So, my family is headed into red country next week for a long-arranged holiday with friends. We've been teasing back-and-forth with them this autumn about the elections. They're very nice, good people, and we like them a lot, but we have nothing in common politically - hey, it's a purple country, right?
So I've been thinking about what I'll say if they extend their sympathies for our loss. And I think I'll say:
Don't feel sorry for me. My party is led by wonderfully intelligent, hard-working, dedicated people who really care about the people in this country, and about America's role in the world.
It's you guys I feel sorry for. Your party's been hijacked by neo-cons and evangelists. Your party used to stand for fiscal responsibility and strong foreign relations, which was a useful balance to the democrats, who are always happy to throw money at social problems, sometimes too much money. But now that your party is being led by extremists, they've given us the worst deficits in history (we all owe, what, 25K each?) - that our kids will be paying off.
They've turned the world against us with their invasion of Iraq - and this after the world stood with us as one nation after 9/11.
And they've managed to convince you all that you're still voting in your own best interests.
Well, that's what I'd like to say. We'll see ... maybe if I have enough wine.