"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it and to institute new Government" 

I barely slept last night. Yet for some reason, I feel … jubilant!

But seriously, this was a tremendous victory for the Democrats at a time when they sorely needed one. Considering the GOP’s rampant gerrymandering, this was not only a rout, it was a tsunami. We will likely get our first Madam Speaker, and 2006 will mark the year that a woman has been closer to the presidency than ever before. Moreover, the nation’s governorships are solidly Democratic and at this point I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Senate swing after the recount. I’m biting my nails for Bush’s press conference. Will he learn some humility and try to salvage his legacy, or will he use his podium and pen to petulantly obstruct progress for the next two years.

With every election, the American people take control of their government anew. And this time they sent an unambiguous message to the White House and the world that we want change. We should celebrate our victory today, we’ve more than earned it. But tomorrow we have work to do. The GOP has a plan and they will use their time between now and recess to their advantage. We must use the power of our mandate to staunch the bloodflow. And come January, if we get complacent, if we stay the course at home and abroad, we will have squandered a monumental opportunity. But if we can follow our success with prudent action, if we can spend the next two years turning it all around, then no future is too optimistic.

Yesterday was a victory for conservatives as well. Seriously. The Republican Party long ago abandoned them. They may not know it yet, but the new Democrats stand for fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and limited government intrusion – solid conservative ideals. The Democrats have gained majorities – razor-thin perhaps – in some fairly solid red districts. The red / blue divide has always been little more than myth; most people are not that one-dimensional. But we would be deluding ourselves if we doubt there were a great many who checked the ‘Not Bush’ button this time around. Many of these people went against their better judgment and long-held beliefs in voting Democrat because they are hoping for change. Let’s be sure to stay on top of the new leadership and demand proof that they were worth the effort.