Michelle Obama put is so wellI’m beyond thrilled that my friend @JoeBiden and our first Black and Indian-American woman Vice President, @KamalaHarris , are headed to restore some dignity, competence, and heart at the White House. Our country sorely needs it.
The mood is jubilant over here! The last 4 years have been exhausting and horrifying. Your lovely blog has been one of my favorite early morning refuges as I turned off the news and looked for an escape.
I am beyond grateful. This will give us a chance to begin a long needed healing process from so many negatives. People are celebrating in the streets all over our country today!
As for me, I am very pleased; but I am not pleased that almost half of all US voters are not pleased... I do not understand how so many can admire and vote for the current abomination. It remains very troubling.
A few observations - aimed at no one in particular! To put it in a UK context re why people voted for Trump, think former PM Gordon Brown's 'bigoted woman' gaffe, think Emily Thornberry's sneering elitist tweet about white van man's St George's flags. Politicians, particularly those of a metropolitan ilk on both sides of the pond have become remote from the populations they purport to serve. People who feel disenfranchised by 'business as usual' career politicians will turn to someone who purports to listen to and represent them. Even if it is a vainglorious braggart. The people who voted for Trump probably did see him for what he is warts and all - but in their eyes he spoke for them. The election result is no repudiation of Trump. He substantially increased his vote count from 2016 and as he has correctly pointed out, received more votes than any sitting President. Hardly a drubbing. Both the Democrats and Republicans will have taken lessons from this. The mid west states are the battleground and should - should Californian Kamala Harris succeed Biden, it is by no means certain that she could win in the rust belt states next time around. Some of the triumphalism being displayed and why some people don't understand why Trump (or for that matter Brexit) happened is a greater concern. Partisan mockery comes with the territory of course, but people need to listen to what the other side is saying and why they are saying it, rather than becoming entrenched and writing people off as xenophobic, racists, bigots, deplorables etc. I'm quite sure some are, but that doesn't mean to say that there are many more with some very genuine concerns that should be heeded. When I trained as a nurse in the 80s one of the first things I was taught was how to listen to people. Some people are very good at expounding their views but have cloth ears. Listening to others - and acting on relevant information is even more important. Stop fighting. Start listening. Peace out!
P- you make a good point here and are correct. I know in the 2016 election, I knew many many more people who voted for him, but with trepidations, but were so desperate for "something different" and to be heard, they voted for him. But after the horror of four years, and the ensuing circus and such, of the many I know, it went down to one person who voted for him. I personally never cared for him.
Well, we'll see. I live in California. Town of about 30k in a county of less than 300k. Been here for 18 years. Since June, we've had (for the 1st time), cop shootings with shooters on the loose and helicopters flying overhead, gang shootings, protests blocking the freeway, protests turning violent with shop windows smashed in ordinarily cozy downtowns, about 20% of small business gone under this year... but they've campaigned on healing. I'm waiting to see if they can pull that off, and if Kamala Harris will do better on a national level than she did in California, where she only got 8% of the vote during the Primary. Godspeed to them. We have a deeply divided nation.
I have to say I have been Republican, to a Independent and now a Democrat since 2004. I have and supported both sides and have no problem supporting a hard working, and honest person for the good of people. I've helped out and donated to both sides. But there has never been a more vile and evil president then Trump. What we saw the last four years was downright appalling. Run more a reality show then a country. His smoke and mirrors would have not cut it. I have always had respect for every president in my life time even if I didn't agree with all their views, but this one? I have never had such distain for a more ignorant man. And this is certainly not the Republican Party to once knew. I mean he was out golfing yet again today, instead of making any intelligent releases to the nation. No proper manners or decorum. Many of my Republican friends are even appalled by this latest week. I just hope this administration will change your mind I hope.
Anne Marie in Philly... there's little doubt Trump was obnoxious and crass, but let me ask you, how does your comment bring the healing Biden/Harris have promised? And ran on? You'll tell 70 million people to just f-off? And f-you? And call them "dump deplorables"? And continue in the rage and hate, even after a win? You and those like you cannot or will not see that so long as that's in play, nothing changes. The response to Trump was every bit as bad as many saw the man himself. Maybe worse. Biden and Harris will be powerless against YOUR ongoing rage and hatred. I'm not Democrat or Republican, btw, just one of millions caught in the crossfire, but thanks for proving that dancing in the streets will soon give way to a harsh reality when there's no easy target to blame for the poison in our country.
