Realistic expectations

Tuesday, it’s over. The votes will be counted. A new president will be elected. And while half the country rejoices, the other will pout.

But have faith. Regardless of who wins, everything will be all right.

There’s so much that’s put into a presidential race. Donors give their money. Volunteers give their time. And the candidates give all of themselves – their ideas, their personalities, their families, their pasts –  to be praised by their parties, mocked by their opponents and scrutinized by the media.

With all the criticism and investigation that modern presidential candidates undergo, it’s a marvel that any smart people still want to run for the office. But miraculously, some do.

And this year, we have the choice between two capable individuals.  
Both possess the credentials to lead this nation. Both want the best for this country, though they might have different visions as to what that means and different ways to get there.

And though our choice might seem monumental, though the candidates might seem to be polar opposites, the truth is, at the end of the day, we’re simply electing another human to office. Another fallible human, like us, who’s just as scared of a crashing economy, just as concerned about America’s safety and only slightly more certain as to what to do about it.

Throughout this protracted process, it’s been suggested that one candidate might be physically unfit for the job, or that another might not be smart enough for the task. These questions are absurd.

Who is smart enough to be president? Is there any individual that possesses all the skills required to lead a country as large and diverse as the United States in this rapidly changing global climate, where nothing’s predictable and all’s uncertain? Is there anyone who is nuanced enough to represent a nation of people proud of their differences yet desirous of unity? Is there one person who’s strong but diplomatic, intelligent and empathetic, decisive yet cautious, steadfast when provoked and patient when pressured?

No.

Throughout history, there have been some who have been abler than others who’ve made fewer mistakes and implemented more good policies than bad. But none has been perfect. Regardless of who’s been elected, the president has failed.

The same will be true for the next administration.

Promises will be broken. Programs will falter. Weaknesses will be exposed. Standards will be compromised. Things will get worse for some and better for others. That’s just the way it is.

So in this time, when we’re either filled with hope in or overwhelmed with the uncertainty of the future, may we all take on a large measure of understanding and humbleness. May we realize the great weight that comes with the office of president and understand the impossibility of meeting all its challenges. May we treat whomever wins with forgiveness and whomever loses with respect.

And may we move on.