And I’m feelin’ good!!!!
Congratulations, everyone! We did it – we saved our democracy, we fired 45, and we elected our first female Vice President! As a parent of public school kids, I am especially excited that we will have a public school teacher – Dr. Jill Biden – in the White House! Adios, Devos. Adios, trump klan. And *do* let the door hit you on the way out!
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ktfran November 8, 2020, 10:33 am
Not only am I so excited Trump is out, we elected the first female VP!!! And a Black woman to boot. My heart is full. I’m also so exited that Biden will likely elect competent people to his Cabinet. Could you imagine someone in the EPA who cares about the environment? Education. Energy. Health and Human Services. Attorney General. Etc. I hope he holds good on his promise that it’s a diverse group of individuals and is more representative of the entire U.S.
Dear Wendy November 8, 2020, 11:32 am
Yes! I have hope that Biden will surround himself and fill his cabinet with an exceptional and diverse group of people. I’m really looking forward to that!
Where was everyone when you heard the news? I was walking from the playground to the farmers market with my friend Taigi and our kids. I heard some hollers and clapping from windows in the surrounding high-rises and said, “I bet they just called the race!” And I pulled out my phone to confirm and saw the news on CNN. Taigi and I broke covid protocol – we’re both always very careful! – and had a big hug and we cried and I yelled and yelled and Jackson asked me to please stop because I was embarrassing him, which is the first time he’s ever said that to me, so it felt like a momentous day of change in more ways than one.
Kate November 8, 2020, 11:38 am
Putting on makeup with CNN on on my phone. I heard them call it, and started screaming. Van Jones was crying. I ran to the fridge and yanked the cork out of the bubbles.
ktfran November 8, 2020, 11:48 am
Yesterday morning, prior to the news breaking, I threw my back out… while putting on pants to walk to the grocery store. I hate my body.
So I was icing my back on the couch when I received the alert. I immediately texted the husband, who did walk to the grocery store. When he got home, he said the person who was counting people in and out was announcing the news to customers!!! So that’s how he heard.
That cracks me up about Jackson!!! I love it.
We watched Harris’ and Biden’s speeches last night. Kamala’s daughters are adorable. And yeah, I cried.
ktfran November 8, 2020, 11:52 am
The muscle relaxers mixed with a couple of dirty martinis also contributed to my emotional state.
Kate November 8, 2020, 12:22 pm
I think those adorable girls are her nieces or great nieces. She has stepchildren but they’re adults. No bio kids.
ktfran November 8, 2020, 12:43 pm
Eek! My bad. They are adorable. Everyone’s family on stage was great.
Kate November 8, 2020, 1:08 pm
I know, wasn’t it awesome to see just a bunch of normal folks who look like a loving family? As opposed to whatever the Trumps are.
Fyodor November 8, 2020, 4:45 pm
My synagogue, after zoom services sends people to breakout rooms to have virtual kiddish (beverage and snack) with each other. I saw it on my Twitter feed and got to announce it to the group, which was fun.
Bree November 8, 2020, 8:39 pm
I was cuddling my newborn baby girl who made her entrance on Election Day. So proud and grateful that she is coming into a better, more hopeful world with a female VP.
LisforLeslie November 9, 2020, 6:46 am
I was home, in my apartment and heard a flurry of honks and whoops. Then the messages started pouring in from my mom and aunt. I immediately turned on Fox News whos numbers were more definitive than those on MSNBC (Fox was showing 290 vs MSNBC”s 274 electoral votes). Later I went to Central Park and enjoyed that throughout the afternoon, if anyone honked or whooped everyone around them would whoop and clap. It was highly enjoyable.
anonymousse November 8, 2020, 12:46 pm
I was in our backyard with some friends enjoying the sun. I heard an air horn and it took me a second to realize it was my neighbor a few streets away who had said he’d blow a horn when it happened. It was great. We cheered, I cried. We all took shots at 11:30ish and basically spent the day outside feeling happy with our friends. Most of the Trump signs I’ve seen around have vanished. I’m feel hopeful.
Ktfran, take this as the unsolicited advice it is, but I started seeing a physical therapist about six weeks ago for neck and back issues and I feel like a new woman! I do all my stretches everyday and see him 1-2 times a week (this week is my last.) I’ve physically been able to move without straining or hurting myself, I’m feeling much better mentally. I wish I’d done this years ago.
ktfran November 8, 2020, 2:45 pm
Thanks anonymousse. I had actually mentioned to the husband this morning that I think it’s time to go PT again. I went a couple of years ago and quit because it got expensive (I do the high deductible plan at my office) and my PT left the practice.
