Wednesday, November 03, 2004

*Sniffle, sniffle* Kerry's concession

Listening to John Edwards introducing Kerry's concession speech right now. Feeling called to step up in the coming years. Frustrated by yuppie world's vocal contingency - some folks are throwing up their hands, announcing their anger at John & John, blaming them, blaming the Democratic party, announcing that they will never vote again, or will never vote for the Dems again.

The Democratic party is not a sports team. Candidates are not players. They didn't lose this election; WE lost it. Every single one of us. It is our job to advocate for the candidates we support, not just by showing up, but by writing checks, getting involved and working as hard as we can. The folks on the right seem to get this. The labor unions and working class voters on the left get it, too. What makes it such a tough concept for "educated" suburbanites? Folks who wear the word "progressive" like it's an alternative fashion statement?

Kerry is speaking now. He sounds gracious and statesman like as always. I am tearing up. I haven't felt so devastated and emotional about an election since the 'Contract with America' mid-terms during Clinton's presidency. Though I expressed uncertainty in the days leading up to this election, underlying my comments was delicious optimism that I haven't felt in quite a few years. I'm not yet ready to let that go. I don't think any of us should.

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