More election reaction

Los Angeles Times

George W. Bush seems poised as of this writing to win reelection, though once again the threat of litigation may hold up a final resolution. Disturbing as the prospect is, this election will be memorable for more than just who won.

Americans on Tuesday reaffirmed their faith in democracy by swarming to the polls with a rare sense of passion and determination that will long be remembered. ...

Bush's close call is proof of his failings as president, which explain how a likable wartime leader couldn't have assured himself a comfortable victory. ...

... Then there is the overarching reality of the nation's persistent red-blue split and the fact that half the country will be deeply offended by the outcome of this election, no matter what it is.

Our counsel to the president or president-elect is to dust off the gracious Bush acceptance delivered in December 2000. Bush then said he agreed with Gore that they should do their "best to heal our country after this hard-fought contest." He promised to change the excessively partisan tone in Washington. ...

That speech deserves to be delivered again, because it was never acted on.