MAIL CALL: A VICTORY FOR GEORGE W. BUSH

The Republicans swept to victory in the Senate as well as in the White House and the House of Representatives, but what few seem to have noticed is that in the Senate races nationwide, it was the Democrats who won the popular vote, and by a considerable margin (about 4.2 percent, compared with Bush's 3 percent margin over Kerry). The Republicans were able to parlay this apparent defeat into victory in 19 of 34 races and a net gain of four seats in the Senate by exploiting a loophole the Framers of our Constitution never imagined: an enormous population imbalance among the states. The population of our largest state, California, exceeds that of the 21 smallest states combined; California has two senators, while those 21 small states have 42. The Senate is only the most obvious of the several ways in which the electoral deck is stacked to the benefit of the party in favor in small rural states.
Julian L. Hook
Bloomington, Ind.

John Kerry's concession speech brilliantly revealed his vision, philosophy and compassion in a moving, eloquent and respectful manner. He demonstrated strength, understanding, sensitivity and caring, along with a sincere desire for unity across our country and across political boundaries, in spite of party differences. Even some of my staunch Bush-supporting friends were moved by the concession speech to the point that they would have reconsidered their votes had the campaign persisted. Unfortunately, one can now only speculate how the election would have turned out had Kerry broken with traditional political rhetoric by presenting his campaign message on the same lofty and respectful level from the outset.
David M. Pepper
Malibu, Calif.

Now that the 2004 election is history, I find myself troubled by the responses on both sides. On one, people express feelings of helplessness, embarrassment and despair. They dress in black and say they feel terrified, shocked and ready to move to Canada. They demonize religious conservatives and belittle people they perceive as unintelligent. On the other, the election of George W. Bush is viewed as God's giving America one more chance to get it right. Some say God had mercy by sparing us from John Kerry. Some give the impression that God loves Republicans and hates Democrats. I know this was an important election, but we must be careful about overreaching in our responses to it. Both sides realize that there are serious issues facing our nation. And although there are significant ideological differences between the parties, we should be able to find common ground on some issues. But the process that leads us should be based on thoughtful dialogue rather than irrational bias. As we approach the national holiday of Thanksgiving, both sides of the political divide would be wise to reflect on our common reasons for giving thanks. We continue to enjoy more freedom, security and prosperity than most people on the planet. We need a holiday like Thanksgiving to remind us of our many shared blessings.
Steve Cornell, Senior Pastor
Millersville Bible Church
Millersville, Pa.

This was my first time voting in a presidential election. You probably think I am 18. Wrong. I am 43. I have worked at the same job for 20 years. Now with President Bush re-elected, I fear for my job and how I will feed my family. I work in a factory that makes laundry products, and I fear my company will move my job to Mexico. I, along with many others, have a big pit in my stomach as we worry that our factory will pull out before our next contract, in July. I pray that someone does something about the trade policies of our country. I invite Bush to come visit our factory and hear my concerns. I am sure the president probably couldn't care less now that he has been re-elected, but I am at a loss about what to do, as I need my job.
Becky Rockow
Webster City, Iowa

I was horrified to read your depiction of Teresa Heinz Kerry as a petulant, limelight-seeking woman who distracted her husband and contributed to the ruin of his campaign. I went to hear her speak in Seattle in October, both because I supported John Kerry and because I have always been impressed by her interviews. There I witnessed an intelligent, interesting, genuine woman with great charisma and a strong connection to the crowd. She wasn't a doormat or a politician's trophy wife, but someone who could talk about issues that mattered. She was also one of the most soft-spoken, articulate people I have ever heard. Sadly, most people haven't seen her in person and will most likely believe the drivel you published. On the whole I enjoy reading NEWSWEEK, but I am outraged that you had the nerve to write what you did.
Susan Warren
Kirkland, Wash.

Thank you, NEWSWEEK, for your set of post-election articles. As a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, I want to share some advice for the Democratic Party: Hillary Clinton in 2008? Forget it! It is eminently clear that this country, excepting the Blue cities on your voting map, is solidly right of center and will bristle at a Clinton candidacy. The message is clear that the Democrats are out of step with the country's views on gay marriage and religion. A presidential nomination for Senator Clinton would polarize matters further and all but guarantee another four years of Republican control of the White House. I accept Bush's victory and hope that he can unite us. Issues such as Iraq will slowly fade to insignificance; school prayer, abortion and gay marriage weigh more heavily on a predominantly conservative electorate's mind.
Michael E. Miller
Fairfield, Ohio