tough day

[hafital]

I've been reading the posts that are coming through on my friends list, cries of outrage and sadness and confusion. Some apathy; some despair. I, personally, feel mostly sad. I'm one of the few, judging by my friends list, that had grown to be quite fond of Kerry. He isn't perfect, but I liked him. And as hard as it was, I thought he absolutely did the right thing by conceding. It sucked, but there was an election and the results were pretty clear.

Today everyone at work was very subdued, as if they were in mourning.

Once it became obvious that Kerry was going to lose, I almost instantly felt better because the stress of the day was *killing* me. The long drawn out horror of it all, I just couldn't take it any longer. I'm right there with everyone else in the despair and the anger and the fear, and also the hope and the striving to make something good of all this scariness, but man am I glad yesterday is over.

I still love this country, damn it.

In America, it is vital that every vote counts, and that every vote be counted. But the outcome should be decided by voters, not a protracted legal process. I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail. But it is now clear that even when all the provisional ballots are counted, which they will be, there won't be enough outstanding votes for our campaign to be able to win Ohio. And therefore, we cannot win this election.

It was a privilege and a gift to spend two years traveling this country, coming to know so many of you. I wish I could just wrap you in my arms and embrace each and every one of you individually all across this nation. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

--Senator John Kerry

Comments

[slb44.livejournal.com]

I've grown quite fond of Kerry too. Watching him give his concession speech this afternoon reminded me why. He's a generous, loving individual. There's an openness to him that is very appealing. He's not afraid to admit he's mad a mistake. He's not shy when showing his love and affection for friends and family. To me he seems an extremely honorable individual.

Of course none of that makes for a good candidate politically. It's a shame, but true. It's ironic because unlike fiction, flawed, fully realized humans, who make mistakes, who are willing to listen to the facts and change their opinions, who grow and change make bad candidates, whereas they make great characters. Go figure. *g*