Taking The Blame

An interesting news story surfaced late last week from an “unnamed advisor” to the McCain campaign that is falling on the entire sword. “He” says it wasn’t Sen. McCain or Gov. Palin that derailed the campaign, it was him. That’s admirable but no one person is to “blame” for losing against a tidal wave. The U.S. economy, the Bush administration, the Democratic party's brilliant campaign and Barack Obama all had something to do with the landslide.

There was another "unnamed" source that called Palin "a diva". The cart lost its wheels quickly after Tuesday night's defeat.

These "sources" seem fishy at best. McCain was the boss. You want to be the President, man up when it doesn’t go your way. Skulking around with unnamed tips is ridiculous.

We've all had to take responsibility for our actions. We are all guilty of hoping it all works out or goes away on its own when we mess up, that’s human nature. But the team needs to assess the damage. It is rarely – if ever – one person’s fault. In any environment, there are usually plenty of mistakes for everyone to eventually take their turn. Mud flinging doesn't help.

I played a lot of hockey at one point in my life and made the decision very young to be a goaltender. I loved it. My hockey mom thought I was a phone call away from being drafted – thanks mom! Suffice to say I had fun and that was the point.

But in hockey, a goal scored is often not the goalie’s fault. Someone may have missed a check, a forward didn’t skate back fast enough into the play, a line change was messed up, or any number of other factors.

Sure the goaltender messes up, but teamwork is not a convenient mind space. You are either part of the team, or you are not. Blame can be flung easily at each other and the mud can just as easily be flung at you.

These may be weak stories during a lull in the news cycle but the point is still clear. In a team environment, everyone is on the same team and at the helm is strong leadership.

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History Made. Now What?

Barak Obama and Joe Biden will be sworn in to office on January 20th, 2009. It was a crushing and decisive victory over John McCain and Sarah Palin. What is clear is that according to the popular vote, Obama still only received just over half of the votes last night.

There were polls and surveys almost hourly throughout the last year and it was interesting to see the growing support for President-elect Obama around the world. I can’t speak for others but my impromptu unscientific survey amongst my fellow Canadian friends and colleagues gave the Obama/Biden ticket a landslide.

No matter how you analyze the numbers, the election is over and now it will take leadership and collaboration.

Anytime we feel a movement and momentum we also feel hope and teamwork. As Obama said last night, he does need the help of the American people. No one person will solve these big issues. We should be ready to help too. Ready to help each other. This includes us in Canada.

My favorite passage from Obama's speech last night: "It's the answer that lead those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve. To put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day."

One of the most powerful words anyone can use is - we.

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It Was Historic

Last night, Gov. Sarah Palin made history speaking at the RNC as the first woman to be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale’s running mate for the Democrats in 1984. It’s sad that it has only happened twice.

It was interesting to watch the parade of VP wannabees shower the unknown Palin with accolades. You could hardly see Sen. McCain’s lips move and the fake smiles were barely visible. The GOP pundits and loyalists are all reading from the same teleprompter today. McCain says his VP must be ready to be President on Day One. Hmmm

It will certainly be an interesting election and everyone will undoubtedly be covered in mud by November 4th. The Canadian election will undoubtedly have much less drama.

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And today is historic for many reasons. As we spend countless hours on social networking sites discussing and sharing technological advancements, ideas, and information; there are some events that had to happen before we could update our Facebook status on cell phones or send digital pictures in an instant to Tokyo.

The first occurred on September 4th, 1882. Thomas Edison unveiled the first practical electrical lighting system. He launched it at his steam powered plant and was able to turn on the lights for one square mile in New York City.

On this day six years later, George Eastman patented his first roll-film camera and named his company Kodak.

Perhaps one day a woman will finally be President of the United States and it will be viewed as common as the light bulb and the camera.

In the meantime, Obama-Biden has a good ring to it.

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