Oh Yah, That Bigger Picture

One of the things that I appreciate about the day after U.S. elections is the attention and refocusing on a bigger picture. The election is done. No need to compete anymore. No need to strategically mudsling anymore. It’s relieving and refreshing.

I’ve always been particularly attentive to “last” speeches. When it’s time to tuck it all in and you want to say 1,000 things but have the time and opportunity for just four or five.

What I like from Hillary Clinton’s concession speak yesterday was a lot of these important, bigger picture issues.

• supporting a US that is “hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted”
• for President Elect Donald Trump, invoking all of her followers to “have an open mind and owing him a chance to lead”
• reinforcing a basic platform, “creating an economy that works for all, not just the 1%; protecting this country and this planet; removing barriers so that all, not some, can succeed”
• reminding the young people in particular, “you will have successes and setbacks, but never doubt that fighting for what is right is worth it”

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Shortly after these remarks, President Barack Obama spoke from The White House, in support of a smooth and peaceful transition. I love his honesty of naming:

• “It is no secret that he and President Elect Donald Trump have significant differences.” It’s not spoken to recruit followers. It’s offered to be honest and to support the process of governing transition.
• “We have to remember that we’re actually all on one team…We’re not Democrats first, we’re not Republicans first, we are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country.”

Both of these pieces are worth watching, if nothing else. I personally have little left in me for more pundits and calculated spin. It’s time to return to the bigger picture and our support to help move along, no doubt changed, by the process, and perhaps, even a bit more clear and kind and gracious.