Americans went to the polls, re-elected Barack Obama, returned control of the Senate to the Democrats and control of the House of Representatives to the Republicans. In other words, it seems voters opted for “no change, stay the course.” And political pundits are making their profound pronouncements, explaining to those who still care to listen in the aftermath of one of the most expensive and vicious campaigns to-date why the election turned out as it did … without really having any better idea than any of the rest of us.
One particularly vexing question is, of course, why Americans would seemingly vote to continue years of gridlock in Washington. Is the typical voter simply inane? Utterly confused? Ill-informed? Or is there something in each political party ~ or more precisely, perhaps, each political ideology ~ that appeals to the broad spectrum of America?
Foolish as it may sound to some, the “typical American” likely desires government that is both pro-business and pro-labor; in favor of maintaining an exceptionally strong military while at the same time proactively working for peace around the world; supportive of industry and environmentally sane; dedicated to defending the sovereignty of the country while at the same time genuinely and cooperatively working within the international community; leaner and more efficient but also large enough…
Can we put a label on it? Maybe conservatively, or sanely, progressive? I don’t know, but is this even possible, or is it just a matter of Americans “wanting their cake and eating it too?” Again, I don’t know, but one name comes to my mind: Theodore Roosevelt, whom the Viscount Lee of Fareham claimed was “the most potent influence for good upon the life of his generation.”
Roosevelt was certainly pro-business. His “trust-busting” ensured greater access to and competition within the American economy. He was pro-labor as well; witness his “Square Deal” and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act for Labor. He was renowned as a great huntsmen, yet he was decidedly conservationist, designating 150 national forests, over 50 federal bird preserves, five national parks as well as initiating over 20 reclamation projects.
Teddy Roosevelt was dogged in establishing the United States as an international power, and in that vein built the American Navy into his “big stick;” yet he actively sought peace, negotiating an end to the Russo-Japanese War, for example. (For this he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.) Along the same lines, Teddy the “Rough Rider” Roosevelt was beyond all dispute a patriotic American who never once thought of comprising the integrity of his country, yet as a world leader he could bring a conflict to the Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
Maybe we cannot “have our cake and eat it, too,” but I think most Americans are actually saying this should not be an “either-or” proposition, but “both-and.” Who knows? When all is said and done, that may not be possible, but I for one believe that this election (like so many before) has not been one of mixed signals, but really a consistent appeal that goes back several generations… In this light, at least, the results of Election 2012 are comprehensible, not to mention something Republicans would do very well to ponder before the next go-round.
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noblethemes 
Actually I think this really shows just how much ground the Democrats are gaining. Remember, the GOP spent about 3 times as much and had the big advantage of political gravity in their favor. We have above average unemployment, a struggling economy and big concerns about the debt. That’s a lot for the incumbent and his party to overcome. And yet, they won pretty big when you look at what happen. Yes, the House stayed with the GOP, though the dems did gain seats there too, but the House districts are closely drawn in many states to favor a party — sadly. The big problem for the GOP is really about their economic message. It’s not about middle class people it’s about the people at the top. It’s not about the average guy or gal it’s about Donald Trump and Mitt Romney. The GOP needs, I hope, to let this go. They need a new more moderate, more middle class, economic agenda. They need to focus on middle class wages, job security, retirement, health care and education. The Dems have adopted this message — which is only going to keep winning. The GOP has got to let go of trickle down theory and an economic message that seems designed by Gordon Gekko.
I agree completely, which is one important reason I’ve had a renewed interest in TR. What we see in the GOP today has, in many ways, the “nature of the beast” since at least the late-19th century. Teddy Roosevelt embraced a different vision for his beloved Republican Party; unfortunately, the majority rejected his “sane progressivism.” The minority who did eventually transitioned to the increasingly popular and, thus, powerful Democrat Party of William Jennings Bryan, Wilson and FDR. I think that following FDRs time in office the only raison d’être for the GOP was the Cold War, as they were able to periodically make the case that the Republican candidate ~ i.e. Gen. Ike Eisenhower, Nixon (during an immensely unpopular war), Reagan (vehemently anti-Communist, patriotic, superbly persuasive orator) ~ would handle foreign affairs more effectively. And almost certainly, Geo. W Bush was re-elected (barely) due to threats of terrorism, but now even that is just not enough… But this is, perhaps, material for another article! LOL