Doug, a mandate infers a landslide.   A mandate shows that the populace overwhelming gives a thumbs up to the president. Bush's approval ratings do not approach Clinton or Reagan.   

You are wrong, second place does mean something. The FACT that at least 55 million Americans do not want Bush in the White House should be a wakeup call. Unfortunately the Roves and Ailes of the world will put a different spin on it and 58 million people will buy into it.   

This is not a "uniter". It is an arrogant SOB who should realize how lucky he is.