The great philosophers gave us much to consider. Their ideas have been recognized and contemplated. Their thoughts and advice have been respected and heeded, their words examined and weighed.
It is quite ironic, however, that one of the great axioms of all time did not come from Aristotle or Plato or even a great rabbi or religious leader. It came from a baseball icon and his observation on the 1973 National League pennant race.
Manager Yogi Berra’s New York Mets were far out of first place when he uttered the now famous phrase “It ain’t over till it’s over.” The remark proved prescient. Berra’s team persevered and went on to the World Series.
The result of the presidential election is an example of this phenomenon. Popular wisdom posited that there was no way Donald Trump could possibly win. Hillary Clinton and the Democrats were headed to the White House. The certainty was great.
Pundits were confident in their assumptions. They offered charts and tabulations proving their expectations. They quoted polls. They cited profiles and statistics. On election night, even when actual voting numbers came, many broadcasters continued spinning an unlikely path to a Democratic victory. They could not believe they had been mistaken.
Yes, it truly ain’t over till it’s over. The mainstream media had it wrong. Their preset agenda and insulation kept them from seeing the real fear, anxiety, frustration, and alienation felt by a good portion of the electorate. Issues such as the economy, jobs, border control, terrorism, and a disastrous national insurance plan became impetus for wanting a change.
Hopefully, Americans will learn from what has been a grueling and difficult period and use this fresh start to unite and work together as a winning team.
