Because I can't help but think that we all won.
No matter who got the most votes.
Sure, the increasing hostility between the Obama and Clinton camps, and the distracting focus on trivial issues, has bred some disenchantment with the process.
And some people are predicting - wrongly, I believe - that the clash between candidates spells Armageddon for the Democratic party in November.
But whether you're celebrating or mourning the outcome of yesterday's vote, all of us should be savoring the exhilarating experience this has been:
For Philadelphia, which impressed the world and overcame the habit of self-destructing under the glare of the national spotlight.
For Pennsylvania, which was admirably represented by our popular governor.
For the historic nature of the candidates, whose diversity forced a different civic conversation.
And mostly for the electorate, which is engaged, enthusiastic and enlisted in a process of being educated rather than entertained.
Who can forget 2000, during the GOP National Convention here, when protesters were arrested en masse and a police beating was caught on videotape?
Or 2003, when a frame collapsed at the opening of the National Constitution Center, injuring Mayor Street and nearly beaning former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor?
Or the other times the city shot itself in the foot?
This time? No mishaps. Nothing but kudos.
"There's been a ton of media exposure," said Meryl Levitz, characterizing her appearance on the "CBS Early Show" on Monday as a "great big kiss to Philadelphia."
Levitz, head of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, said that a task force of tourism officials made sure that the state wasn't "Michigan-ized or Ohio-ized, portrayed as a struggling rust-belt state."
And it worked.
"Pennsylvania was portrayed as the epicenter of American democracy and a state on the move."
Thanks, for sure, to the constant coverage given to Gov. Rendell and Mayor Nutter as well.
It didn't hurt the city's image that Comedy Central's Steven Colbert broadcast from here, either.
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