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The confetti's been swept up. The bunting was returned to the rental companies. The air's leaked out of all the ballons and that big check to the caterer really hurt when it got written. Most of the media satellite vans are back in the shop.
Now we have to face reality.
WE WON!
All victories and no defeats. We held every seat we defended and beat the crap out of those we challenged.
But the face and tenor of the party's changed a bit.
I've followed pretty closely not only the races, but also the faces. The people who we elected. They're really a fine lot. Every single one of them.
Let me make this clear (cuz the rest of this post is not as bright as the first part): There is not ONE person elected as a Democrat with whom I am disappointed. Not one. And I cheer each of them individually, and I cheer for our Party collectively.
But that's a pretty diverse group, those new freshmen electees.
We have several pro lifers.
We have some staunch social conservatives.
This is no bunch from NARAL or the Sierra Club or any other orgaization you might mention.
Their singularly most significant commonality is the Iraq War and their opposition to it. But they also have oppostion to some other issues some may not like. Like choice.
Please, in the days, months, and years to come, let's keep in mind that these people are DEMOCRATS. If we want to claim the 'big tent' label, then we'd damned well better be able to tolerate, embrace, and respect these people even as we find ourselves in strong disagreement with them on an issue or three.
I suspect, as time goes on and votes get made, we'll find them to be reasonable, even in disagreement.
Take choice as but one example. One can be 'pro-life' and still be tolerant of my view. That's all I ask.
I can only imagine life on DU when a Jim Webb or a John Tester or a Bob Casey casts a vote that goes against the grain.
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