This election season has been tiring to say the least. With a race that feels more like schoolyard bullying rather than a noble, respectable battle between two candidates, many people just want it to be over with and fast forward to November 9th. This election has brought out the worst in people. It's shown us how far backwards our thinking still is, how racist and sexist and xenophobic some of us are, and how divisive rhetoric can turn us against each other. However, this election has definitely brought some good. While I can't wait until it's all over, here are some of things I'll miss on November 9th, when the best man (but let's be real-woman) wins!
1. The Obamas
Agreed with President Obamas policies or not, you have to admit that Barack and Michelle Obama were the coolest First Couple ever. Period. She is the epitome of First Lady excellence, advocating for women's rights and urging our youth to get healthy and active. I mean, have you seen her arms? Legendary. I'm proud to call Barack Obama my president and will truly miss him and Michelle and all they've done for this country.
2. SNL Debate Sketches
Kate McKinnon as Hillary Clinton and Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump is just iconic. While I don't think I could handle sitting through another real presidential debate without screaming at my TV and stress eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's, I'll miss crying of laughter at the SNL debate sketches.
3. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
The show is not cancelled or ending after the election, don't be alarmed. But Samantha Bee has had her finger on the pulse during this tumultuous election, leaving me astounded by her sharp satirical coverage and commentary. I'll truly miss her election related content. Here is one of my favorite segments from this season!
4. The Sense of Female Camaraderie
Most women understand that Donald Trump has no respect for women. At all. And I will not list all the examples proving this point because it would probably take me three days. But with this said, when he called Hillary a "nasty woman" during the final presidential debate, women reacted in a unified way. It felt like a dig at all of us. Nasty Woman merchandise is now being sold, with many of the profits going to Planned Parenthood. That last debate also focused on women's reproductive rights. When Trump showed that he barely knew anything about how abortion works, women shared their personal stories, coming together to defend their bodies, their choices, and share their experiences so that other women felt less alone. Hopefully this feeling of unity and feminism lasts, and I think it will. See, good can come from evil!!
5. Voting!
This is the first presidential election I am able to vote in, and I am beyond excited! I respect the candidate I am voting for, and it feels so powerful to participate in American democracy. It's powerful to see women, who did not have the right to vote until 1920, voting, let alone possibly voting for our first female presidential nominee.