I’m glad it worked! That basically solidifies what I was thinking this morning.
I do private pilates once a week and exercises she gives me on my own. But I think I need to add PT too.
Betty November 8, 2020, 9:02 pm
I was in the kitchen about ready to go to work (I live on the west coast), my mom texted me “273” and I lost it. My daughter is five and gave me a high-five and said she was glad that the girl’s team won (she doesn’t care about Joe, she is all about Kamala).
Sara November 8, 2020, 11:53 pm
I was in tears, it almost felt (and still does) unreal. All the hard work that volunteers put into getting the word out have a very special place in my heart ❤️
Next step is Georgia senate runoff seats. If you can please consider donating to Stacy Abrams Fair Fight organization, phone banking, text banking, and for those who live in GA, canvassing.
https://fairfight.com/join-our-fight
Fyodor November 9, 2020, 9:03 am
And vaccine news two days later!
Dear Wendy November 9, 2020, 2:33 pm
Yay!!!
MaterialsGirl November 9, 2020, 4:51 pm
Hope for 2021!!!
LisforLeslie November 10, 2020, 8:13 am
The Pfizer trial is getting amazing results – that’s for sure. They’re seeing results closer to 90% effective. However, it’s the same methodology that Moderna is touting – recombinant RNA – so do your research and make decisions on what you feel comfortable with. I believe Sanofi is also using that method. AZ – who will likely put in their final submission before end of year uses more traditional approach. However, they are likely to get results around 50% effective.
All in all – things are looking positive to start defeating this (with science!) but 2021 is going to be much of the same in terms of social distancing. The sheer numbers of people, the logistics of a 2 shot approach and people’s (understandable) mistrust of fast science means you should keep your masks handy.
If people want more info – all public – let me know. I get tons of updates daily.
Sorry to be a downer.
Dear Wendy November 10, 2020, 8:37 am
Thank you, Leslie. I welcome all the updates on the science front, even if they aren’t always the good news we desire.
Fyodor November 10, 2020, 11:33 am
Have you heard any good recent data about the quantities of vaccine that the main candidates are expected to have in the US and when? I’ve been able to dig up some timelines for the Moderna and Pfizer candidates but everything else is very vague and high level (a billion doses globally in the US)
Thanks!
Fyodor November 10, 2020, 11:35 am
Has there been public data about the efficacy of the Oxford/AZ vaccine?
LisforLeslie November 10, 2020, 1:13 pm
Woo – Pharma 101 below. Read at bedtime as this might help you fall asleep.
I’ve not seen any info on the effectiveness of the AZ vaccine. I know they’re doing rolling reviews (all reviews for COVID for US and everywhere else are rolling to make the process more efficient). https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-reportedly-triggers-immune-response-among-adults-.html
Most companies are working against 50% effectiveness rate. Pfizer is announcing their results because they’re seeing something phenomenal and it’s actually causing their trial to take longer. In short, they are trying to reach a certain number of people who do get infected and they haven’t been able to – not because they don’t have enough participants but because it’s working so well.
The logistics are going to be a nightmare – all but J&J have a two dose approach. You get the first shot then you get the booster 21 days later. If you miss your booster – I don’t know at what point you have to start with Shot 1 again. So hospitals and vaccine centers will need to set up for a two shot process.
The Pfizer vaccine needs super cold conditions and a lot of places don’t have such equipment. Your local CVS does not have a cooler that goes to -90 degrees Fahrenheit. Whomever makes dry ice is about to have a really really good year.
Healthcare workers will get first access. On 60 Minutes the head of the NJ task force has 500,000 healthcare workers and are expected to get 50,000 doses in the first release. So don’t plan on tossing that mask anytime soon. And as noted, most of the vaccines are going to be 50% effective, so you’re going to have to remain cautious. https://cbsn.ws/38DQIre
All of the pharma companies are manufacturing at risk – which is very common – with the goal of being ready as soon as they get their first OK from a Health Authority. Whomever says Yes first will get the first batches. Companies that are nearing the end of their Phase III trials have already started stocking their distribution centers. Nothing will go out without an approval, but if Canada Health gives a green light while FDA is still reviewing, shipments will start across Canada. That’s not to say that companies would send the entire stock to Canada – they’d leave some waiting for FDA while their manufacturing operation continues 24/7 and then as they work with FDA on timing, they’ll dip into the stock to keep trucks moving.
quark November 17, 2020, 10:36 am
Can you talk more about recombinant RNA and the hesitancy is causes with people vs. a traditional weakened virus vaccine?
