To be really honest, I think this election season could possibly be the worst in recent history — way too long and fraught with one shocking development after another. There were the numerous court cases that never went anywhere, the unexpected decision by Joe Biden to remove himself from the presidential race, and a slew of unnerving judicial decisions, from district courts right up to the Supreme Court.  And for many, the steady stream of outlandish rhetorical statements became the biggest test of all.

It’s true that if we look back in time we’ll find other campaigns when social and political upheaval tested our mettle. Two events that come to mind are the assassination of Democratic candidate Robert F. Kennedy and the riotous outbreak at the 1968 Democratic Convention. We mustn’t forget the 2000 presidential election when the Supreme Court stopped a ballot recount and issued the decision to dismiss the tallying of a popular vote that favored Al Gore and then appointed George W. Bush.  The impact of that judicial interference changed global geopolitical dynamics thereafter. Much of the conflicts exploding across the Middle East today were triggered by the foreign policy decisions of the G.W. Bush administration. Elections do have consequences.

What has made the 2024 election cycle especially challenging is how we have handled the uncertainties ahead for our deeply divided nation. No question, those earlier examples of political chaos and violence had a profound effect on the electorate, but Americans were determined to endure their dismay, accept the outcome and proceed to move forward.  We did our soul-searching and our nation survived. What has happened during this election is different. Nearly everyone with whom I’ve spoken have reported higher levels of anxiety, fear, anger, insomnia, and depression from this campaign cycle than ever before. Moving ahead, the question of “now what?” still looms. And according to analysts, the shocking results will likely affect our recovery. 

Besides questions regarding the future over particular issues, we’re also deeply concerned about painful divisions between neighbors, friends, and family that were fueled and festering from previous election outcomes. Will we be able to tackle the pressing needs that still face our nation? How long will it take before our fractured relationships begin to show signs of healing? 

Our social norms for public conduct have been tested in ways heretofore unimagined. It’s been difficult to impose standards of language and behavior that meet previous expectations. Trust in our social institutions is at an all-time low so it will be a challenge to find consensus on what the parameters for a new normal should be, and how will we enforce them?  

There was a time (and not too long ago) that a candidate could not wander very far outside of social norms before the public’s response would either lead to a voluntary exit from the race or simply scorn a candidate into oblivion. I’m recalling Howard Dean’s mere enthusiastic “scream” from the podium that doomed his bid for the presidency. In contrast, throughout this election, continuous, inappropriate, offensive, and oftentimes proven-false remarks, not to mention criminal charges and a conviction, have resulted in the opposite effect. Despite intense coverage by the media, bad behavior has only stirred greater passion among supporters and spurred more and greater infractions! Despite distaste for this method to acquire more votes, no one could find a way to curtail it. We watched the things worsen as the campaign drew to its final days. Many were stunned by the election results on Nov. 6. 

Today, what comes to mind are some insights shared by my deceased sister who left this earth on Nov. 1, 1997 after a short and fatal bout with bone marrow cancer.  She always called herself “a radical optimist.” When I would experience times of frustration and cynicism about my government, Karen was always ready to cite examples in history that bolstered her argument in favor of faith and hope in the process. Metaphorically speaking, she’d explain that when people least expected brighter days, the sun would suddenly burst through the clouds. One of her favorite stories was the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. And one of her heroes was Vaclev Havel, poet, playwright, and president of the democratic Czech Republic once that country broke from the Soviet Union. 

Karen’s passionate positivity was infectious. I mention her because we are now facing some very challenging times. Her voice still pierces my darkest moments, triggering a glimmer of hope. I’m reminded that goodness still exists in all of us and longs for expression. Believing this is what’s needed for the light within us to illuminate our path forward. Our faith and patience with our system of government are key to staying the course.  I will be clinging to her stern but loving guidance to “keep our eyes on the prize,”  especially in these early days following the election. I can’t see the path forward, yet. My concerns sometimes threaten to spin out of control.  That is, until her wise words cut through my fears. Wait. Stand firm. Be patient and watch closely for a break in the clouds. 

The “electing” part appears to be settled. Now the hard work of discovery begins. It’s time now to reexamine where we’ve been and reassess what happened. Make greater understanding a goal. Bolster my will to respect everyone I meet, to listen more closely, and seek what we have in common so that we’ll both join on the path forward when the light might suddenly break through the clouds.  

I expect our country to be reeling for a while. Some may be hooting in celebration. Some may be filled with anger or overwhelmed by despair.  The months ahead will be trying times, continuing to command our faith and patience. Many have been working hard and are tired.  But we can’t not flip our recent history’s coin and seek the valuable lessons that are there. Our work to improve our democracy is still not done nor would it have been, regardless of who won the White House. A time will come when we’ll have looked long enough and can detect a sliver of light. We’ll be ready once again to participate in renegotiating America’s greatness.