Dear Leading Ladies,
Like most people, we are still struggling to digest and fully comprehend the results of yesterday’s midterm elections. Some decisions remain to be settled; some are clear. Some may be contested; others are already finalized.
The elections brought some surprises and more satisfaction than many of us expected. The president, though he blames the many losses of his endorsed candidates on himself not being on the ballot, has vowed to accept the results. Other Republicans pointed the finger at the president being de facto on the ballot and the elections being a referendum on his unpopular policies.
Analyses will be forthcoming for days, even months and years. What is indisputable is that a majority of Tuesday’s voters wanted an end to the status quo and a return to better order for their lives and the country.
There now will be more people taking or retaining office who will further the causes we believe in: equal access to quality medical care, housing, food and education; increased gun control measures; humane immigration practices; the fight against discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual identity; equality for women, including over their reproductive rights; and the sustainability of our planet. There will be more women and people of color in positions of leadership, too.
Indeed, we are witnessing the system work. Those with the most valid votes seem to have won, even when they didn’t have the most money. No outside money or influencers sullied a system that was designed to withstand dishonest intrusion. The system meant to withstand upheaval seems to have prevailed.
We are almost pinching ourselves, afraid to believe the good news. Will Tuesday’s elections really be uncontested? Will the new voices in the senate and house be able to bring justice for all? Will the balance of power among our executive, judicial, and legislative branches really predominate?
Many of you worked hard for this burst of good fortune for ourselves, our families, our friends, our country, and the world. Why can’t we all fully enjoy the good news? Perhaps because we feel like we came far too close to losing all we hold dear to a ruthless head of state who undoubtedly still has some tricks up his sleeve.
So let us rejoice…but without taking our eyes off the master of the sleight of hand.
Therese (she/her/hers)
Judy (she/her/hers)
Didi (she/her/hers)
Sarah (she/her/hers)
Leading Ladies Executive Team
Leadingladiesvote.org
ladies@leadingladiesvote.org