OK, I was encouraged by John McCain's concession speech. But a late night phone call reminded me that one speech cannot undo the damage done by his campaign. So I sent a letter.
My letter to John McCain
Dear Senator McCain,
I am a middle class voter in the state of Washington who voted for Senator Obama. Although I was very disappointed in the tone and substance of the campaign you ran, I was heartened at the grace and class you showed in your concession speech. As many Americans have expressed, I wished I had seen more of the man who gave that speech than the one I saw so often on the campaign trail.
Then, at 2:30 in the morning, I received a telephone call, asking for me by name. I was asleep and my wife picked up the phone. The male voice on the other end said: "Fuck you, you fucking nigger lover." He said it again before she hung up.
My family has never before received this type of phone call. And while I primarily blame the cowardly individual who placed the call, I also believe you and your campaign bear some responsibility. The tone and substance of your campaign encouraged those in our country still infected with the cancer of racism and led them to believe that their racism was legitimate.
I do not believe you are racist. But I believe your campaign encouraged those who are. A classy and graceful concession speech cannot undo the damage. As a fellow American who loves his country, I ask you to publicly and strongly condemn the racism that is evident among a portion of your supporters.
Thank you.
OK, I know this is trivial compared to what many of you experienced canvassing or run up against in your day to day lives. But for me it was a bucket of cold water to the face. McCain ran a divisive campaign based in fear and hatred. He owes our country more than one nice speech. Until he pays up, I won't forgive him or his party.