I have been buzzing with a little low-level anxiety for a few days now. Convinced Obama would win...but then convinced that Republicans can be crafy election stealers when they want to be. Knowing that Obama's win would have to be big, and hoping against hope.
When they finally called Virginia, I knew it would be good. West Coast polls were just closing--and I had faith in the Left Coast. I sat watching in happy amazement as the rest of the returns rolled in.
I was impressed by McCain's concession--it was generous and large in its vision. And of course, his "base" yelled No and booed and insulted Obama. Here is a man trapped in a party of crazy people.
I loved Obama's speech. Serious but uplifting. Loved the videos of the scenes in Grant Park, in front of the White House, Ebenezer Baptist...
BUT---
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Democrats lost the TN statehouse. Lost the House, and lost seats. Lost more seats in the Senate. About half of our legislature was up for re-election--and the Dems lost the battle. For the TN GOP it was a good night locally.
While Nashville and Memphis remained solidly blue, the rural counties and E.TN supported the "Guns, God, and Gays" crowd. I am so bummed about this.
For those of us who'd imagined moving things in the state forward in the 2009 session, it was really bad news. The forces of reaction, backwardness, and "let's return to the 19th century" were reinforced. Environmental actions? Progress in education? Healthcare reform? Green jobs? an end to destructive practices like mountaintop removal? Out of reach, probably.
Those of us who work at the local level in Tennessee will be fighting hard just to kill bad bills--not promoting the good ones. Legislative committees will be stuffed with "deregulators," despite the proved failure of this approach.
I only hope that progressives at the national level will create a rising tide that will sweep us along. (It's happened before.) You know, the government in Washington could actually start ENCOURAGING environmental laws, and getting the states to comply. We're hoping for some leadership from the top, because our legislature may need a boot in the behind to lift them up.
Progressive Tennesseans, time to resume the battle in the home state!