This election year is one for the books

With election day a week from Tuesday, your columnists offer observations on this most remarkable of elections that is finally coming to an end:

Has this election year fulfilled its media hype and billing as one of the most interesting and meaningful in history?

Pignanelli: Every quarter century or so in the last 100 years, the American presidential elections heralded a significant shift in political dynamics (1912, 1932, 1960, 1980). 2008 arrived just in time for the cycle to repeat. The GOP nominated the maverick the old guard despised because he best provided a contrast from the unpopular incumbent. The Democrats were engaged in a historical contest between senators — the popular female and the charismatic African-American. Political textbooks are already undergoing significant rewriting to reflect how Barack Obama's campaign was launched and perfected: the use of the Internet, daisy-chaining with families and friends, the marketing of "change," etc. Of course, the economic turmoil adds a dimension not seen since the FDR versus Hoover contest. We are all experiencing history.

Webb: It's one for the record books. No one could have dreamed up a more dramatic election cycle with so many twists and turns. The race featured a remarkable number of firsts: first serious woman contender, first serious African-American (likely going on to victory) contender. Of interest to us locally, the first serious Mormon in Mitt Romney, who will now attempt to become the de facto leader and face of the out-of-power Republican Party. The most money ever raised, with absolutely mind-boggling amounts raked in by Barack Obama. The first Republican woman v.p. running mate. The first truly Internet-centric election. Add to that the amazing primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Obama, McCain's resurrection from the dead in the primary season, McCain's selection of an completely unknown but exciting young female governor of Alaska, and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, complete with a series of rescues using incomprehensible amounts of taxpayer money to cap off the election season, and it has been a year almost beyond belief.

What are some of the lessons learned during this long election season?