By J.B. Ruble Election day is about here. Thank goodness.Anxiety and nervous energy filled the tents of numerous tailgates this Saturday in Norman. This had little to do with Nebraska coming to town for the evening kickoff. As close as we are to Nov. 4, politics was not off limits.Some interesting conversations ensued. Many shakes of the head and sighs were observed. Some people just threw their hands up as if to say, “Who knows?”Will the Bradley effect come into play?Are the preliminary polls at all accurate?One gentleman even pulled an Alec Baldwin and referenced how beautiful and civilized Costa Rica is, clearly insinuating his distaste for a candidate would be enough to make him leave the country. (It was not verified whether this gentleman genuinely meant the comment, or simply had too many pregame libations.)As polarizing as this election has been, his claim could be altruistic. He looked serious enough. With all of the vitriol in the current political arena, not to mention the current state of our economy, who would even want this job?Am I the only one who has been thinking this repeatedly?Certainly, George W. Bush must be thrilled. His distance from this election is as much from the bequest of the McCain camp as his own personal desire to leave the spotlight.Look at what the past eight years has done:
Remember when he looked like this?
The Oval Office comes with gray hair and crows feet.All cheekiness aside, here’s to hoping that whoever comes out of this process the winner will be a uniter in Washington. Things have been divisive enough this campaign to last a whole presidential term.The call for unification applies to everyone here. Especially our fellow citizen contemplating desertion if his candidate doesn’t make it. These trying times require a united front. Once it’s over on Tuesday evening, it’s time to rally behind the victor and support him in carrying the heavy load that accompanies one of the most important jobs on the planet. J.B. Ruble is a senior from New Orleans who enjoys sports, short walks on the beach, and the mute button.