EDITORIAL: May Americans stand closer together

Thank God, the election is over. Now, I pray the politics of division died Nov. 4, 2008.

Not long after the polls closed on the West Coast, John McCain phoned Barack Obama to offer congratulations and then went out to concede defeat. He delivered one of the most poignant, stirring, admirable speeches of his long and remarkable career. You could see the disappointment in his face, hear it in his voice. Yet through his pain, he embraced his noble virtues. He thanked all those Americans who sacrificed on his behalf, particularly his family and close campaign aides. He shushed supporters who railed against his opponent. And he pledged goodwill and cooperation to the candidate who defeated him, calling all Americans to do the same. He reminded us we need the next president to succeed in order for our nation to succeed.

A little while later, President-elect Obama and his wife and daughters strolled onto the Grant Park stage and into a new chapter of U.S. history. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his family, his supporters and the voters who elected him. He talked about his conversations with Sen. McCain and President Bush. Then he turned his attention to the themes that propelled him to the White House—change, hope, inclusion and a spirit of optimism reflected in “Yes, We Can.” Significantly, he spoke directly to the 55.8 million voters who did not choose him: “To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn—I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.”

Listening to both those speeches, I couldn’t help but wonder how different America would be if candidates campaigned with the spirit they reflect on election night. Perhaps we’ll go forward in that tone. May God grant it.

For too long, the United States has suffered from the politics of fear and division. It’s an effective strategy for winning elections and securing congressional votes. It’s a lousy way to run a country. So, I hope you’ll join me in demanding that our new president lead from the center, and, just as important, that politicians from both parties join him there. If they weren’t so concerned about which party would control the White House and Congress and more concerned about building a strong nation, we’d be far better off.

Speaking of being better off, set aside partisanship for a moment and reflect upon the sea of tears we saw late on election night. Mostly, they streamed down faces of color. Predominantly, those were African-American faces. No matter personal politics, how could anyone who loves and cares for our country not be moved to the core by such a sight?

As a white middle-aged man, I’ll never understand the grief and suffering long endured by my African-American sisters and brothers, as well as by other friends of color. When I foolishly downplayed the depths of racism in America, these friends gently corrected me. So I have tried throughout my lifetime to empathize with them. And on election night, I wept when I saw their tears.

No, we have not ended racism in America. But we have taken a giant step forward. This election was not all about race, but race was a huge part of it. No matter whom you supported, I hope you’re proud and grateful to live in a country where a compelling candidate of color can be elected president. And, sisters, I hope you are encouraged to think that sometime, maybe in our lifetimes, your election day will come, too.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama has been elected to a hard, hard task. Pray for our new president and vice president, representatives and senators, as well as governors and lawmakers in 50 statehouses, and hold them accountable for serving all Americans. We must, at last, stand together. The challenges facing our nation will be insurmountable if we continue the politics of division that have plagued us for so long.