ElectionCyclist

Christopher Hitchens (Slate)

…there is something pain-free and self-congratulatory about the Obama surge. This has happened before, of course, with the high-sounding talk about the “New Frontier,” the “Great Society,” and “Morning in America.” It’s just that this time it’s more than usually not affordable. There are many causes of the subprime and derivative horror show that has destroyed our trust in the idea of credit, but one way of defining it would be to say that everybody was promised everything, and almost everybody fell for the populist bait.

Hmm.

Chris Matthews on the role of the media in the Obama presidency…

This does not bode well for citizens desperate for transparency in the new administration. First it was Fox News’ Carl Cameron unloading secrets about Sarah Palin after the election, and now this gem? Unacceptable.

Still no real hangovers to report, but here is another take on the tired phrases and personalities of the 2008 election (from The Daily Beast)…

Thinking: “Red States versus Blue States”
Always more of pundit crutch than a really meaningful distinction, the mixed-ideological results in places like California (yes to Obama, no to gay marriage) should force people to abandon rhetorical shortcuts in favor of actual analysis.

Heh. I understand the feeling. (via Instapundit)

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama, he won a hard fought election against a centrist candidate, and he did it with class.

Three thoughts for tomorrow…
1. We need the media.(Example)
2. Republicans should look to reconstitute their party. (more…more)
3. Smile. Another peaceful election with a strong message from the American people.

Thank you.

No matter what happens at the polls today be courteous and respectful. Democracy is difficult - you don’t have to be.

From the left and the right. Some interesting and surprising, others not.

Andrew Sullivan
Charles Krauthammer
Christopher Buckley
Christopher Hitchens (especially harsh)

From The Daily Beast

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security are busily preparing a massive briefing book for the transition to a new administration, developing training exercises and anticipating difficulties, yet they have not yet had any formal contact with either the Obama or the McCain campaign.

We’re all focused on the economy, but this seems like an important part of the transition.