Originally Posted by Scipio

I'm under no illusions that John Kerry will likely make mistakes, or do things that I don't agree with. As you note, that comes with the territory, and Bush isn't the exceptional fuckup that a lot of shrill partisans think he is.

I'm pretty moderate, and I realize those things.

Here's what I'm willing to promise: I'll support Bush when he does things that I agree with, and that are in the best interest of the country. I'll try to be understanding when he does things that will work, but that aren't the things I would have done. Finally, I'll defend him when he's unfairly criticized, even if it's by friends or members of my party.

I hope that I've lived up to those three principles these four years, but it's never an easy or natural thing to do for someone who's a solid democrat, as I am.

However, I'm committed to the democratic process. It's competitive by design. It's important for the president to be questioned and doubted at every turn, as that's how we maintain the public trust. If you disagree with that, then perhaps democracy is not for you. I will never refuse the right to dissent, and to question, but I will always respect what the will of the majority.