Jill was right in her comment on the last thread.

Kerry called Bush to concede.

Good move. I'd heard that Edwards was counseling against conceding, hoping to drag this out, but it doesn't look nearly as close as the 2000 election. I hope Kerry has the class to concede as gracefully as Gore did...I was pretty impressed with Gore in 2000 (though less impressed this campaign season), even though most of his base didn't really listen to him.

He said:

Some have expressed concern that the unusual nature of this election might hamper the next president in the conduct of his office. I do not believe it need be so.

President-elect Bush inherits a nation whose citizens will be ready to assist him in the conduct of his large responsibilities.

I personally will be at his disposal, and I call on all Americans -- I particularly urge all who stood with us to unite behind our next president. This is America. Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest is done.

Which of course explains all those "Bush was SELECTED, not ELECTED" bumper stickers I've seen.

I would like to see a similar call for unity from Kerry, and I expect it. But unfortunately, as in 2000, I don't expect many on the other side to heed it. We're as polarized as we ever were.

But at least we had a reasonably decisive election this year.