Today is election day. For over six months, I've been watching this "mess" go twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Let me offer some heartland advice.
First, while everyone is talking about the thirty-nine seats that Republicans will likely win and nine Senate positions....this race really isn't about that. It's a race involving fifty states, and 435 voting districts. Each voter is voting for his district or his state. He's not voting for a national number or some national policy. Each voter might be voting against the other candidate more than he is really comfortable with the guy who gets his vote. But that's his right.
We tend to miss this part of the story. The news media is trying its best to sell everyone on a brand name. This is a loss for the Democrats or a gain for the Republicans. The truth is....when you click the button for Senator Joe....it's mostly because you like Joe or you hate the other guy. You think Joe fits better in your state than the other guy. You aren't buying a brand when you vote.
Second, it'll be a long period over the next ten days as dozens, if not hundreds of voting situations are under a recount. Some folks won't know their win status until Christmas.
Third, some news media folks will collapse and launch into fits on TV tonight. It'll be like some kid at the kitchen table who can't control himself. You will reach a point where you turn over to QVC and observe those dandy imitation pearl necklaces for your gal Wanda, and spend most of the evening debating if Wanda would like those pearls.
Fourth and final. Happy? Upset? Don't worry. The next round will start in fourteen months. You can do the whole thing over again. That really says alot. But your local TV station is really thrilled. They go back in and get another couple of million from a bunch of idiot politicians.
