I worked hard to elect Senator John Kerry and Senator John Edwards this election. I started the morning working at Oakville Elementary where I met with Congressman Hoyer and took an exit poll for Kerry-Edwards Maryland Victory 2004. I then went to Leonardtown Elementary, which was a tracked precient for the county for the Kerry/Edwards campaign and I ended the day at Loveville handing out literature to a mostly unreceptive crowd. Working the polls is always an enjoyable experience (this was the fourth time that I have done it) and you get to meet some wonderful Americans - Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.
The results last night were disappointing for me. I invested my time for John Kerry, as did my father who was the precient captain at Loveville (he also invested money, too bad for him there won't be a return on it). I thought that this nation needed a new direction and new leadership, but the American people collectively disagreed with me. Now I can sit here and type away anger and resentment of our choice, but that is not what I am going to do tonight. Americans should understand our differences, be humble in victory, and congratulatory in defeat, and we all know in what position I am tonight. I congratulate President Bush on his close, yet clear election and I especially congratulate all of his volunteers who worked tirelessly to return him to the White House.
The greatest thing about November 2nd, 2004, though, is the ability of all eligible, registered voters to go to the polls, make a selection for president, and do it free of interference. We change our leaders here through the ballot, not the rifle and that is something that all of us should celebrate, whether we agree with the ballot or not. America is the winner in any election and this year was no different. Here's to the next four years and the election to follow, when we once again exercise our most precious right.
The results last night were disappointing for me. I invested my time for John Kerry, as did my father who was the precient captain at Loveville (he also invested money, too bad for him there won't be a return on it). I thought that this nation needed a new direction and new leadership, but the American people collectively disagreed with me. Now I can sit here and type away anger and resentment of our choice, but that is not what I am going to do tonight. Americans should understand our differences, be humble in victory, and congratulatory in defeat, and we all know in what position I am tonight. I congratulate President Bush on his close, yet clear election and I especially congratulate all of his volunteers who worked tirelessly to return him to the White House.
The greatest thing about November 2nd, 2004, though, is the ability of all eligible, registered voters to go to the polls, make a selection for president, and do it free of interference. We change our leaders here through the ballot, not the rifle and that is something that all of us should celebrate, whether we agree with the ballot or not. America is the winner in any election and this year was no different. Here's to the next four years and the election to follow, when we once again exercise our most precious right.
Kerry also did the right thing by conceding, rather than drawing this into another repeat of 2000.
