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Keller @ Large: Election Anxiety? Don't Worry, Be Happy

BOSTON (CBS) - Is this election sending your anxiety level through the roof?

Join the club.

Polling in recent weeks has found solid majorities of voters find the prospect of a President Clinton or a President Trump frightening.

And I want to share a portion of an email I received from a WBZ-TV viewer expressing that anxiety. John M. writes:

"I am a middle-class resident of Massachusetts who is extremely concerned about the political future of this country. None of these candidates should be allowed to be in office. They are an embarrassment. I find myself thinking: where is the country going to be in four years? I am afraid."

John, I understand how you feel. But let's look on the bright side. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't be too worried about what happens after the new president takes office.

Keep in mind that we have been governed pretty effectively for the past 240 years by a system of checks and balances, and that will not change come next January.

Consider the Supreme Court, already down a member and likely to see more vacancies in the next four years. The Senate holds confirmation power over presidential appointees, and they haven't been afraid to use it in the past. And even justices purported to be liberal or conservative have proven to be open-minded on the bench.

And just look at how divided both parties have proven to be during this campaign. Even if one party holds the White House and Congressional majorities, the chances of lockstep movement in a dangerous direction is minimal.

So don't worry, John, be happy.

And if you can't be happy, at least keep the faith.

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