Now that the election is done -what are the lessons?

I think this election cycle changes the republican party for good. They can now run anyone they want regardless of race or gender and the democrats will have to embrace a more bi-partisan approach to retain their foothold.

Thoughts, predictions, what else have we learned?

I learned that, overall, Americans are a lot smarter and open-minded than I gave them credit for being.

I learned that sometimes, no matter how irrational the argument, some people respond to fear.  I also learned the best way to counter that is to address the issues and be calm when addressing critics.

I also inadvertanly learned more about the mortgage industry than I ever thought I needed to.  Not that it's a bad thing...

Thoughts - I don't know if the die hard McCain supporters will respond to it, but I hope all Americans will act on the call for unity.

Predictions:  Obama has a tough road.  Palin runs for the GOP nom in 2012.

I was reminded that regardless of political affiliation, identity politics trumps policy politics the majority of the time.

And sometimes that's a good thing. :)

I learned never underestimate the power of hope.

Prediction:  Biden's prediction of Obama being tested will come true.

I was reminded that right or wrong, people are going to have different opinions and all need to be equally respected.

I also learned that the door has been thrown wide open for everyone.  We had people in this election of different race, different sexes, different ages, different backgrounds, different qualifications, and ALL of them were given a fair chance to stand before America and fight for our vote.

An energized electorate is not a bad thing. No matter what one's political ideologies are, this is a great day for American politics.

I learned that the better candidate doesn't always get the vote.
Nooo, not McCain! Hillary... :(

I already knew this though.

I learned that even though we've come far enough to (FINALLY) elect a black man to the presidency, some states are still backwards enough to **** all over some of their citizens' rights via ballot measure.  Even California.

i learned that america has come alot further than i thought.... and when faced with a challenge, silliness like race, sex and age trully are not a factor!!!

I learned much of the above--too, but I also learned that the Democrats spent TONS more money than the Republicans, and it bothers me that maybe THAT is why Obama won.

Obama won because more people voted for him... it's really that simple.

I learned that bi-racial people are still catagorized as one or the other depending on their looks.  D'oh!

I also learned that when it comes down to it, unlikely people will come out and take advantage of their right to vote.  It's about darn time!!!

I learned more folk than I could imagine from all walks of life felt the same way I did

I learned what a fifty state race really looks like

I learned there are a lot of scary people hating in gods name right here in the USA

I learned as a nation we can shake loose of antiquated ideologies that have taken us into an unjust war, dismantled the economy, abandoned its industry, turned its back on the poor, sick, elderly.....

I learned the power of what hope looks like in the faces of people realizing for the first time what their vote means and see them claim their rightful place in this nation.

I have learned the extraordinary nature of a nation fed up with yesterdays mandate of fear and ignorance embracing the winds of change.

Original Post by valsgoal:

I learned that bi-racial people are still catagorized as one or the other depending on their looks.  D'oh!

 You know, I was thinking about that the other night.

I learned that CNN has not perfected hologram technology - unless Americans actually have fuzzy white outlines?

Original Post by carolann5111:

I learned much of the above--too, but I also learned that the Democrats spent TONS more money than the Republicans, and it bothers me that maybe THAT is why Obama won.

This is not true.  Obama did spend more than McCain but that's only because McCain ads weren't paid for by McCain.  They were paid for by the Republican Party and other groups.  It's a serious loophole to campaign finance laws that forced Obama to not accept public financing because the Republican party had so much more money than the Democrats.

I learned that quite a number of people will not believe facts if those facts do not back up their opinion. They will go to any length to deny or invalidate the facts.

Original Post by moonikins:

I learned that quite a number of people will not believe facts if those facts do not back up their opinion. They will go to any length to deny or invalidate the facts.

 You are absolutely incorrect in that statement.  I know this for a fact because I am right. 

Original Post by splitrail:

I learned that CNN has not perfected hologram technology - unless Americans actually have fuzzy white outlines?

 LOL!!!!!!