Good morning. There's a Nor'easter on the way and I'm hoping all of my tri-staters stay safe. I was up late (but not as late as they expected) watching Obama retake the White House, and all I can say is thank goodness. I know people are tired of talk about politics, but I'm not sure how if you're a woman or love one how you could have even considered the alternative. Romney proved to be out of touch with voters, who found his deep religion and non-forward flip flopping to outrank any of his strengths. I know a few people who voted for him, and many did so based on one issue- they wanted to protect their bank accounts, which I find so insane.
What I find insane about that is not that people want to not get taxes raised, but that people would be selifish enough to vote along a single issue. Think of it like a marriage or finding a soulmate- would you be with someone just because they have money or good looks? Or would you dig a little deeper and look for someone who i someone you could trust, someone to relate to, and above all, someone with a great sense of humor and can dance?
You know what I mean. The President is the full package- he may not have nailed it in the first four years, but this is a country on the verge and on the edge now, and he knows it. Gone is the original marketing, the Shepherd Fairey poster, the sense of hope that we all so aptly needed after all of those years of Bush. But here's what the announcement of his re-election made me feel- relief. Relief that my rights as a woman were protected, relief that the White House was not becoming a house with a steeple and a cross on top, and relief that my gay friends could be who they are with, full stop, and stop having to defend who they love. Yes, I'm worried about the economy and the clean-up of Sandy and what the hell is happening in Iran. But it warms me that so many of us thought staying the course was a better move than upsetting the apple cart. To bring somebody new into this mess does not seem like the best idea- especially someone who seems so out of touch with well, almost all of us.
This election was divisive, dirty, and at times, depressing. But what I love about this country and the process we all enjoy is we make decisions based on what is best for this country. And as I walked to my voting station at 6 am yesterday, my heart swelled with pride when I made my choice.
But I had moments last night of wanting to take everything from Xanax to bourbon to morphine to poison. A few times during the evening, I was packing bags for Canada. But although Obama's hope platform is long gone, his "we can do this together' spirit swept us all, and that's why I love this country so very much. And in no small part, we have the youth of this country to thank. I honestly feel that millenial voters had much to do with this election- they don't tolerate candidates or bosses or purchases that they don't connect to- and Romney and his P 90X hothead Ryan came to town, there was nothing to really connect with- there was nothing that said innovation, creativity, or good deeds. And let's not forget about our Hispanic voters, whose power is being felt this morning. It's funny because the Latins that I did know in Miami were really conservative voters, but the tides have changed apparently. In fact, I know few who used to be conservative but because of Rommney's views on women, changed their tunes. It's modern times, Romney, and you are talking to the children of people who probably like you a bit. But if the Republicans ever want a shot at this game again, they need to get back in touch, drop the Tea Party, and stop trying to "rage against the machine".
Obama, I am so relieved you are here to take us into the future- and Mrs. Obama, I love that I get to watch you continue to be a strong and wonderful icon for all of us everyhwere, and the girls too. I for one can't wait to see the inaugural gown- taking bets now but think it will be Carolina Herrara or Tracey Reese, but how much fun would Marc Jacobs or Donna Karan be? Needless to say, it's going to be fabulous to see them dance their first dance. After so much tragedy here in the Northeast last week, this, this was a real victory and reason to celebrate. Feel good, friends. We did it. And that's what I've got this must get in the shower and get to it new day and the results are in kind of Wednesday in the 212. Sweet land of liberty; now back to work. There's much to do, but go ahead and whip your hair back and forth first, it feels great to be an American today. XO