upon further political reflection

While writing a friend who, over the years changed from very convicted Republican to equally convicted Democrat, I found myself reflecting further on the results of the recent Presidential marathon. As someone who planned for seven years to vote for Hillary Clinton, it has been difficult to muster enthusiasm for the administration about to enter the White House. I applaud President-elect Obama's choices, especially all those people from the Clinton administration. And, yes, I think his choice for Secretary of State is a good one (keep your friends close and your enemies closer).

But I'm still recognizing some missed opportunities for this country and have several big disappointments in Hillary not being President:
- Would Bill be called, "The First Gentleman," "The First Lad," "The First Man?"
- When introduced, would they be introduced as President & President Clinton?
- And the biggest. I so wanted to see Bill lead the televised tour of the White House Christmas Decorations!!! That alone should have gotten Hillary the nomination and the Presidency. The American people have missed a unique opportunity! Christmas, 2009 is not going to be as exciting as it might have been.

Sure, President-elect Obama will have a well-organized administration and his children will be adorable. His wife is no Jackie O, but I'm sure she's going to do some good things. It will be good for some people in this country to have the first half-African American President. We've had 43 Presidents, all of whom were Caucasian males and now our 44th will be a half-Caucasian male. But I was looking forward to the first female President and nothing President-elect Obama has done has soothed my disappointment.