November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving Day is the most American holiday. It is neither especially religious nor nationalistic, but a day on which families gather to give thanks for living in America. Many Americans do pause on the Fourth of July to recognize the wonder of the United States and the privilege of being American citizens; most people, however, focus on the beach, the barbecue, and the fireworks.
Illustration by Dean Rohrer
Sure, Thanksgiving centers largely on turkey and football, but at heart it remains a genuine family day; just recall the famous Norman Rockwell painting. Americans pause to reflect on what they have to be thankful for — perhaps even more so this year, given the current economic crisis. It is appropriate, therefore, after the intensity of the presidential campaign, to consider a few details for which we should be thankful.
We should be thankful that, barring the final count, seven million more Americans will have voted on Nov. 4 than in 2004. This constituted a one-and-a-half percent increase among eligible voters, approaching the record turnout of more than 64 percent in the post-Kennedy assassination election of 1964.
(Curiously, the 2008 voter turnout still fell short of predictions, given the large increase in registration, especially among first-time African-American voters. Unregistered voters also remain a problem, although here, too, it appears the country is moving in the right direction.)
We should be thankful that so many individuals were excited by this election season that they participated in fund-raising, many with small contributions. The American people spent an unprecedented $4.5 billion for all campaigns during this election cycle. This is an extraordinary statement of their enthusiasm and support for their candidates.
We should be thankful that by using the Internet, candidates reached more Americans directly than ever before. The public felt attached or connected to campaigns or candidates in ways that most had never been previously. (On the other hand, some Americans appeared to be inundated and overwhelmed at the quantity, the vehemence, and demeaning quality of much of the advertising and robo-calling.)
We should be thankful for an apparent period of rapid healing among those who vied for the presidency. Whether she joins the Obama administration or remains in the Senate, Hillary Rodham Clinton conducted herself during the general campaign and since with class and with no noticeable signs of bitterness and envy. So, too, has President-elect Obama in his overtures to Sens. Clinton, John McCain, and Joe Lieberman (who kept his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, say reports, thanks to Obama).
President Bush, too, has moved effectively and expeditiously to facilitate a smooth transition, exhibiting a warm, sociable demeanor in his quick contact with the victor.
Most important, Americans should be thankful that we live in a country that, 143 years after the end of the Civil War, elected an African American to the highest office in the land. While there certainly were some people who did oppose Obama because of race, their numbers were far smaller than anticipated — and immaterial to the outcome. American voters rejected the race card as a determinant in casting their ballots.
Leaving aside policy differences, most people around the world recognized what the American people had accomplished in choosing Obama. As one British leader remarked during the last weeks of the campaign: “This country [Great Britain] could never elect a black man!”
Finally, Obama even made many of those who voted against him proud to be Americans. They understood what he achieved. They may well fight against him throughout his tenure and reject his policies, but they too had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Dr. Gilbert N. Kahn is a professor of political science at Kean University in Union (e-mail gkahn@kean.edu).
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