Progress in Politics

"However, the campaign is over. That chapter is closed. Now is the time to move on and make sure all of us are doing all that we can to progress this nation." -Sarah Palin, in a recent interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer

This quote from Sarah Palin, along with the election of Barack Obama and other recent quotes are signs that progress is coming to politics. 

This article, published today on CNN.com speaks of Governor Palin's interview with Wolf Blitzer. During the McCain/Palin campaign, the Governor of Alaska was a tough critic of Obama. She was always very skeptical of his relationship with William Ayers, who she refers to as an "unrepentant domestic terrorist.", However, Palin has now declared that: "It would be my honor to assist and support our new president and the new administration." The Governor claims she is also speaking for her fellow republican governors, saying that, "They would be willing also to seize this opportunity that we have to progress this nation together, in a united front." 

It seems that even Gov. Sarah Palin is ready for national progress. Despite her and John McCain's tragic loss in the battle for the presidency, she has a strong desire for our nation to grow and accomplish great things. I believe that Palin is showing the public more of her true self now that the campaign is over. She was playing hard ball in the final weeks leading up to the election, but now that everything is all said and done she is beginning to speak out about her actual thoughts on our nation. Or maybe she is just trying to gain back some respect, who knows? 

Either way it is a sign of the start of political progress as a result of Obama's election. 

"I regret saying some things I shouldn't have said, Like 'dead or alive' and 'bring 'em on.' My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say." -President George W. Bush in a recent CNN interview

Here we have even President Bush showing signs of progress at the end of his campaign. The President, like Governor Palin, is reflecting back on what they have done for politics. Now that W's final term is coming to an end, he is starting to point out some of the things he regrets from his 8 years in office. In the article, the President talks about moments like his speech in front of a 'Mission Accomplished' banner on May 1, 2003. From what he is saying in the interview it seems as though he knew all along that was not a good idea, but at least he has progressed to a point where he can admit it. 

President Bush and Governor Palin are both examples of the progress that is occurring in American politics. Since the election, the world of politics has become a more reconciled one. Now we have major political figures sharing their personal feelings on what they have accomplished and what they regret about their political efforts. This kind of climate on Capitol Hill is great for welcoming the new President-Elect, who is a major proponent of progress himself. Hopefully, the progression of American politics will continue on January 20th when Obama takes office. I'm pretty sure it will.