Anne Marie, the ugliness has to stop. Period. We can do better. Else it's all for waste. If you don't believe that, then you're not representative of what Biden/Harris ran on.
As an objective viewer Having a BLACK WOMAN in a position of such power is AMAZING ....TRULY AMAZING We should all embrace this change ....ok there will be a old white guy in charge , but SHE IS BACK UP ...... How good this this !!!!
The first woman Vice President on the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the USA. It's been a long time coming. Joe and Kamala will bring decency, kindness, and more importantly....COMPETENCE...back to the White House. It's a great day!
She will probably be the first woman president. Being the VP to Mr Biden will be an excellent apprenticeship. It feels as if a weight has been lifted off the world.
It's long past time for a woman in such a high position. As for a "woman of color", what's bizarre is throughout my life, I've never focused on the color of anyone's skin. Only character. Which, as I recall, was a HUGE part of MLK's message? It will be nice if the vitriol can ease and we can stop viewing one another as "enemy". We'll see if that's possible.
But when a person claims not to see color, they are saying that they don't see the injustice and struggles that people of color face or the power and privilege that white people have. I say, see that color so that you can see what you need to do to ensure that equality reigns.
Sorry libbies. I know you swallow every morsel from the Mini stry Of Truth MSM run by your party, but they don't decide who won. You know that, right? Snap back to reality. We'll have a final by mid December. Just like we did Bush/Gore in 2000. That's how it works. And it's looking like the corrupt democratic finger on the scale was too obvious this time.
Thank you, John, for putting together this tribute to women. And, let's hope we can show Anna here four years of honor to all, women, men, red and yellow, black and white.
Tonight I listened to two speeches, one from Kamala Harris and one from Joe Biden. What I heard was a tribute to America and Americans, about knuckling down to do the work we must do to make our country a country for all. I listened to our history. I listened to plans for a hope filled future. It celebrated us, not the speakers. It was full sentences. No one was called names.
I'm delighted at both Biden's win and his deputy being a woman, and one of colour. But, the task ahead of them is huge - what a divided country, and complex set of problems face them.
We were afraid that the reputation of our greatness was gone forever. We expect that amends will need to be made. Thank you for your patience. We suddenly have hope again.
I have never been a watcher of Politics, until Covid 19 turned up in a NZ election year. I watched with total awe as Jacinda Ardern and the NZ Labour Party won our election with at least 50% of the total NZ vote. And I totally surprised myself by watching with interest the USA elections and wishing upon anything else the Orange man be gone. Never have I witnessed such a spiteful, divisive person in such a powerful position. Go well America you deserve a rest after the last 4 turbulent and harrowing years. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have a lot of work to do but I have no doubt they will do it with the best of their ability.
Trump can get all the lawyers he wants, but they should know that they will never get paid. He seldom pays his bills, especially if he does not get the result he wants. The people who counted the votes and they were patriots on both sides, were constantly watched and, better yet, videoed. No matter, though, he has sowed the seeds of hate and doubt, (as usual) so we are in for some rough days ahead. Meanwhile, Covid has run amok in the US, thanks to the way it was handled (ignored), and our losses are staggering. There is so much to heal, but I slept much better last night.
Even though I voted for Clinton in the last election, I'd like it a lot more if Harris were to become the first woman president. Hillary always seemed to me to be a proxy for her husband, whereas Kamala really does represent a significant departure from politics as usual.
None of this is meant to take anything away from Biden. I like him a lot more now than I did at the beginning of this year, and appreciate his calming optimism in the early hours of Wednesday morning when everyone feared Trump might win this thing after all. Long live Joe!
baby boomers are going to get abused and treated like garbage in the retirement homes. Thanks to Trump pissing off every group of people, literally everyone hates baby boomers now. Maybe you boomers shouldn't have been so selfish and ruined your children's future with your short-sighted greed. Enjoy those retirement homes, and good luck, boomers!
