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Interesting thread.
Perhaps what makes American political history unique is that it didn't dissolve into strong man rule which could have been so easy in many junctures of its history. Geo. Washington could have easily proclaimed himself king. The election of 1800 (which witnessed one of the first peaceful democratic transfers of power from one party to another) could have easily dissolved into bitter armed strife.
It is Americans' abiding ability to accept the imperfections of democracy and WORK WITHIN IT to achieve their disparate aims which sets it apart from many other systems.
Regardless of how things eventually pan out with this election, let's all keep our cool and focus on preserving the civil order that allows one to respectfully disagree without violence or repression.
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