Maggie's Farm

Wow. The people spoke. The silver lining I can find in this cloud is that we elected a black guy as President. That is remarkable and quite wonderful. I wish him wisdom. Still, I had hoped that the first black Pres would be from the party of Lincoln.

Another plus is that the Repubs will be forced to renew and refresh themselves, and come up with a farm team of younger, smarter, more exciting and more inspiring candidates, with messages to suit the times. And I do not mean Mitt Romney.

I'll admit to feeling bummed, but not at all surprised, by the outcome. I think John McCain did darn well considering everything that was dragging him down: a relentlessly hostile press, a hugely unpopular Bush, union money and a huge campaign $ disparity, economic fears, age, the Obama Cult of Personality - and his awareness throughout that the tides were running against him. Not to mention the perennial problem that Conservatives have in elections: they rightly find it hard to make goody-bag promises because they put their faith in free people rather than in government.

I doubt anyone could have done better than McCain did this year, and I doubt he would have done better with Giuliani instead of Palin. The press would have Palinized Rudy too. (Well, on further thought, maybe Rudy could have done a better job than McCain: he's brighter and quicker but, perhaps, less likeable.)

I think the Dems face the danger of over-reading this election. It's a common error for both parties. I do not feel that this election was an endorsement of a left-wing agenda but more an expression of general unease, Bush-fatique, and disgruntlement - mixed with a strong dose of celebrity-excitement. It's still the same center-right nation that it was last year, and every move the Dems make now will annoy some group or other. This Congressional leadership is not only loony-left but full of vengeance - and pent-up spending ideas. Hold onto your wallets, because we could quickly become the highest-taxed country in the developed world (we're almost there already).

But who is going to benefit immediately from this election?

- Gun dealers. If there are a few guns you've always wanted, now's the time.
- Tax accountants, tax lawyers, financial planners and estate planners
- Off-shore bankers
- Off-shore realtors: watch more businesses move divisions to foreign HQs which are more hospitable to enterprise.

And, finally, consider this condundrum, especially those readers who are my fellow conservatives: How does one win national elections when you have to concede NY, California, and the rust belt in advance? Not to mention my New England?