Miss MJ November 9, 2020, 9:21 am
I was in New Orleans for work Friday and stayed the weekend. My husband and I and some friends had an agreement that the first person who saw it called would text “270.” My husband and I were texting about the dog when all of the sudden he sent the “270” – I was so relieved, I cried.
And then I spent the next 5 hours listening to CNN and clearing out the overgrown plants and weeds and general mess that my neglected courtyard had become in 2020. It was cathartic. A physical putting to right what had been colored with despair.
I know it’s still a long haul, but I feel so much lighter now.
Sea Witch November 9, 2020, 9:44 am
Congratulations from Canada!
Dear Wendy November 9, 2020, 2:33 pm
Thank you!
MaterialsGirl November 9, 2020, 10:07 am
I was a the park with my daughter and another mom. We heard the honking and both thought it was a bike race or something… then we were clued in. Lots of happiness and good weather all weekend. Loving all the notes of congratulations that have been coming in from politicians on both sides. It’s nice to see gracefulness, hope for our country and unity
veritek33 November 9, 2020, 11:27 am
I was working a shift at my part time job and got the CNN alert. Got the honor of telling my husband first. Felt really, really good.
Only sad I couldn’t toast some champagne.
Copa November 9, 2020, 11:34 am
I was just finishing up a run when the news broke, got home just a couple minutes after and noticed cheering and honking on the street outside. I happened to have a few people coming over on Saturday to enjoy the unseasonably beautiful weather on my rooftop, so we toasted with some champagne. Got drunk in the sunshine.
Copa November 9, 2020, 12:07 pm
Oh, and you know how Trump’s creepy kids were sharing a 1-800 number on social media so that people could call to report voter fraud and voter suppression? I called and reported Donnie.
LisforLeslie November 10, 2020, 8:05 am
I think at this point they are on their third 1-800 number because they keep getting calls that highlight that El Cheeto voted from a non-residence… aka illegal vote.
Vathena November 9, 2020, 1:06 pm
I was walking home *from* our farmers market with my husband and daughter when I started getting texts from a group of women neighbors that have been my “huddle” (to call back to the women’s march) who have been out canvassing together in Virginia elections the past few years. We ran in the house and turned on CNN, then I ran back out with my 7yo to jump in the car and open up all the windows and sunroof and drive around blasting “Eye of the Tiger” and honking madly. We were not the only ones with that idea – lots of honking, cheering, and raised fists. Now it’s time to get back on the phones for the Georgia Senate runoffs! I’m definitely never going to let another election go by without volunteering – there is still so much work to do and we can’t afford not to stay involved.
Dear Wendy November 9, 2020, 2:34 pm
Yes, we have to win those senate seats in Georgia on January 5th!!
Witchmom3 November 9, 2020, 3:14 pm
I live in SoCal so it was still morning and I was watching CNN when they made the announcement! YAY! I few minutes later I heard neighbors blowing their car horns and setting off fireworks! I told my husband and got on my family’s group messaging and started letting everyone know. I follow Wendy on IG so it was nice to see the celebrations in Brooklyn as well as watching the celebrations from various family members and friends throughout the country.
**NEED TO CONTACT EMILY MURPHY 1-844-472-4111 – She is the head of GSA and is declining to sign the letter authorizing the Biden transition to begin** Ugh!!
Dear Wendy November 9, 2020, 3:20 pm
Thanks for letting us know!
Bittergaymark November 10, 2020, 12:12 am
I am happy it is over. Honestly? Had Trump won i might have gone fucking psycho.
Taylor November 18, 2020, 9:17 pm
I took 6 outside and said we could cheer and shout as loud and long as we wanted on the porch. Halle-fucking-lujah! Now, just need to get the electoral stuff done. It can’t come soon enough. I am *deeply* disappointed (but not surprised) by all the assholes supporting the jackass in his pushback.