Election nights are always interesting, although not often in the way that I hope. I remember Brexit particularly well, wondering what in the hell England was thinking and knowing it was a colossal mistake, but I had no voice in that vote. At least in the US I can offer my single vote and know that I've done everything possible; since 2002 I've voted religiously.

I lean Democrat according to NY and NJ where I've lived most of my life, but living in NC for two years was very illuminating as to how the redder parts of the country think, and my aunt and a couple of close friends are Republicans, so I'm often less flabbergasted by the general results than some of my family is. Yes, people vote against their self-interest. Yes, people are single-issue voters. The biggest conservative pull seems to be religion, and I've rarely seen any members of the congregation willing to buck what their pastor or minister has told them is the "correct" way to vote.

There was also a natural conservative bent in investment banks, not surprisingly, as those who live and die by money will do almost anything to keep it out of the hands of the (in their minds) unwashed masses. The amount of disdain held for people with disabilities or anything perceived as interfering with someone's functioning in life was unbelievable to me at first. Over time I just came to accept it and vowed never to be so callous to people's suffering.

I like to think that I can have cordial conversations with people of almost any political persuasion since I don't expect them to change their fundamental beliefs, and as long as I consider it just an exchange of ideas, debate works for me. Where I draw the line is when others are insulted that I don't want to change my beliefs to match theirs, at that point I will just withdraw from the conversation. I've spent most of my familial life being told I was doing things wrong if I deviated at all from the exact path they set and I have no desire to be in the same position in regards to my political opinions.

At least Thanksgiving is canceled this year because of COVID, so I won't have to avoid awkward dinner conversations from the Fox News contingent regardless of how the election turns out. If Trump is in for another four years it'll be a disaster, but you reap what you sow. Elect a clown, expect a circus - in this case expect the reality show Presidency to continue. If Biden wins it will still be a rough four years to repair the damage done with our allies. 

No matter who wins COVID will be around to stay, but for now I'll settle for no violence on the streets and hope that Dems and GOP learn to deal cordially with one another, even if they won't agree on the issues. As a country, we have the ability to be better than this divided nation. We just have to get there in a practical sense.