After a bitter year-long campaign, the 2004 presidential election is finally over. President Bush retained his position in a tight race with Sen. John Kerry. In the aftermath, there has been little noticeable reaction on campus to the results. Students seem too tired or depressed to riot.
Yet, with so many on campus invested in Kerry winning the presidency, it would be disappointing to see people giving up political activism in the aftermath of Election Day. If you believe in your side, you should find a way to keep working. Civic responsibilities do not end on Nov. 2. Rather than talking about moving to Canada or New Zealand, regroup and keep moving.
As AU College Democrats president Greg Wasserstrom said to his group on election night, you can't stop the work you've started. Even though Democrats may be scared or frustrated with the Republican Party's executive and legislative control, it does not mean they can't continue with their political or social goals.
Both candidates should be commended for their behavior in the day following the election. Kerry gave an admirable, classy and touching concession speech on Wednesday, rather than agreeing to drag things out at lawyers' suggestions. It's good to see him not putting his personal political ambition ahead of his country.
One unique aspect of this election is that its winner will likely get to appoint a number of Supreme Court Justices, as several are in poor health and considering retirement. Though Bush is expected to appoint conservative justices if the chance opens up, many hope that Bush and those who will approve his choice consider a sensible justice. The Supreme Court is a lifetime job and is more important than a four-year term.
In addition to the presidential election, 11 states passed referendums or amendments to ban same-sex marriage or, in some cases, civil unions. For some, this is more important and distressing than who won the presidency.
However, as same-sex marriage legislation is relatively new on the American political scene, it's important to remember that other civil rights movements also took time. People always adapt slowly to social changes, and this issue has been no different.
An interesting subplot to Election Day was media coverage of the electoral colleges in the wake of the 2000 election. Several networks refused to call states, even as it became increasingly obvious that one candidate was going to win.
Congratulations are in order to AU's many conservatives, who put much effort into helping Bush's re-election campaign. It is our hope that they will be as classy in victory as both candidates have been and refrain from gloating. As divisive as party politics are, the only way to make progress and get things done is through cooperation with the other side.
To students on both sides, remember that Election Day is not the end of politics. Whether you were thrilled or distressed with the election results, you should still be an informed and involved member in our democracy.
Finally, to the students who couldn't care less about the elections, it's safe to turn your TVs on again.