Big Ass Relief yes, but there is so much damage that has to be undone. I doubt we can heal all the wounds in four years, but baby steps right? I welcome the chance for us to do so much better. XOXO
Strong, smart, capable women in powerful positions is good for society as a whole. As VP, Kamala Harris has taken the world stage. Finally, women are making strides in America.
What a relieve I ask all the Trump voters "what has he ever done for you" Stupid is as stupid does. Trump had to read three lines from a prompter and he would repeat them three times, the word sad and bad he talked down to his voters treating them like fools meanwhile he was robbing the bank for his own gains. He spewed hatred with his ra ra rallies. So glad to see decency and respect on the podium, it won't be easy cleaning up the mess that Trump has left in his wake, but there is hope in the future and the people will not have to be embarrassed by their president on the world stage. Sorry I'm ranting on yes Kamala Harris loved her speech the country is in good hands.
I know Ms. Harris personally and have had to work with her. She is not ready for the national stage, let alone, God forbid, the international one. This is all America can produce?
I am so relieved.
ReplyDeletePatty
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAmen and thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteSo much more I want to say - I will leave it to those more eloquent than I am.
Michelle Obama put is so wellI’m beyond thrilled that my friend
ReplyDelete@JoeBiden
and our first Black and Indian-American woman Vice President,
@KamalaHarris
, are headed to restore some dignity, competence, and heart at the White House. Our country sorely needs it.
Amen x
DeleteThe mood is jubilant over here! The last 4 years have been exhausting and horrifying. Your lovely blog has been one of my favorite early morning refuges as I turned off the news and looked for an escape.
ReplyDeleteMimi
We are all so happy for you as a country xxx
DeleteMy sentiments exactly, Mimi.
DeleteFabulous news x
ReplyDeleteLet’s all move on and upwardwards x
DeleteSo happy for your country , feel his departure will entirely reflect his four years in office :(
DeleteLacklustre
DeleteI am beyond grateful. This will give us a chance to begin a long needed healing process from so many negatives. People are celebrating in the streets all over our country today!
ReplyDeleteAnd the ones that are not May be healed eventually by realising a woman of colour can make a real difference
DeleteHugs x
DeleteThank you to all that made this happen the joy and RELIEF are beyond expressing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteI hope so, I really hope so. A step in the right direction which will hopefully lead to huge strides.
ReplyDeleteWell baby steps would be acceptable
DeleteBest news since coronavirus began. Things are looking up!
ReplyDeleteOnwards and upwards
DeleteAs for me, I am very pleased; but I am not pleased that almost half of all US voters are not pleased... I do not understand how so many can admire and vote for the current abomination. It remains very troubling.
ReplyDeleteThat is their problem abs it’s one we cannot understand
DeleteLet’s hope she can sort out the pain that’s left
A few observations - aimed at no one in particular! To put it in a UK context re why people voted for Trump, think former PM Gordon Brown's 'bigoted woman' gaffe, think Emily Thornberry's sneering elitist tweet about white van man's St George's flags. Politicians, particularly those of a metropolitan ilk on both sides of the pond have become remote from the populations they purport to serve. People who feel disenfranchised by 'business as usual' career politicians will turn to someone who purports to listen to and represent them. Even if it is a vainglorious braggart. The people who voted for Trump probably did see him for what he is warts and all - but in their eyes he spoke for them. The election result is no repudiation of Trump. He substantially increased his vote count from 2016 and as he has correctly pointed out, received more votes than any sitting President. Hardly a drubbing. Both the Democrats and Republicans will have taken lessons from this. The mid west states are the battleground and should - should Californian Kamala Harris succeed Biden, it is by no means certain that she could win in the rust belt states next time around. Some of the triumphalism being displayed and why some people don't understand why Trump (or for that matter Brexit) happened is a greater concern. Partisan mockery comes with the territory of course, but people need to listen to what the other side is saying and why they are saying it, rather than becoming entrenched and writing people off as xenophobic, racists, bigots, deplorables etc. I'm quite sure some are, but that doesn't mean to say that there are many more with some very genuine concerns that should be heeded. When I trained as a nurse in the 80s one of the first things I was taught was how to listen to people. Some people are very good at expounding their views but have cloth ears. Listening to others - and acting on relevant information is even more important. Stop fighting. Start listening. Peace out!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteP- you make a good point here and are correct. I know in the 2016 election, I knew many many more people who voted for him, but with trepidations, but were so desperate for "something different" and to be heard, they voted for him. But after the horror of four years, and the ensuing circus and such, of the many I know, it went down to one person who voted for him. I personally never cared for him.
