What is the Deal with Election Winners and Losers?

Jan Larson

Now that the excitement of the presidential election has died down and the professional pundits have started looking ahead to 2008, it is time to take a look at the winners and losers of the 2004 election.

The Democratic Party was a big loser on Election Day, but in truth, the American public loses when a major party falls into disarray, as have the Democrats. The success of the American democracy depends on there being a vigorous debate of the issues and viable alternatives.

In this election, it became clear that the modern day leadership of the Democratic Party has lost touch with "everyman" America and has instead aligned with the likes of Michael Moore, George Soros, the Hollywood empty-heads and the liberal intelligentsia. Most voters, over 59 million at last count, do not identify with that group and do not believe the Democratic Party represents their interests.

While Republicans may be giddy about their prospects for the next four years, Republicans too, can become drunk with power and four years from now, it is not inconceivable that the GOP may be asked to step aside, that is, if the Democratic Party comes back from left field.

Winners on Election Day included the people of South Dakota. Tom Daschle was the poster boy for the classic "politician," the guy that puts partisan politics above all else. His act finally wore thin back home and he was sent packing, becoming the first Senate party leader voted out of office since 1952.

The Republican Party was a huge winner. After a contentious campaign and with the President having weathered a tumultuous first term, to pick up seats in both the House and Senate is a tremendous victory for the GOP. With 55 seats in the Senate, less than the 60 required to cut off filibustering opponents, it certainly won't be clear sailing for the Elephants, but they have got to like their chances of enacting major reforms on issues such as the tax code and Social Security, to name just two.

Osama bin Laden was a loser on Election Day. After terrorist attacks in Madrid arguably swung the Spanish election and prompted the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq, bin Laden issued another of his video manifestos carefully timed to influence the American election.

Despite Walter Cronkite's suggestion that the tape was a Karl Rove production, the reelection of the President proved to bin Laden and every other terrorist that the ranting of a freaky guy on a grainy VHS tape will not break the will of America in the war on terrorism.

George Soros was a big loser. He spent millions trying to defeat President Bush and what does he have to show for it? Fewer millions and four more years.

The effort to legalize gay marriage was a loser, with ballot measures to ban gay marriage passing in 11 states. Had supporters of gay marriage chosen not to hijack the word "marriage," they may have stood a better chance of achieving legal status, at least in some states.

Canada was a winner on Election Day. With word of a mass exodus of sour grapes lefties headed for the northern border, the collective IQ of both the United States and Canada stands to receive a boost. (Just kidding, Canucks.)

The European media were winners although they may feel like losers. With George W. Bush occupying the White House for another four years, they will have plenty to cry and complain about, although I'm sure many of them would have preferred to fawn over John Kerry.

Although 55 million voters may not agree, the American people were big winners. By reelecting President Bush, we have chosen to face the future with a proven leader, a man who is resolute in his convictions and truly acts in the best interest of the American people whether all of the people think so or not.

Of course, President George W. Bush was a biggest winner. Despite the difficulties that he and the country have faced in the past four years and the difficulties ahead, he has an opportunity not afforded to many that have held the highest office in the land. The American people have given the President their endorsement and it is now up to the President to live up to that vote of confidence, all 59 million of them.

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Jan A. Larson is currently employed in private industry in Texas. He is a staunch supporter of honesty in government, fiscal conservatism and equal opportunity for all. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska, a master of science degree from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Colorado State University.

jan@pieofknowledge.com