The Republicans, in short, would have continued to demonstrate that they are willing to bring the American system of government to its knees unless they are in power. They are more than willing to close their fingers around the windpipe of the American system until they get what they want. They are more than happy to play the game of chicken all the way to the graveyard.

And the Democrats? Could they be more lovey-dovey and gracious about the outcome? Could they bend much farther over backward to recognize their opponent as rightful victor, regardless of how many low blows he delivered, and to welcome his fanatical plutocratic administration as people they hope to work with? It’s all well and good for the Democratic Party to stand up for the American system of peaceful transfer of power, but let’s face it: They are playing by a pathetically different set of rules.

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The Democrats are still carrying a playbook with the title “It’s Enough to Do Your Best.” The GOP playbook has emblazoned as its title, now in gold-leaf, that “Winning Is the Only Thing.” Republicans are playing hardball, with a side order of automatic weapons. The Democrats have assembled a chorus to sing camp songs about playing nice. If the GOP read you its opening sentence, “Show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser,” how would you argue the point right now?

And as for governing? The GOP will govern the same way it has played opposition. Unsparingly. It will grab as much as it can as fast as it can, and that will be a lot. Far from being chastened by loss of the popular vote, it will trumpet increasingly bold claims of a mandate. And that will soon be the biggest mandate of all time. All opposition will be expected to stand aside or be steamrollered beneath.