Deletephewwwww....by the skin of our teeth! now let's knuckle down and change things for real!!!
ReplyDeleteJoy, Jubilation, and Happy Dancing here!!!!! I'd do a cartwheel if I wasn't all too close to being 70. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the high hopes, good wishes, and prayers from the good people around the world, too.
Hugs for everyone!
Let’s support the ones that believed in Trumps bluster
DeleteThey are part of the "everyone" who gets a hug!
DeleteWe are joyful! Not only will sense prevail, but there will be decency, intelligence, experience, and common sense. Hurray!
ReplyDeleteLovely
DeleteI too am so relieved that we will have a President with dignity and I am so thrilled to have Camilla Harris for my Vice President!
ReplyDelete💕
DeleteThat's Kamala, Linda. Autocorrect probably changed it for you.
DeleteOops....must have been autocorrect
DeleteA big day every which way you look at it!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for un
DeleteWell, we'll see. I live in California. Town of about 30k in a county of less than 300k. Been here for 18 years. Since June, we've had (for the 1st time), cop shootings with shooters on the loose and helicopters flying overhead, gang shootings, protests blocking the freeway, protests turning violent with shop windows smashed in ordinarily cozy downtowns, about 20% of small business gone under this year... but they've campaigned on healing. I'm waiting to see if they can pull that off, and if Kamala Harris will do better on a national level than she did in California, where she only got 8% of the vote during the Primary. Godspeed to them. We have a deeply divided nation.
ReplyDeleteYou do, and it’s time to get some of middle ground x
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteyou must be one of those dump deplorables. FUCK YOUR FEELINGS! leave the country if you don't like it! WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!
DeleteI have to say I have been Republican, to a Independent and now a Democrat since 2004. I have and supported both sides and have no problem supporting a hard working, and honest person for the good of people. I've helped out and donated to both sides. But there has never been a more vile and evil president then Trump. What we saw the last four years was downright appalling. Run more a reality show then a country. His smoke and mirrors would have not cut it. I have always had respect for every president in my life time even if I didn't agree with all their views, but this one? I have never had such distain for a more ignorant man. And this is certainly not the Republican Party to once knew. I mean he was out golfing yet again today, instead of making any intelligent releases to the nation. No proper manners or decorum. Many of my Republican friends are even appalled by this latest week. I just hope this administration will change your mind I hope.
DeleteIgnore the trolls. "M" is probably a Russian bot.
DeleteAnne Marie in Philly... there's little doubt Trump was obnoxious and crass, but let me ask you, how does your comment bring the healing Biden/Harris have promised? And ran on? You'll tell 70 million people to just f-off? And f-you? And call them "dump deplorables"? And continue in the rage and hate, even after a win? You and those like you cannot or will not see that so long as that's in play, nothing changes. The response to Trump was every bit as bad as many saw the man himself. Maybe worse. Biden and Harris will be powerless against YOUR ongoing rage and hatred. I'm not Democrat or Republican, btw, just one of millions caught in the crossfire, but thanks for proving that dancing in the streets will soon give way to a harsh reality when there's no easy target to blame for the poison in our country.
Delete@em - the deplorables rubbed our faces in it for 4 years. payback is a bitch. so is karma.
DeleteAnne Marie, the ugliness has to stop. Period. We can do better. Else it's all for waste. If you don't believe that, then you're not representative of what Biden/Harris ran on.
Deletejohn, we are dancing in the streets over here. and MY CITY brought about the change! HELL YEAH WE DID!
ReplyDeleteNo words. Just elation right now. And hope, which I thought I had lost.
