At the core of their criticism was a disrespect for the slight majority that won a fair election, and now they want a number less than two percentage points greater to represent a mandate for their rule.

No matter how valid their criticism of Mr. Bush, the unabated outward manifestation of it hurt the office of the presidency. As President-elect Obama now learns how difficult his new job is, hopefully he and the new first lady will give thanks at the Thanksgiving table to Mr. Bush, Mr. McCain and the Republican Party for doing everything in their control to grant his presidency legitimacy.