Our generation had a lot at stake in this election. Millions put up signs, wore buttons or traveled to other states to support the candidates and issues they felt strongly about. The issues of this campaign moved people in profound ways; with a presidency and the protection of/right to marry up in the air, it’s no surprise so many got involved.
Now, as the results come in, it’s safe to say that almost no one will have all the results they fought for. As Congressional seats flip and ballot propositions hang in the balance, people’s hopes are dashed as others see their goals realized. The various letdowns, combined with a collective exhaustion often bring up feelings of anger and hopelessness.
Still, it’s important to remember the bigger picture and look at what the entire country has won: for the first time in our 200-year history and half a century removed from the Civil Rights Movement, we have a president-elect who looks different than the 43 who came before him. Many predicted the “unprecedented” turnout in the polls in our state and around the nation. Most importantly, after eight years of valid anger due to misinformation on behalf of our government, we have another chance to get it right.
Of course the whole country didn’t vote for Obama. And of course people don’t agree on all the issues. This is nothing new; we don’t have to see eye to eye on everything. Before America was even a nation, Federalists and Democratic-Republicans argued over the phrasing of the Declaration of Independence and how they would construct our government.
Later on, War Democrats fought Peace Democrats who fought Republicans during the Civil War. And a despondent nation had to turn from their Republican president to Franklin Roosevelt to guide them through the Great Depression and World War II.
Everybody knows the rest of the story. The Fathers founded, the Union prevailed, and the economy recovered. And throughout it all, far before political parties fought over billboards and commercial airtime, citizens campaigned and voted for the candidates they believed in.
You might not have voted for Barack Obama and you might not like him. But instead of channeling frustration into anger against the new president-elect and the millions who voted for him, consider these votes as a sign of hope in our country. Be encouraged by the fact that America took a chance on something different. That Americans show up to vote for president every four years proves they retain hope in our future.
Last night’s results do not affect just us. Nations and communities around the world note this change as a chance to be heard and included in our nation’s course of action. There are no guarantees, but there is hope.
During his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson reminded a mixed crowd after a heavily contested election: “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,” symbolizing his willingness to compromise his own beliefs to consider the political views of all Americans.
Although Barack Obama can’t describe his constituents as “all Democrats,” “all Republicans,” “all Libertarians, Independents, Liberals, or Conservatives,” Jefferson’s point holds true. Even the strongest idealism cannot come before the desire to see what’s best for the country.
Political differences cannot disparage the unity we share. As Obama said last night in his victory speech, “We have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do.”
Emilie Egger is an English and history senior and Mustang Daily arts editor.