Now it’s time for the real, desperately needed work to begin

It is clear that this year’s election was the culmination of one of the most momentous efforts, by government officials, parties and voters, in history.

Facing an unprecedented challenge, officials in New Hampshire and nationwide studied how to have safe elections, administer them efficiently while accommodating unprecedented numbers of early and mailed votes, and voters responded with a record turnout.

Rather than a cause for criticism, it was an encouraging exercise in democracy and cause for celebration. Here are a few reasons why:

In New Hampshire, local officials demonstrated dedication, innovation and care. In thanking them, Secretary of State William Gardner and Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said, in a Nov. 10 memo, “Government in New Hampshire works because of you … your diligence gives life to our Constitution’s commitment that ‘all elections are to be free, and every inhabitant of the state of 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election’ … A hearty ‘Job Well Done!’” The turnout here was estimated to be close to 75% of eligible voters, an incredible number. Like New Hampshire, the turnout nationally was at record levels, and votes both for Democratic and Republican candidates were high.

Unlike predictions of a “wave election” by many observers, including me, the election showed that both parties motivated their voters. President-elect Biden received more votes than any candidate in history, but President Trump’s vote is the second-largest. While voters supporting each candidate may not be able to fathom how anyone could vote for the other, it is obvious that each side needs to try to understand the other, for the good of the country.

In New Hampshire, clearly voters in large numbers split their votes between candidates of both parties. Democrats Biden, Shaheen, Pappas and Kuster had relatively easy victories for federal office. Republicans, led by Sununu, took four of five Executive Council seats, a majority of the Senate and House.

The New Hampshire results reflected support for the job Gov. Chris Sununu has done, especially during the pandemic, and his coattails extended to all other races. Whether this is because of work done or not done by the two state parties is hard to determine.

To some degree, the GOP had weaker challengers for federal office, and the Democratic candidate for governor could not overcome Sununu’s approval rating. However, the coming two years clearly will be a test of one-party government and what the GOP can do.

The three biggest winners appear to many to be Sununu, Attorney General Gordon MacDonald — who, if Sununu renominates him, appears to be a sure thing for the Supreme Court — and Secretary of State William Gardner, who, should he seek another term, comes out of a very successful election process with high marks and appears to face an easy election bid with GOP majorities in the Legislature.

Which brings us to analysis of the antics of Donald Trump.

When compared to Biden’s sober, steady, patient waiting for votes to be counted, Trump immediately declared he had won, claimed there was fraud and illegality and sent attorneys to court in many places, only to be rebuffed consistently.

While no one could find any evidence of illegality, fraud or misconduct, Trump continued to sow dissention and call American democracy into question, embarrassing the United States in the world community. Many Republican officeholders expressed support for this nonsense and irresponsibility, but a careful reading of some of their statements showed that they were merely giving lip service to an effort bound to fail.

Regrettably, this was the conclusion of a presidential performance that was consistent for four years.

On the brighter side, in perhaps the best speech of his life, the president-elect called for unity, healing, progress and pride. He quoted the Bible and a hymn known to many — and it was good to hear such words from a man who undoubtedly had read the passage often and could sing the hymn from memory.

In Biden, who went to mass on election morning and visited his son’s grave, the contrast to White House antics was striking. Also, many who remember 1960s elections commented on the lack of controversy involved in electing the country’s second Catholic president, compared to that surrounding John F. Kennedy.

In sum, the election was successful, if different. May the resulting governments succeed. We are all depending on it.

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.