CL4

**Dave K:** The outcome of the 2008 election was pretty clear before Election Day, so our loss was not a surprise. Though, it was a particular disappointment, as McCain was a moderate Republican of the sort that I most support. I am most concerned about Obama's socialist leanings, his 'warfare' on the wealthy and the American business community, and the likelihood that he will appoint judges whose judgments are based on empathy rather than the rule of law. I am optimistic about tackling environmental issues and healing international wounds, especially with Russia and the EU. Actually, losing the election is something I blame primarly on my fellow Republicans and their lack of fiscal restraint while in control of Congress and on George Bush's cowboy attitudes and seeming lack of intelligence. We had it coming. 
 * Peter W:**  The election of 2004 was heartbreaking. During that time, I was dumbfounded as to how so many people could support Bush a second time, how they couldn’t see his long list of shortcomings. But it wasn’t just him; it was the platform he pursued. I think George W. Bush was one worst presidents ever. His fumbled and misguided response to 9/11 is still being dealt with, his mismanagement of government agencies led to impotent regulatory actions, and his misuse of signing statements, illegal wiretapping, use of Guantanamo, among others, harmed the constitution. With 2 Supreme Court Justices nominated in his second term, he shifted the ideology of the courts for quite some time. Conservatives will see this as his best legacy (which they rightly should) but really the only nice thing I can say about him was his increase of HIV support to Sub-Saharan Africa. Oh, and he was also a better politician than John Kerry, which was why he got his second term.