From another Financial Advisor and close friend of mine “Casey R.”:

A few very important things occurred to me as I was watching predictable election results unfold last night.  An obvious fact remains based on the votes received by each candidate – we are still very much divided in this country, very evenly divided.

Obama won the majority vote and a delivered a corresponding “pounding” in what both parties recognize as a “quirky” electoral college.  Even though I was more comfortable with the experience of McCain, I understand and appreciate the rationale that lead so many to look to a motivational and charismatic man as an impetus for change.

I became very worried throughout the campaign as I learned more about Obama’s liberal voting history and limited efforts to vote outside his party. Democrats held McCain to the same standard and found that, although he did tackle non-partisan issues in Washington, he sided too often with a misguided President during his first term for their comfort.

Obama earned respect from me with his moment of candid humility last night.  It came with the admittance that for the nearly 50% of the country that didn’t vote for him, he needed to do his best to earn their support and confidence and he knew he couldn’t simply assume it.

I worried about this election because there are social and moral standards I just felt in my heart this country wasn’t really willing to leave behind simply for the sake of a change from an unpopular administration.  Worried  because even Obama acknowledged his tax policies are not mainstream America and may be risky in a depressed economy (a stark contrast to Reagan’s progressive taxation which never considered re-distribution of income to non-income tax paying citizens – 40% of America today).

Worried because I felt marriage ought to mean something special in this country to a man and a woman.

Worried because I did not want to see abortion politicized further into tax dollar funded programs for such a morally charged but personal issue.

Worried because I believe the troops deserve a proper end to the war for their sacrifice and not a premature end to simply satisfy those seeking retribution against an unpopular President.

Worried because Nancy Pelosi, disliked so fervently by both parties because of her recklessness, has a “mandate” she feels everyone needs to accept to justify her political existence.

I watched all of the debates for both sides, from the primaries to the end. I read copies of voting records and bills proposed by both men. The two men are politicians, they made many promises they cannot keep, they changed views and positions to accommodate the polls and pundits which should surprise no one familiar with politics.  But Obama won the election because it was his time and America was hungry for a clean slate.  His cult of personality appeal and message obviously resonated with a greater number of Americans, especially young Americans.

Surprisingly, many of the fears I held leading up to the election began to recede over the course of the coverage last night.  Because of the class shown by McCain in his words?  Yes.  The inspiration shared with the country by Obama’s words?  Yes.  But it was actually in the underlying voting results that my comfort in this country and my faith in the citizens of the country were strengthened and somewhat restored.

Obama is a smart man and his comments last evening inferred his understanding of some very meaningful exit poll results, some of which are in direct contrast to his platform, others which he fondly supports.  Facts: an overwhelming majority of voters – 80% – do not feel comfortable having their wealth distributed, a majority want very careful steps taken with healthcare reform versus sweeping change, a majority support a ban on gay marriage (in California of all places!), a majority want reproductive rights out of government hands, and a majority want to see the war ended responsibly and expect Obama to lean on current commanders in Iraq versus congress for guidance.

The message is a mix of centrist and conservative views, forming what many of us recognize as a Center-Right populate of mainstream America – fiscally conservative and social moderate.  So I woke this morning with a sense of relief on two fronts.

First, although the candidate I voted for lost, he lost to a man who may have the passion to do great things.  Second, though a Democrat will govern from the oval office, the social consciousness of mainstream America is exactly what my heart told me it was.  Obama will need to respect and embrace this sentiment in order to deliver the change he hopes to see.

Obama has a tough road ahead because so much of the ‘hope and change’ message is intangible and interpreted differently depending on the social-economic standing of those listening to it.  To the supporter who shared a common sentiment “I won’t have to worry any more about paying my mortgage… putting gas in my car… if I help him, he’ll help me,” he needs to quickly shape her expectations and motivate her to work hard rather than relying on a government hand-out.  Allowing such unrealistic expectations will quickly alienate a large base of his electorate if mishandled.  He needs to meet the racially motivated comments by Sharpton and Jackson with a clear understanding that race became a non-issue as of 11:30 PM, November 4, 2008, and the complaining associated with it needs to go by the wayside.  Lastly, I understand the exuberance he must have felt last evening during his speech, but he needs to focus on meaningful and obtainable objectives this term before audaciously referring to his next term already.

The political system in America is truly amazing.  Anything can happen and, even if opinions differ, we should always find comfort in the reality that we enjoy a peaceful transfer of power during elections in this country.  Barack Obama won an election that was his to secure.  I promised myself, regardless of the results, I would support the new President out of respect for the election process and the office itself.  The motivation behind my intentions is a combination of patriotism and an effort to take a road much higher than many on the left/media did with the current administration.

They repeatedly showed they lacked class in their actions and judgment and a lack of respect for the office of President.  I hope future generations will not be subjected to tasteless and derogatory films released while a President is still in office.

How can anyone honest with themselves be surprised by the lack of stature America has today in the world when we cut and run from our President with Hollywood attacks and mindless commentary? Don’t get me wrong, Bush earned his criticism but he was also the President of the United States.  Those expecting the same respect for Obama may have been well served to demonstrate a higher level of respect for past Presidents, even during moments of strained popularity and disagreement.

I hope for some unifying and positive strides for the country.  America voted for Obama, with a message to respect not construct the social consciousness, to learn from our history but not feel pressure to repeat it, to recognize party affiliations but not succumb to them, and to manage rational hopes and changes lest they become reckless, broken promises.  As Obama has said time and time again, “this is a defining moment,” and my hope is that America capitalizes on it.

HT Casey R