Post-Election Spin

Based on the latest talking heads, the word "mandate" has at least 2 meanings:

1. If you are the winner, "mandate" means you won the election;
2. If you are the loser, "mandate" means whatever you say it means.

So, its confusing.  In 2000, Pres. George W. Bush claimed a mandate even though he lost the popular vote.  That mandate led to 2 overseas wars put on the US Visa card, tax cuts for the rich, a real estate bubble and an economic collapse.

As Fr. Bosch used to say at LeMoyne, "Vox Populi, Vox Dei"  (the voice of the people is the voice of God).  In the last election, the people spoke, but mostly to argue.  In the end, they voted for Obama. 

I am also confused by recent pronouncements from Cong. Ryan saying the House Republicans have a mandate.  The House Republican majority was cut by 8 seats, so it wasn't what one would call a ringing endorsement.  I would submit that everyone hates Congress but loves their Congressman (or -woman).  I doubt that anyone voted for a Democratic Congressperson in order to put Pelosi back as Speaker or voted for a Republican to endorse the Ryan budget.  I just don't think people vote that way.  They vote for the person that came to their door, spoke at their kid's school, wrote them a letter on some issue of importance to them.  Maybe they helped keep the local air or army base open, or the local Post Office. 

If the President's mandate is thin, the House Republican mandate is non-existent.