President-Elect Obama

This is the same topic I'm sure will be the focus of numerous blogs. Last night, Obama was elected to be the next President of the United States. The decision was made incredibly early, allowing me to see McCain's concession speech before heading off to bed (very well done, if I might add). Obama then made his victory speech while I was fast asleep to an enormous crowd of supporters. I struggle talking about politics, because I, embarrassingly, don't keep up with the issues very much. But in the light of this historic election, I decided it would be best if I said a few things that were discussed the past few days.

1. How will he do?
   I hope he is able to turn things around for our country. The economic struggles will be one of the largest challenges he faces in his early presidency. If he makes things improve, the history books will shower him with praise (as they always focus on one, well-known person in these cases, despite the amount of credit is due to Congress or just to luck). If things remain as they are or worsen, he will be viewed with contempt. Obama received about 48% of the popular vote- 52% somewhere else out there. McCain supporters may be hurting for a while, though I don't know how long these feelings will last. McCain attempted to quiet his supporter's opposition while stressing unity. Hopefully we do not need a big crisis to bring our country together (like after the 2000 elections, where 9/11 helped reunite our Bush-Gore sides).
2. What will be the result of a no longer split-government?
   With a Democratic president and majority Congress, what will this lead to? With less opposition between the two branches of government, will this make them be more or less effective? I think that if the two disagree on an issue, it will look bad for Obama (it will appear as if he cannot get his party to unite on issues). Also, with less argument, perhaps this will create plans and laws that are not as high of quality as before. During Clinton's presidency, he argued with the Republican-majority House, and this led to carefully-made bills that made both parties happy. Will the same care be made for each bill with a same-party government? There is the chance that it will be even easier to create legislation that will benefit the country. If Obama has clear, well-thought-out plans, then perhaps the speedier approval of these policies is a good thing.
3. Did this election focus on the right issues?

I saw McCain all over the news. Palin parodies appeared on Saturday Night Live. Obama was everywhere, propelled up to celebrity status. These things you already know. But I can honestly say that while I know McCain has numerous houses, I don't know what his economic policy entailed. I don't know the details of how Obama plans to create Social Security for everyone. Part of this is my own fault- I did not do my research. But neither did many other Americans, as well. The media gave us many personal attacks (Obama's minister, McCain's age), and a majority of the campaigns were about feelings and bringing the other one down. While incredibly effective, the reasons they were running for the position fell into the background. Will this be what all future elections will be like?

I think America has chosen a good candidate for the job. Whether you voted for Obama or not, it is important to respect the decision that the country has made: enough people thought he would make a good President- he wasn't just put there to make you angry. Not to say you cannot disagree with him. By all means, show that American spirit. But accept the new man in office, because he will be the one leading our country for at least four years, making history and changing our lives along the way.