Whatever happens Election Day, democracy is the big winner

[babylonsister]

Whatever happens Election Day, democracy is the big winner

BY THOMAS M. DeFRANK
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF

Sunday, November 2nd 2008, 2:42 AM
Antonelli/News

It looks like Barack Obama has a lot of fans in Henderson, Nev., where he addressed crowd Saturday.
John McCain pushes his campaign toward finish line in a speech in Virginia. Xanthos/News



WASHINGTON - Monumental. Transformational. Precedent-shattering. Epic.

After 931 days of campaigning, 109 primaries and caucuses, 47 debates and $5 billion spent, this marathon election nears its historic finish.

Whatever Tuesday's verdict, America will demolish political barriers that have stood through 55 quadrennial contests by choosing its first African-American President or its first female vice president.

Barring an eleventh-hour reversal, however, Democrat Barack Obama is poised to become the 44th President - and usher in a sea change in governance not seen since John F. Kennedy's New Frontier and Lyndon Johnson's Great Society.

Democrats also are assured of padding their majorities in the House and Senate, making it easier to pass their ambitious domestic-policy agenda even if John McCain pulls off an upset.

"The stars are in the right configuration for a fundamental change in policy direction," said veteran President-watcher Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution.

Two days before the balloting, superstitious Democrats struggled to curb their enthusiasm, while Republicans steeled themselves for a loss some privately fear could approach catastrophic proportions.

more...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/11/01/2008-11-01_whatever_happens_election_day_democracy_.html

[ComtesseDeSpair]

1. Well, not exactly...

If Obama wins, democracy is the big winner. If McCain "wins", democracy is the big loser - for the third election in a row.

[babylonsister]

3. Obama will win. That's my prediction. nt

[Nipper1959]

4. exactly!!

Said just right.

[Eric J in MN]

2. If the Republicans steal the election,

...then democracy won't be "the big winner."

The barriers shattered by electing a female VP won't be worth it.

[natrat]

5. what a load. Why not write stuff like this after democracy has proved it is still working

[volatileblob]

6. Agreed. It's like predicting that the Allies were already the big winner...

in 1940.

A little too soon, dudes.

[babylonsister]

7. Don't you think the turnout is historic? I'd say, just by that measure

alone, democracy has won.