Dear John

I had wanted to write again after the interview you gave to Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes last Sunday. I don’t typically watch that type of tabloid journalism, but I did this time with anticipation. It was nice seeing your story come to life on television and looks like you have quite a supportive family who are extremely proud of you and your accomplishments. Your wife is proud of them. What a neat lady she seems to be… and to have stayed in Ohio all these years raising your children while most of your time has been spent in Washington…well, she deserves combat pay.

There were many parts to this interview which gave a glimpse into your character. Especially the distinction you drew between compromise and common ground. While the difference between those two words seemed foreign to Lesley Stahl, your explanation was refreshing and indicative of what we can expect from your statesman-like style of leadership.

Then, there was the moment when Lesley Stahl asked your wife if you really did cry all of the time? This, of course, after your wife had just explained how the two of you met (while you working as a janitor on the night shift) and how she was so very proud of you and your accomplishments. Seriously, I get all the tears. Your wife, in her graceful and loving response to that question, gets all the tears. You get all the tears and raw emotion because you know how far you have come and understand the responsibility of being second in line to the Presidency. Clearly, Mr. Speaker (elect), you demonstrate such a sincere love of country and have passionately dedicated your life to our future. It is comforting to know that your priority is to provide for the safety and security of the American people and to help give all our children a shot at the American dream. A shot just like you had. To watch a man in power be so passionate and sincere about those two things makes me a little teary too.

On another note, I see where the House voted to extend the Bush-era tax cuts just before midnight last night. I don’t know if the timing on that was strategic because nothing good ever seems to happen at that time, but I bet you helped them find some common ground. Please know that Americans are watching….and waiting….and hopeful.

Merry Christmas Mr. Speaker (elect). I look forward to what the New Year will bring.

Sincerely, a Senator’s Wife in Oklahoma

I watched your speech with anticipation last night as the Republicans picked up enough seats to claim the majority in the House of Representatives. You will be their next leader, and I am looking forward to watching you as you set the legislative agenda for our country. Prior to last night, I was unfamiliar with your story, how you have worked hard at so many different jobs and truly lived the American dream. I thank you for sharing that so eloquently with the American people. In fact, many of your newest members share similar stories.

I am a wife and mother living in Oklahoma and I care deeply for our country. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been born here and want a better future filled with endless opportunities for my children and grandchildren. I long for them to dream, and dream big knowing that they live in America, the land of the free and home of the brave. I want them to believe that with hard work, patience and perseverance, anything is possible. My husband and I have worked hard to instill in them those same values and ideals upon which our country was founded.

However, our children have been learning a different lesson from the examples being set in Washington. They hear volumes of denigrating, partisan rhetoric and observe career politicians who serve for personal gain. They see a heavy handed government that acts as if it holds the solution to every problem, a wasteful government that punishes success and spends our money in frivolous fashion.

My children know better. I think you know better. I hope and pray that you do. You now have an extraordinary opportunity to lead our country back to those timeless principles upon which it was founded. Godspeed and good luck Mr. Speaker, we’re rooting for you! Our children’s future depends on it.

Sincerely, a Senator’s wife in Oklahoma