Sometime in the next day or so, we should know the identity of the next president. That is, if we're fortunate. If not, the recounts and disputed totals could go on for a long time.
Well, I for one am not holding my breath. As made clear on the pages of this blog, I consider the political system to be rigged and fraudulent. There is not nearly enough difference to be made between electing this Dickhead over that one to account for the tremendous, passionate animosity being slung around by both sides. Romney seems to me to be more despicable and disgusting than the incumbent, so I will vote accordingly.
If Romney wins, it could be an unfortunate moment for this country, but not for the reasons one might expect. The downside I would expect would be vastly increased levels of cynicism at some point, given the salesmanship he has exhibited on behalf of his campaign promises. Here is a number of points to consider:
1. Jobs - Obama has been hammered by a relentless tirade of criticism regarding the economy. Unemployment is too high, hasn't dropped as fast as Obama promised, etc. Now it's perfectly reasonable to attack the opponent's record, as the challenger needs to make the case for a change. However, he needs to have a realistic and plausible alternative proposal on the table. On this issue, Romney clearly has not. Cutting taxes is the centerpiece of his agenda. He promises to create 12 million "good paying" jobs. Good luck with that. Most economists expect the recovery to continue if nothing else is done. Whichever dickhead gets elected, it looks like things will slog on as before.
Bottom line: If people are dissatisfied now, they will continue to be regardless of who wins. However, expectations for Romney will be much higher, so he has much farther to fall.
2. Budget - As has been documented ad nauseum, Romney's math is complete nonsense. His promises to cut taxes likely will be derailed rather quickly, as frenzied budget negotiations ramp up. A huge factor is the immediate need to cut the deficit by January 1, or else the draconian sequestration measures kick in. There will likely be a lame-duck session of Congress during December that will make huge tax and spending decisions before the next presidential term even begins. If this is not done properly, the economy could stall and dip into another recession. Romneys' goose might get cooked by events before he gets sworn in over the Book of Mormon.
Bottom line: Romney will be in for a rough ride if he remains serious about his promises for a tax cut, extra trillions for defense, and a balanced budget. If he reneges his hollow promises will be exposed for the empty deception that they are. At some point the real math will catch up.
3. Foreign policy - There is a tremendous disconnect between what a president says and the policies that are actually carried out. As demonstrated in the final debate, there is little that the two parties actually disagree on. Romney exposed himself as sounding more reckless about throwing American power around, but that's just campaign noise. It appears that the PTB plan to ignite more wars in the near future, regardless of who the president is.
Bottom line: No difference under Romney, except people might be more prone to associate deceptive warmongering with Bush, so Romney would inspire more protest and opposition than Obama.
4. Religion - Romney's involvement in the Mormon church has been downplayed as a private matter of personal faith, but there are secretive, mystical aspects that are reason for concern. As pointed out in a Huffington Post blog, Romney holds the title of Bishop. Considering the racist elements within Mormon teaching, and the eclectic prophecies of end-time events, Romney's interaction with the church bears close watching.
Bottom line: Christian conservatives appear to support Romney in large numbers, largely because he is white and supposedly pro-life. While he surely won't be changing his skin color (he probably would if he could along with everything else that he has changed), if he reverts to moderate form on abortion, there will be tremendous anger and frustration among the Christian faithful. At that point, lingering suspicion about Romney's Mormonism will probably flare.
The silver lining for Democrats is that the Republican party brand will likely suffer severe damage under a Romney presidency. Given the surreal nature of the campaign, Romney's vacuous campaign rhetoric, and the likelihood of major events really hitting the fan during the next 4 years, this might not be the best time for a Democrat to occupy the white house.
There might be some wry satisfaction to be gleaned for progressives in watching right-wing talking heads turn against one of their own, once Romney either a) fails or b) succeeds by reverting to sensible, moderate positions.
Final Note: The Prophecy Wonk John Hogue is still sticking to his prediction that Obama will complete a second term. He has not erred in calling presidential elections since Nixon won in 1968. Others are claiming that Nostradamus predicted that the 2012 election will be deadlocked, and Obama will exercise martial law to remain in power while Romney attempts to rally support among the military. That sounds rather far-fetched for this blogger; Something is undoubtedly being lost in translation of the archaic French.
Whatever happens will soon be history.
Lynn
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