The Day After Election Day

What will happen the day after election day? Could there be wild riots or destructive demonstrations either in support of - or against the election day results?

As the nation gets closer to election day, the political rhetoric is becoming much more acerbic and in many cases threatening to our vocal, but heretofore relatively peaceful political processes. Supporters of John McCain are expressing intense fear at the thought of Barack Obama becoming president. Some Obama supporters, like Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.) are comparing McCain to Gov. George Wallace, the former segregationist governor of Alabama.

Lewis is comparing McCain to Governor Wallace when he quoted as saying, "He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who only desired to exercise their constitutional rights. As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. . . . The American people deserve better." (full text of John Lewis quote)

Clearly, this election day will be an emotional issue for many voters. Could the political divide between the two parties that has resulted in animosity in congress spill over into our streets? The angst and fear that is prevalent in most American families, concerning their individual financial status as a result of our nation's economic woes, clearly adds to the political divisions that separate red and blue states. Even a cursory glance at the popular voting patterns in the United States portrays a political divide between urban and rural voters.

Currently the polls indicate that Obama has a solid lead and it will take an extraordinary effort for McCain to win. But what if McCain does win on election day? Since the majority of support for Obama emanates from populous urban areas, could there be demonstrations the day after election day? Will they be peaceful?

Let's assume for a moment that the polls are accurate and Obama wins. What will be the reaction in the major urban areas of the United States the day after election day? Will there be demonstrations of support? Will they be peaceful? One can easily conjure up images of destructive demonstrations after hotly contested sporting events occur. Could a hotly contested presidential election be any different?

One has to believe that large urban area public safety offices are probably preparing for either celebrations or demonstrations that might occur the day after election day. Smaller communities with strong political divides might also be wise to consider the possibilities of social unrest.

The day after election day could be just another post election day, however the dynamics of this years election might be different. We won't know until the day after election day arrives.