ReplyDeleteIt's been an emotional day and week, and pure hell for four years. I can't even place words how thrilled I am.
ReplyDeleteAnd glad to have you as a friend and supporter. I love you John!!!!!!!
As an objective viewer
DeleteHaving a BLACK WOMAN in a position of such power is AMAZING ....TRULY AMAZING
We should all embrace this change ....ok there will be a old white guy in charge , but SHE IS BACK UP ......
How good this this !!!!
The first woman Vice President on the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the USA. It's been a long time coming. Joe and Kamala will bring decency, kindness, and more importantly....COMPETENCE...back to the White House. It's a great day!
ReplyDelete.hugs x
DeleteIt is about time, I think she will be magnificent. Not only the first woman, a woman of color, we need that.
ReplyDeleteYou do x
DeleteShe will probably be the first woman president. Being the VP to Mr Biden will be an excellent apprenticeship. It feels as if a weight has been lifted off the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteIt's long past time for a woman in such a high position. As for a "woman of color", what's bizarre is throughout my life, I've never focused on the color of anyone's skin. Only character. Which, as I recall, was a HUGE part of MLK's message? It will be nice if the vitriol can ease and we can stop viewing one another as "enemy". We'll see if that's possible.
ReplyDeleteHey EM, did you actually vote in this election you said you weren't a Democrat or a Republican, inquiring minds want to know
DeleteYes, I did. One can always "write in", leave blank or... vote Libertarian.
DeleteBut when a person claims not to see color, they are saying that they don't see the injustice and struggles that people of color face or the power and privilege that white people have. I say, see that color so that you can see what you need to do to ensure that equality reigns.
DeleteShe is representative of SO MUCH! A strong woman of immigrant parents. Not so white.
ReplyDeleteSorry libbies. I know you swallow every morsel from the Mini stry Of Truth MSM run by your party, but they don't decide who won. You know that, right? Snap back to reality. We'll have a final by mid December. Just like we did Bush/Gore in 2000. That's how it works. And it's looking like the corrupt democratic finger on the scale was too obvious this time.
ReplyDeleteanna
If you believe that lie you just told, why are you too cowardly to put your name on it?
ReplyDeleteThank you, John, for putting together this tribute to women. And, let's hope we can show Anna here four years of honor to all, women, men, red and yellow, black and white.
ReplyDeleteI predict -- she will run for President one day and WIN!
ReplyDelete46 and 47 were on that stage tonight. Believe me when I tell you that you are watching the first woman POTUS on her path to the oval office.
DeleteWe are joy filled!
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
Thank you. A great burden lifted for Americans.
ReplyDeleteShe may well become 'first in command'. Biden is no chlorinated spring chicken.
ReplyDeleteWe are elated!
ReplyDeleteWe are so relieved and grateful that this long dark period in our history will be over! Thanks for celebrating with us.
ReplyDeleteTonight I listened to two speeches, one from Kamala Harris and one from Joe Biden. What I heard was a tribute to America and Americans, about knuckling down to do the work we must do to make our country a country for all. I listened to our history. I listened to plans for a hope filled future. It celebrated us, not the speakers. It was full sentences. No one was called names.
ReplyDeleteI wept.
Dear John and Friends, i fear - a sort of - Jezebel and Ahab revisited. Ahab got into dutch because he allowed himself to be pushed around.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted at both Biden's win and his deputy being a woman, and one of colour. But, the task ahead of them is huge - what a divided country, and complex set of problems face them.
ReplyDeleteWe were afraid that the reputation of our greatness was gone forever. We expect that amends will need to be made. Thank you for your patience. We suddenly have hope again.
ReplyDeleteHappy days are here again - and, boy, will it have been worth the wait!
