Dear America. Congratulations on your peaceful democratic transition. As a Canadian, and a political science professor, I would like to extend my warmest wishes that you may have a future of boring politics. /mini-thread.

First, I wish you many meticulous evidence-based discussions about policy, in which only informed opinions & hard facts are given airtime. May your scientists & policy wonks bore your entire nation as they carry out their professional duties. /1

Second, I wish you un-charismatic but effective and responsible public leaders. May none of their speeches rouse your spirits for many years to come. May you be politely and appropriately informed by professional public stewards. /3

I wish for you an era of quiet good governance, completely bereft of any showmanship or cult of personality. May your news cycles run out of self-generated content and be forced to address substantive issues. /3

As your news agencies refocus on substance over style, I also wish for you a renewed commitment to fact-checking and truth. May your country now and forever remain allergic to empirical falsehoods. /4

I wish for you leaders that are so busy addressing real challenges that they have no time for pomp or performance. May you enjoy a long era where your politicians are so consumed with their actual jobs that they are incapable of entertaining you in any way. /5

So, dear America, may this be a time of boring politics for you. As a Canadian, I can promise that "boring politics" still involves dealing with real, serious issues. It just means that we can focus on those issues without the distraction of a personality-driven side show. /6

Canada is not perfect, but it is a country that generally prefers boring politics. Politics - like heart surgery - is better when it's not dramatic. So, as a neighbour & friend, I wish for you a coming era of boring, experienced, competent professional leadership. /7

Congratulations again, truly. Democracy is a strange marvel in the history of our world. All democracies are fragile & imperfect, but it is a miracle that we have them. In friendship, I wish you many more peaceful transitions to come. /x