Election Day: A Heartfelt Message to My Fellow Americans

I truly believe brighter days are ahead, and this level of division is absolutely unsustainable.

Election Day is here, and if there’s one thing I know in my soul and in my bones, it’s that we are in this together as Americans, and we will get through this together as Americans. I know that, at this moment, this may sound trite, but remember—I’m an old horse at this rodeo, and I’ve picked up perspective along the way.

One of the reasons I love the electoral political process so much is because, at its very essence, it’s a study of what makes us human and what makes us Americans. This process, in its simplest form, is about what and who we respond to.

Politics is about mastering the art of what turns us on, what turns us off, what inspires us, what repulses us, what infuriates us, what makes us cry, what makes us laugh, and ultimately, what kind of future we want for our country—and who we believe can lead us there with their specific vision. This is, at its core, the process of how you become President, and I still believe it’s beautiful and worth respecting.

I myself have had many exhilarating election nights and many devastating ones. There is a poem from Nayyirah Waheed I love that always gives my heart peace in times of adversity: "I don't pay attention to the world ending. It has ended for me many times, and began again in the morning."

I promise you, no matter the outcome, we will begin again in the morning.

As for our country? I still love us very much. We are a nation of wild-hearted rebels. The forefathers of this nation were so in search of liberty and individual autonomy that they overthrew an entire monarchy over tea taxation to get it. I have had the luxury of traveling the world, and the biggest difference between our country and everywhere else is our obsession with freedom. So many places in the world bend the knee—they are told what to do, how to live, and how to think. They "keep calm and carry on," as it’s said. But not us. We are a country of restless pioneers, constantly seeking and molding the American dream. We do not accept what is handed to us; we defy and fight for the future we want.

Whether you are an immigrant who just recently joined us as an American or are a descendant of George Washington like I am (humblebrag), this is part of what is so special about the DNA of America that seeps into our bones. As Walt Whitman once wrote, we are "so impatient, full of action." We’ve always been this way, and we always will be. I ask you to join me today in being proud of how much we all still care and fight so hard for the fabric of this country and what each of us thinks the future of our nation should be. Our spirit has not been broken. 

The great American experiment lives on. 

I’ll be spending Election Day doing my usual morning routine—taking my daughter to school, voting at my local precinct, and cooking these easy Chicken Enchiladas, my go-to on Election Day. I find it easier to use a slow cooker so I don’t have to think about dinner for the rest of the day. Later, I’ll be joining friends to cover international news at the ITV bureau throughout the night (follow my socials to see where you can stream it), and I’ll also be joining Mark Halperin's 2Way coverage live on YouTube. My husband, Ben, is covering the election for Fox News.

Ben and I fell in love covering the first Trump election cycle in 2015, bonding over what an intense experience it was. Now, almost ten years married with kids, this moment feels very full-circle. So much has changed in our lives, yet so much has stayed the same in what we cover in our careers. I look forward to this particular political era coming to an end someday.

Although I have a fantastic poker face and pride myself on maintaining grace under pressure, I’m as anxious as the rest of you. As I’ve said before, the only way out is through. In my heart, I truly believe brighter days are ahead, and this level of division is absolutely unsustainable. Keep breathing, be gentle with yourself tonight, and know I’m here with you for whatever comes next. We’ll get through it together as best we can.

Comment below on how you’re spending Election Day and if you have any election traditions! Also, please share how you’re feeling during these unpredictable times. 

Happy Election Day.

Love,

Meghan

P.S. I’ve included some photographs from my personal collection of election nights and political days past. I hope you enjoy the many awkward stages of my youth. And if you’re a paid subscriber, enjoy a few more of my favorite photos from my personal archives below!