What evidence have you seen of a more relieved, calm America?

Can’t say I’ve seen much evidence. I think a feeling of relief will come when tangible positive change actually occurs. I was neither for Obama or McCain so the only relief I feel is the end to this endless election cycle. I noticed that a lot of dead wood congressional incumbents were sent back to Washington despite all the change mongering, in that sense, I felt no relief. I did notice a few gleeful co-workers, ignorantly chanting “landslide” when the data shows otherwise. The last “landslide” was Reagan’s thumping of Mondale in 1984 with a 18 point popular vote spread and a 512 point spread in the electoral college. Obama’s win was relatively modest by historical standards, he didn’t even do as well as Bill Clinton did in his two victories and he certainly didn’t claim any mandate.

When I turned the corner to walk my daughter to Kindergarten this morning, hundreds of her fellow school kids were chanting “O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA”. It was kinda cool.

Also, @reed: According to NPR, Obama is the first Democratic Presidential elect to win both the popular and electoral votes since 1962. If memory serves, Clinton won the electoral but not the popular vote on his second election.

Also, while it may not be a technical “landslide”, the fact that he secured States (Florida, Ohio, etc.) that were previously GOP (or Red) states combined with his 349 electoral votes (more than double McCain’s 162) makes for a very satisfying win.

That being said, why should we nitpick? McCain’s concession speech should set the tone for both parties working together going forward.

@cprevite – as for NPR, there was no presidential election in 1962, as for Clinton, he beat Dole in the popular vote by 9.3 points.

@reed: Looked it up. I mis-typed they meant 1964. However, you are right about the 1996 election. I stand (sit) corrected, sir.

@poof: “naky” adorable. I love you poof.

LOL thanks susanc :)

I haven’t seen any evidence of this yet but I think America earned the right for a more calm and relaxed country and lifestyle after electing a competent person into the presidency.

People are probably going to be less stressed out and worried with the knowledge that the Bush administration wrecking crew is now on their way out and we can look toward more responsible and dependable government, hopefully. I’m one of the faithful and my optimism level is very high right now.

The most apparent evidence I have seen on a small scale would be the appearance of questions about calm and relief rather than questions about uncertainty and worry.

But that’s just Fluther, not so sure yet about the rest of the country.
Here’s to hoping for trickle-down enlightenment

I agree about nature, usually I don’t believe in signs or all that, but it started raining on election day here and it hasn’t stopped. I love rain and consider to be a calming experience that carries with it a fresh start. I think it’s appropriate.

Oh, and when I left the polls two men in all red and all blue hugged each other goodbye. :)

At school today there was a bit of hugging in the hallways during the morning, and a lot of cheering, a lot of “Thank Jesus!” (to the point where it started getting on my nerves quite a bit), and when the pledge of allegiance was read over the PA everyone stood and recited it (usually no one pays any attention).

Most noticeable for me was a general air that things are looking up. As if after 8 years under an administration . I think a lot of people feared that last night’s election would be stolen again, and the fact that it wasn’t seemed to give everyone a sense that the American people have reclaimed their democracy. I felt free-er walking around the lawn of my school during lunch, and I sensed that most people felt the same way.

And the thing that got my heart was the discussion that took place during my psychology class. Most of the classes I’m in are either AP or “honors” classes, but psychology is my “easy” class. I never had a very high opinion of most of the kids in that class, I thought they all supported Obama just because, but today there was a wonderful discussion over Obama’s tax plan, and exactly what a fair tax plan would be, and the benefits of capitalism v. socialism, and they all knew their positions and why. Combined with the high turnout by young people yesterday it made me feel really confident about the history of the country.

@pete: I really wish my high school had been more like yours, mine was pretty progressive and encouraged dialogue and debates even if it meant you didn’t get your actual work for the day done and I truly believe it led to a better education for all of the students who took advantage of it. But your psych class seems wicked cool. :P