Though I will be blogging about more “soft” topics, I think it is important that I say something about the election.

First, I think yesterday was fantastic for Democracy and for America. If only everyone could be so fortunate to have what many of us take for granted.

Second, we are very much in a glass box, for better or worse. Kenya, Egypt, Spain, and many other countries had reporters on hand talking about the foreign impact of our elections. I wonder how many Americans look outward the way others look toward us.

Third, we need to become more inclusive. Many of you had your Facebook feeds bombarded by people who perceived this election as a “victory” or a “defeat.” We need to move on quickly, put this election behind us, and get to work. I’ll leave you with my current Facebook status update. “As everyone complains/celebrates the election results remember that YOU could be the issue. We all say that we want a bipartisan government that is effective and efficient, but rather than play the hand we are dealt we are already retreating to our party lines declaring “victory” or “defeat.” What have YOU done to bring the country together? One America, one president. Here’s to EVERYONE being better off in 4 years time…”

Let’s look ahead, not behind. Regardless of your ballot or affiliation it is up to all of us, especially those of us in administration and public service, to listen to both sides of every argument and act bipartisan, regardless of who “controls” the presidency, senate, or house. Prof. Rosemary O’Leary teaches us to be interest-based, rather than positional. Positions are steadfast and stubborn, where interests and more collective and fluid. How many of us are interest-based on a daily basis? Who can switch the channel between Fox News and CNN and find the value to both arguments without being positional? Who among us can form a valid argument not against a position, but for an interest, especially when people are deeply passionate or positional?

Whether you “won” or “lost” yesterday, think about where you want the country to be in 4 years time. With such daunting problems facing our country we simply cannot afford to be positional, partisan, and stubborn. Surely, we can all agree on some solutions.