After a campaign that has been largely marked by incivility, dirty tricks and loophole campaigning, credit is due to John Kerry for having America’s best interests at heart.

News is that he has called President Bush to concede and will do so before the American public within the hour. He very well could have drawn this election out, using CNN’s “too-close-to-call” proclamation as ammo to turn Ohio into the Florida of 2004. But such would only serve to more bitterly divide the nation, and a quick concession will help the healing begin at once.

The Democratic Party has a lot of issues to resolve in the coming days and months. Their leader in the Senate has been sent packing, the popular vote indicates that Bush will set an all-time record, eclipsing Reagan’s tally from 1984. But the best way for the Democrats to start that rebuilding process is to put this election behind them, and Mr. Kerry truly does the nation a favor by not delaying that task.

It is in America’s best interest to have fierce opposition and quality debate on both sides of all issues. Ergo, a strong Democratic Party is essential. And John Kerry has proven today that he has that essential interest of America at heart.