A few election notes (Updated)

Thank goodness. Lots of good news tonight.

I thought that Romney's concession speech was gracious and genuine. The problem is that we just as easily could have heard him spew all kinds of lies in exactly the same tone of voice. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. In fact, he sounded so gracious that the pundits were saying, "If only the had seemed that genuine during the campaign..." Hmm, Al Gore, ever hear that before? These guys are too beholden to their contributors or bases to learn that lesson.

I think the problem that Romney faced, aside from the general unpalatability of the Republican platform, is that he reached the nomination almost entirely by negative ads. That's fine as far as it goes, but considering how viciously the right has attacked Obama, calling him un-American, Muslim, socialist, communist, Nazi, whatever from the moment he was elected, what exactly were the negative ads going to say that was going to rise above the noise?

On other topics, the whole thing was worth watching for the moment Elizabeth Warren was announced as the winner of the Senate seat in Massachusetts. Marriage equality had a big night, and marijuana was decriminalized in a couple of states, something that was, and I say this literally, nothing more than a pipe dream back in the day. The emergency manager law in Michigan (hopefully) getting defeated was a big win for democracy.

Obviously, the big dynamic, beyond the presidential race, was the obvious failure of the Republicans to nominate senatorial candidates who were in step with anyone aside from the most radical right wingers. I'm glad it happened because it alone kept the Senate in Democratic control, but really guys, for the good of the country you claim to love, get your act together.

Of course, Obama's speech was excellent as well. I just want to see that guy governing, not the hesitant compromiser who did some good stuff but squandered some opportunities as well.

Taggmentum 2016!