Exhale

There's no way I'm the only person who is going to write about this- after all, I've never had an original thought in my life, right?

Did anyone else notice the outrageous differences between the McCain and Obama gatherings last night? I'm not talking about the relative levels of enthusiasm between the two, either. I hope by the time I publish this the explanation for that particular difference will be apparent. No, what I'm talking about are the settings for each campaign's ground zero going into the final night of the election.

The scene at Camp McCain: a private, invitation-only party at the Biltmore Hotel outside Phoenix.

Contrast that with Obamapalooza (let this be the only time I ever use the suffix -palooza on this blog, dear god): 70,000 people with internet-issued tickets at Chicago's Grant Park, with thousands more (at least) showing up at the behest of Mayor Richard Daley because, hey, the more the merrier.

And that was before the electoral picture started coming together last night. Sure, you could say the respective sites were acting according to their prospects going in as indicated by the polls, but either way, doesn't this just say it all?

That fun little shindig in Arizona had doors that would only open for the lucky few.

Grant Park has no roof or walls or doors to speak of. All are welcome.

Now let's get down to business.

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UPDATE: I have acquired a transcript of the congratulatory phone call from President Bush to President-elect Obama.

Obama: (taking phone from precocious youngest daughter Sasha, who had been asking the president if the White House has a hot tub) Hello?

W: Senator Obama! This is the president!

Obama: Good evening Mr. President. How are you?

W: I'm good, Barack, I'm good. I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory tonight and wish you luck in the coming years...

Obama: Well thank you very much sir, I...

W: (interrupts the president-elect) 'Cause you're gonna need it, let me tell ya'. Around these parts lately it just seems to me like you're damned if you do and... ahh... you're ahh... won't get damned again, heh, heh.

Obama: Well Mr. President, I look forward to getting to work in Washington and doing whatever I can to serve my country.

W: Good, Barack, that's good. Well hey, I think I hear Dick calling me; it must be time for his foot rub. Look, y'all have a good inauguration and enjoy the honeymoon while it lasts.

Obama: We will, sir. Goodnight now.

W: Oh, and Barack? Bring some toilet paper when you come because I'm gonna be strippin' this fuckin' place bare 'fore I head back home!

Obama: Will do, sir.