We dodged a big bullet in the form of Mitt Romney last night. American won a number of victories last night on a few fronts, but truly, our work is just beginning. Since President Obama will now have a second term – and a good majority in the Senate – we have a fighting chance to insure the longevity of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – and the other ideals that make this nation great. But “fighting” is the operative word there, as the Republicans might be bad winners, they’re certainly very sore losers.
As we saw during this election cycle, they lie, cheat and steal. Integrity is not in their vocabulary. They want to win using any tactics necessary and at any cost. We fought back last night against corruption, against big money and a right wing Supreme Court. We have to keep fighting for what’s right. I promise, I’ll continue doing just that from here on every show and in every post.
This morning on the show, I gloated a bit – especially about a couple of races here in Florida. Although he hasn’t yet conceded, Allen West is toast. My soon-to-be-former Congressman was beaten by newcomer Patrick Murphy. Actually, West would no longer by my congressman regardless as he moved to a new district that he thought he could more easily win.
But my disdain for him is personal. I was arrested, kept in the Broward County Jail overnight, and even pepper sprayed by a BSO deputy while in their custody, all because I dared to go to an event he billed as a Town Hall Meeting in April 2011 and tried to ask him a question. (You can see my first hand account of the events here.) With 100% of the precincts reporting, West has 157,872 – 49.61% of the vote, while Murphy has 160,328 votes – 50.39%. Stay tuned…
Meanwhile, Alan Grayson is back! My favorite Congressman won the newly created seat in Florida’s 8th Congressional district, breaking the record for the biggest comeback. According to the House Historian, no one has come back from losing with by 18 points to win the next year by 25! Congressman Grayson will join us on the show tomorrow morning to talk about what comes next.
Other victories were numerous! It was a great year for progressive women, especially in the Senate where Elizabeth Warren becomes the first female Senator to be elected from Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin becomes the first openly gay US Senator. Tammy Duckworth, who beat the heinous Joe Walsh for a seat in the US House of Representatives from Illinois is the first female combat veteran to be elected to Congress.
America’s treasure, Senator Bernie Sanders was re-elected with 71.1% of the vote – such huge numbers that his race was the very first one called as the polls closed. He did this without any help from the Democratic Party (he isn’t one.. he’s an independent “democratic socialist”) and without any special interest or PAC money. He won so big, so handily, because he holds true to what he believes.
Although I was drifting in and out of sleep by the time President Obama gave his victory speech, I made sure to watch it this morning. I hope you’ll take the time to watch it too… We need to have his back, while pushing him hard to make sure he does right by us over the next four years.
She’s History‘s Amy Simon checked in this morning to talk a bit about the women who’ve run for president. Blue America and Down With Tyranny‘s Howie Klein helped me run down lots of the Congressional races we talked about and encouraged you to get involved with this year. And Crooks and Liars‘ John Amato gave us some closing thoughts on Election 2012.
Now, we really get to work!
Tomorrow on the show, I’ll speak with filmmaker Eugene Jarecki about his new film The House I Live In, dealing with the US War on Drugs. Newly re-elected Congressman Alan Grayson will join in, and we’ll wrap up the week with a conversation with Maysoon Zayid, who finally got her power back after Sandy!
