Politics is a strange game.
How can President Bush be expected to forget all the charges by John Kerry and his helpers -- that Bush was a liar who shouldn't be trusted, a man who has led the country to the brink of disrespect, a president disliked by government leaders around the world, a weak, incompetent failure, too dependent on Jesus, etc. -- and laugh it off and act as if all is forgiven.
Observers have said the 2004 presidential race not only was the most expensive campaign in the history of the country but also one of the most bitter, mean and ugly.
Democrats have had a field day trying to portray their candidate as an intellectual, deep thinking, sensitive war hero and Bush as dumb and not qualified to be president. Whatever the case, Bush clobbered Kerry in the race for the White House and, in the process, racked up a record public vote total and helped elect additional GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate and House.
It was a stunning win for Bush and the GOP. Many in the so-called intellectual community, as well as a good number of those in the Hollywood and music industry, are asking themselves what happened.
Both Bush and Kerry were serious and gracious in their post-election remarks Wednesday, but under the surface, Bush had to be extremely pleased by the manner in which he and the GOP crushed Kerry and strengthened the Republican Party in the House and Senate. Kerry must have had to swallow hard to say nice things about Bush, but he urged all Americans, Republicans and Democrats, to come together for the good of the country.
On the other hand, is this a part of politics in that those seeking elective office can engage in mean, tough campaigns and yet smile and make peace once the final vote is counted?
From the outset, the name of the Democratic game was to do anything they could to defeat Bush who they thought had stolen the 2000 election. It had been gnawing at them for the past four years, and they were determined to destroy Bush.
It would be good if there could be some way to put all the bitterness, even hatred, behind, but as one prominent Democrat said early Wednesday morning, the results of the election "now give Democrats something to attack for the next four years."
National unity is terribly important. This country has its enemies around the world; many are envious, and those engaged in the business of terrorism are not going to stop their murderous acts.
This country has its share of faults, but even with these blemishes, it still is the greatest country in the world and its citizens are blessed to live in this nation of freedom and democracy.
These freedoms, national safety and quality of life cannot be taken for granted and must be defended day after day. The American people made it clear they believe Bush is the best man to meet this challenge and to protect this nation in the months and years to come. He will need the genuine bipartisan support of those in Congress to give this nation the best chance of becoming an even better country for all of its citizens.
It will not be easy given the bitterness and anger that exists among many after the four-year Democratic battle to oust Bush. Nevertheless, Bush must demonstrate a genuine desire to work with his Democratic opponents to find answers to many challenging issues. In his Wednesday afternoon address, he said, "To those who voted for my opponent, I will do all I can to deserve your trust."
The win was sweet for Republicans, but there is no room or justification for public gloating. There is not time for Bush to rest on the euphoria of his impressive win. He may want to make some shifts in his Cabinet, perhaps placing a strong, respected Democrat in his inner circle, but he cannot change his message, his commitment, his conviction, his principles, his values and his steadfastness because those qualities are what the majority of voters endorsed in Tuesday's election.
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