers from last night, in no particular order.

Winner: Barack Obama

He defied conventional wisdom on how to run a political campaign. He relied on the internet and small donors, He found a message and stuck with it. And he survived Hillary Clinton and then the Republican hate and slime machine to make history in America. Barack is today’s “Citizen of the Day.”

Winner: The American People

Whether or not you voted for Barack Obama, he will be your President, and he will improve this nation dramatically by governing (not ruling) toward the center. American simply could not take four more years of the failed policies and divisiveness of the Bush Administration, John McCain, and the Republican Party.

Loser: The Republican Party

The Republican Party has been decimated, and the American people have soundly rejected a failed Bush Administration. The Republicans are now reeling. Their return to prominence will only take place if they are able to move their party back to the center, abandoning the right wing conservative base that has the cause of such bitterness and hate in our nation.

Here’s the reaction I expect the Republican kool-aid drinkers had last night as they prepared to celebrate their new Bush… I mean, new Maverick:

God, I love “Blazing Saddles.”

Loser: George W. Bush

We already knew that Bush is a failed President, but tonight the American people confirmed it. Making it even better were the hundreds of college students who showed up at the White House last night ready to help Dubya pack. It is time for Mr. Bush to go.

Winner: Earth

Finally we will have a President concerned with the welfare of our planet. Look for American leadership in moving forward international initiatives that will improve the quality of our air and water, that will protect and hopefully (eventually) restore our ice caps, and that will protect endangered species.

Loser: Gay Rights

Two separate ballot initiatives have banned gay marriages, while another prohibits unmarried partners from adopting children.

Winners: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi

There are no excuses now, folks. A Democratic President. Significant majorities in both the House and the Senate. Get it done.

Loser: Elizabeth Dole

That’s what you get for running that kind of ad. Enjoy retirement.

Winner: The U.S. Military

Mark my words, this President will end our occupation in Iraq, will resolve the conflict (over time) in Afghanistan. And Mr. Obama will take care of our troops, both in the equipment and training that they receive and with the care we will provide them at home.

Loser: The State of Alaska

First their beloved Sarah Palin was soundly rejected. Then these idiots went and re-elected Ted Stevens to his Senate seat last night. Can we require that an entire state get therapy? Does anyone realize that this man is now a CONVICTED FELON? Oh wait, that seems to be badge of honor among his ilk.

Winner: Bi-partisanship

Although the Democrats don’t truly need to be bi-partisan, Obama will insist on it. Look for his Cabinet to be a diverse collection of people. Personally, I hope that Colin Powell and Chuck Hagel both find places in the new administration.

Loser: Al Qaeda

By forging better relations with both friends and adversaries alike, the United States will create an environment where terrorism will have a harder time organizing itself. With Obama’s determination to end the conflict in Iraq and focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan, the number of holes in which Osama bin Laden can hide will diminish.

Winner: Chicago

America’s “second city” just became the home to America’s President. No doubt the city will be an important part of the Obama administration.

Loser: Ralph Nader

What a moron. For as brilliant a man as Nader is, he just couldn’t resist making a stupid comment on Fixed Noise last night, suggesting that Obama is an “Uncle Tom” for corporations. You know what, Ralph? There were plenty of ways to make your point. Using a racially charged term to do so was downright ignorant. You get a “Moron of the Moment” award.

Winner: Saturday Night Live

“I can see Russia from my house.” Any questions?

Loser: The Radical “Christian” Right

Add to this bigots and racists. Hate and fear-mongering remains a part of the fabric of our society, but last night hope and equality prevailed. Narrow minded people now occupy the narrow place in society that they deserve.

Winners: My Children

This is all about them, after all. And I am so proud that my children will grow up in a society where people are created equal, and where anyone truly grow up to be President of the United States of America. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime, but I feel blessed to have witnessed this.

There are many more, but these are the ones that come immediately to my sleep-deprived mind. No doubt I will have plenty more to add later.

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