Why that is the case is of course a matter of debate, as all things political in nature are. It may be the fact that we have elected our first African American President. And to a point, I'm sure that has something to do with it. But I think a more important contributor to the new found sense of empowerment many of us feel is the overt dichotomy between what many viewed as a secretive, manipulative and dishonest Bush Administration contrasted against the new Obama Administration. An Administration, that even before it has been fully assembled let alone begun, feels transparent, sincere, intelligent, capable and forthright.

When push comes to shove, in the escalating circumstances of political discourse, isn't the real measure of a qualified and substantive leader more the character and discipline of the man and less his political agenda? And yet the conservative right, namely Sean Hannity, Michael Medved, and Bill Bennett, as heard by these ears, has trumpeted since the campaign concluded that America is still a center-right nation. Focusing not on the ability of the newly elected President but holding onto to the notion that their agenda trumps all else and is still in the hearts of most of the country.

A center-right nation. I can't seem to escape that phrase. In the days leading up to the election, as it was becoming more and more evident that Obama would win, the mantra that we are still a center-right nation was beginning to beat forth from the conservative right. And since the election that mantra has only grown louder and louder. But in reality, are we a center-right nation or are talking heads such as Hannity, Medved and Bennett simply bearing the torch of an otherwise struggling and stagnant right wing agenda that has resisted progressive advancements in a left shifting world?

First, in terms of trends, the nation has been steadily moving towards the left for more then a quarter century (1980).

Secondly, and perhaps even more glaring, the present day analysis of the graphical depiction of the voting shift that took place between 2004 and the November 4th election clearly displays that an overwhelming majority of the country moved away from the right.

(from kottke)

All that plus the current makeup of the Senate and the House along with the incoming President makes it pretty obvious that we are certainly not a center-right nation at the present time. The murder has shifted and the lonely crows on the left are no longer so lonesome.