America: Strained But Strong

“Hopefully, the reality of neither party being dominant will translate into a shared recognition that virtues like tolerance must be rediscovered and resuscitated in our political life.”

What a beautiful country we have here. I do not say this ironically. Whatever one’s feelings are regarding former Vice President Joe Biden’s probable presidential victory or the Republican Party’s likely retainment of their Senate majority, it is hard not to sit in awe today of the immense power of American democracy. We are beginning to emerge from a uniquely strenuous campaign season and national election not only intact but perhaps poised to chart a path forward out of our morass of political polarization and contempt.

Granted, some are offering far more pessimistic takes on the election’s outcome. One might find my optimism misplaced. Allow me to explain.

For starters, Americans voted in record numbers this year, clearing 150 million votes for president. That is no small feat, especially in light of the fact that these votes were cast in person and by mail in the face of a pandemic. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted our everyday lives: Lives have been cut short, jobs have been lost, schools have been closed, and nerves have been strained. And yet, American voters still showed up. In record numbers. Well done.

But it was not just the pandemic that placed a strain on American democracy this election season. The sitting president himself needlessly sowed doubt as to the legitimacy of the electoral process before and after ballots had been cast. He even prematurely declared himself the winner of the election. This was rather unfortunate, and I suspect that we will look back on this aspect of the 2020 election with particular disfavor, no matter which presidential candidate ultimately comes out on top.