By Thom Little, Ph.D.
This blog was originally posted following the 2016 elections and then again following the 2020 elections. In light of the division, bitterness and anger that has defined the 2024 campaign season, I feel compelled to post it again, with a few revisions to reflect the unique challenges to our sacred democracy and the institutions that sustain it.
Note: This blog was edited on November 4, the day before the election.
More than forty years ago (1983), Americans were mesmerized by the made-for-television movie depicting the aftermath of an all-out nuclear war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact nations. The purpose of the movie, seen by more than 100 million viewers, was to warn of the devastating impact that a nuclear war could have on the US and the world by showing us what life would be like “the day after” the nuclear attacks.
While there are times that this election feels like a war (that will never end), it’s not. It is an election, and it will end on November 5. On November 6, “the day after” the election, elected officials will have a choice: they can continue to battle as if the election had not ended, remaining in their partisan and ideological camps, or they can try to move past the “battle” and get to the reason they were elected in the first place–to govern. I want to strongly make the case that they choose the latter option and go on about the business of governing on the day after.
Now I know this will not be easy. It never has been. It is difficult, if not impossible, to forget the downright nasty things said in the heat of a campaign about candidates, their friends and their families. It is not easy to reach across the aisle today for the hand of the person who just yesterday defeated a long time friend or colleague. It is a challenge to set aside your differences and work with a party that has spent the last year vilifying you and all that you stand for.
But that is what elected officials are called upon to do. They are elected to govern!
How do you do that? Let me offer a few tips:
Respect the Will of the Voters. The voters have spoken. Despite the unfounded conspiracies of rigged elections, stuff ballot boxes and a flood of illegal votes, this election, like the last two will in all likelihood represent the will of the voters. Dwelling on the election, especially if it is a close one, will just make you bitter and angry. As my grandfather would say ”put on your big boy pants” and do your job. If you and your party do your job and address the problems facing your state, improving the lives of your citizens, you will win the next election.
Stand Up for our Democratic Institutions. Respecting the will of the voters and accepting the election results is important, but it is not enough. It is just as critical that you, as an elected official, respect the institutions of democracy- the constitution (state and national), strong and independent branches of government and freedom of the press. It is imperative that you remember your oath of office, to support and defend the Constitution of the United State and your state. You must support and abide..must support and abide by your constitutional obligations as a public official, doing your job with respect for all constituents. You must make sure that each branch of government is strong enough to do its job and protect its constitutional prerogatives. And, finally, democracy cannot survive without an independent media- it is up to you to protect freedom of the press as guaranteed in the US Constitutions (and may state constitutions).
Identify the Key Challenges Facing Your State. The first step to addressing a problem is to identify it and own it. Once elected, it is up to you and your colleagues to take a cold, hard and honest look at challenges facing your state. Is it the partisan and ideological divisions among your voters and your colleagues? Are revenues too low? Are expenditures too high? Is your infrastructure crumbling? Are your students falling behind students in other states or across the globe? Are jobs fleeing your state and, if so, why? Identify the problems that are vexing your state and keeping your constituents up at night.
Develop a Strategy (or Strategies) for Addressing the Challenges You Find. It is not enough to identify the problems facing your state–you are expected to fix them. Like it or not, voters elected you to solve problems. How do you do that? Gather as much information as possible about the problems–their scope, their causes, etc. Then, look to other states, experts, national organizations and legislative staff for solutions. Once you have proposals in hand, work within your party and chamber to pull together a coalition to turn those proposals and bills into laws that can be implemented.
Share the Work, Share the Credit. No matter how good or smart or hardworking you are, you cannot do it all yourself. Nor can your leadership team or even your caucus. Take advantage of all the skills and knowledge of your legislators to develop effective policies. State legislators come from all walks of life–teachers, preachers, lawyers, retirees, students, business leaders, retailers, bankers, etc. Take advantage of those varied experiences to make better laws. For example, I suspect the educators in your chamber can offer valuable insight in addressing education challenges–put them in a position to do that. And don’t take the credit when they make it better!
Look for Opportunities to Work Together. While members of the news media and a growing proportion of the electorate think that every issue pits Democrats against Republicans and liberals against conservatives, you and I know better. Most legislation in your states is passed with bipartisan majorities–make the most of those and look for other issues that will generate that same consensus. While there may be disagreements on details, most legislators of either party support quality education, ethical and efficient government, public safety and a strong economy. If you don’t look for consensus, you will never find it.
Create Space for Cooperation and Interaction. There was a time in Washington, DC and in state capitals across the country that Democrats and Republicans did things together. They went out to eat together. They shared apartments together. They even went out drinking together! Today, it seems that legislators in Washington and state capitals, retreat to their caucuses like boxers retreating to their respective corners. Republicans seldom converse with Democrats and Democrats seldom sit down with Republicans. Legislative leaders need to and can change this. Invite the leaders from the other party to dinner. Host social gatherings where everyone is invited. Create opportunities for legislators of both parties to find out that they might not be as different as they think.
In the final scene of “The Day After,” Jason Robards’ character walks across a desolate and barren land, laid waste by nuclear war to find comfort and compassion from a total stranger that has taken shelter in what is left of his former home. As you look out at the political landscape on November 6, the day after the election, don’t focus on the scorched political landscape, but rather look to the future and to the person or persons (stranger though they may be) who can help you govern effectively and begin to restore faith in the democratic institutions that have been so damaged by this election. You have to fix this. Our sacred democracy depends on you. Our country depends on you. Our future depends on you!
