You have a huge sense that the country deserted you and left you alone. On Wednesday Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore will both enter elite clubs. America is a culture that scorns losers, forgetting along the way that democracy demands them. Although the Oval Office seats but one, true political debate requires at least two voices. On Wednesday, only one will be heard.
Biographers turn away.
Supporters drift off. The two men and their views of governance, Vietnam and public service were so wildly different that losing was a clear repudiation. Then Watergate broke. Within a year, polls started showing that the result would be far different if only the election were held again. But vindication goes only so far.