There was a reason people like V and I felt that Democratic politics as usual would not get the job done and instantly gravitated towards Dean's message of restoration.

Now, I actually think Kerry ran a decent campaign. I also suspect there was massive voter fraud (recall that Diebold's head promised Ohio to Bush). Notwithstanding all that, however, the Democrats were trounced. That party needs to be completely remade. I'll watch and wait and, like many, I imagine, look to people like Dean for cues.

In the meantime, though, I tend to agree with Eliot's inclinations:

First, this was a referendum mostly on the intelligence of the American people and the bankruptcy of the political process. And, secondly, he is not my president.

Almost as discouraging as Bush's win would be if the Democrats take the lesson from Tom Daschle's defeat in South Dakota that they should be less obstructionist. The only chance for American politics is if there is a genuine opposition. Let us hope the Democrats on Capitol Hill do not roll over with the outrages we can expect the Bush Cabal to commit with a claim of popular mandate. And let us hope for the growth of a new and truly effective movement of popular resistance and ongoing civil disobedience as well. Let me make it clear — I don't think we are just talking about another four years of a terrible president. Bush and his madmen are already well on their way down the path of irreversible and catastrophic damage to the economic stability, peace and freedom, and environmental liveability of the US and the world, as well as everything I hold dear in social values.

I am not at all sure how effective a role FmH, and weblogging in general, can play in what must be done; I have to reassess how best to devote my energies...