ReplyDeleteI have never been a watcher of Politics, until Covid 19 turned up in a NZ election year. I watched with total awe as Jacinda Ardern and the NZ Labour Party won our election with at least 50% of the total NZ vote. And I totally surprised myself by watching with interest the USA elections and wishing upon anything else the Orange man be gone. Never have I witnessed such a spiteful, divisive person in such a powerful position. Go well America you deserve a rest after the last 4 turbulent and harrowing years. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have a lot of work to do but I have no doubt they will do it with the best of their ability.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
I'm worried about the next weeks and how the changeover will happen as the lawyers are everywhere stirring up more vitriol
ReplyDeleteTrump can get all the lawyers he wants, but they should know that they will never get paid. He seldom pays his bills, especially if he does not get the result he wants. The people who counted the votes and they were patriots on both sides, were constantly watched and, better yet, videoed. No matter, though, he has sowed the seeds of hate and doubt, (as usual) so we are in for some rough days ahead. Meanwhile, Covid has run amok in the US, thanks to the way it was handled (ignored), and our losses are staggering. There is so much to heal, but I slept much better last night.
DeleteEven though I voted for Clinton in the last election, I'd like it a lot more if Harris were to become the first woman president. Hillary always seemed to me to be a proxy for her husband, whereas Kamala really does represent a significant departure from politics as usual.
ReplyDeleteNone of this is meant to take anything away from Biden. I like him a lot more now than I did at the beginning of this year, and appreciate his calming optimism in the early hours of Wednesday morning when everyone feared Trump might win this thing after all. Long live Joe!
Okay, that Kamala picture with the shadow is some genuine brilliance. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sense of relief I think we are all feeling. Two people who will hopefully bring America back to greatness, with compassion and unity.
ReplyDeleteNot just a woman, a Black/Asian woman!
ReplyDeleteI am sure she will do her best. The odds are stacked against her but if all who voted for her stay involved she may have a chance.
ReplyDeleteWasn’t her speech inspiring! A good team if Joe can be the bridge and mentor.
ReplyDeletebaby boomers are going to get abused and treated like garbage in the retirement homes. Thanks to Trump pissing off every group of people, literally everyone hates baby boomers now. Maybe you boomers shouldn't have been so selfish and ruined your children's future with your short-sighted greed. Enjoy those retirement homes, and good luck, boomers!
ReplyDeleteAnd a President who can string together thoughts into coherent sentences. I will no longer have to reach for the mute button on my remote!
ReplyDeleteI never imagined that I would ever remotely fancy the Vice President of the Untied States of America. I bet you cannot say that.
ReplyDeleteOh I don’t know
DeleteThough I live in the UK I feel happier and much more hopeful for the future-I always felt quite uneasy about him x
ReplyDeleteUneasy isn’t half of it. Yesterday, was a very good day in America.
DeleteAs I don't live in Your Country I thought I shouldn't speak out too much.I wish you a Very Happy Future xx
DeleteBig Ass Relief yes, but there is so much damage that has to be undone.
ReplyDeleteI doubt we can heal all the wounds in four years, but baby steps right? I welcome the chance for us to do so much better. XOXO
Strong, smart, capable women in powerful positions is good for society as a whole. As VP, Kamala Harris has taken the world stage. Finally, women are making strides in America.
ReplyDeleteSense WILL prevail! We're all so happy -- in this household anyway. Who is that hunka hunk in the upper right photo?!
ReplyDeleteWe in this household are thrilled - now the long hard road back to sanity.
ReplyDeleteLoved her speech last night!! Amazing, inspiring and all together insightful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relieve I ask all the Trump voters "what has he ever done for you" Stupid is as stupid does.
ReplyDeleteTrump had to read three lines from a prompter and he would repeat them three times, the word sad and bad he talked down to his voters treating them like fools meanwhile he was robbing the bank for his own gains.
He spewed hatred with his ra ra rallies.
So glad to see decency and respect on the podium, it won't be easy cleaning up the mess that Trump has left in his wake, but there is hope in the future and the
people will not have to be embarrassed by their president on the world stage. Sorry I'm ranting on yes Kamala Harris loved her speech the country is in good hands.
We are so very relieved. And I need another bottle of gin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJYL4Osyipc
ReplyDeleteSo very pleased. She will make a great president. Just think the world of her. She was actually my first choice... to run with Elizabeth Warren!
ReplyDeleteI know Ms. Harris personally and have had to work with her. She is not ready for the national stage, let alone, God forbid, the international one. This is all America can produce?
ReplyDelete