If there is one thing this year’s election (federal, state or local) taught us, it is that anti-bipartisanship is a no-go for the majority of American voters.
It is more evident now than ever before that this world is changing and people’s perspectives are changing. This election was not just about Democrat or Republican; it was about important policies that affect all Americans. This election was about civil rights issues, stimulus money, health care reform, and modifications in student loans. These things are the new normal. Gone are the days when the line was drawn equally down the middle and people either thought this way or that way. Now more Americans have an awakened sense of consciousness that allows them to be more open-minded and receptive to at least considering the opinions and experiences of others.
Note that I said “more Americans have an awakened sense of consciousness” and not “all Americans.” There is a difference and that too was plainly obvious as Tuesday’s election results were being counted.
As I watched the post-election coverage – specifically the crowds at each political candidate’s rallies – I saw two starkly different audiences.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s audience was nearly all white…I believe I only saw two people of color in the audience. In contrast, Obama’s audience was incredibly diverse. No matter where the cameras landed viewers could see Blacks, Caucasians, Latinos, Asians and Indians. That type of diversity is reflective of the United States and that is the type of diversity and inclusion that will make us even more united. It was a truly beautiful sight to see so many different types of people in support of our president. That sort of unification is inspirational.
But not everyone was in the unifying mood.
After Obama was declared winner, real estate mogul Donald Trump went on a Twitter rant that was not only incredibly troubling, but also irresponsible.
Obviously displeased with Obama’s win, Trump criticized the Electoral College and the democratic process.
Here are a few of the things Trump said in a series of tweets:
“Let’s fight like hell and stop this great and disgusting injustice! The world is laughing at us.”
“He lost the popular vote by a lot and won the election. We should have a revolution in this country!”
“More votes equals a loss…revolution!”
If Trump was better informed, he would have known that a presidential candidate can win an election, even if he has the least number of popular votes (though overall, Obama had the most popular votes and Electoral College votes).
I am in complete support of people having a difference of opinion and supporting any political candidate of their choice. As a matter of fact, I embrace it. However, I am troubled when comments are made that seemingly encourage violent behavior or could potentially spark some sort of a revolution. That is being overly confrontational and irresponsible and Trump should be ashamed. His behavior was reprehensible.
Locally, Hoosiers made it clear that they wanted elected officials who are open-minded, committed and didn’t engage in a lot of negative campaigning that promoted partisanship. Candidates like Democratic Senator-elect Joe Donnelly, Republican Governor-elect Mike Pence, newly-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz and Congressman André Carson who was re-elected to his third term this week. None of these candidates campaigned negatively. They all maintained their political focus and never deviated. I certainly appreciated their efforts, as I am sure most Hoosiers did as well.
As we recover from all the hoopla associated with heated political campaigns, I eagerly look forward to what the future may bring. I am confident that we will see an even stronger President Obama who will show us what change and moving forward really is during his second term. We also have a lot to look forward to with new officials in some of the state’s highest offices. And, we can’t forget about the incumbents who were fortunate enough to be re-elected. They have to continue being a voice for all Hoosiers and not a selected few.
None of us truly know how or even when things will change, but at least we can all breathe a sigh of relief that if only for a short period of time, election stuff is over. Speaking of that…wasn’t it refreshing to wake up, watch the morning news and NOT see a political ad?
Priceless!
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
