Here is my from-afar and probably too-optimistic take: 1) Arnold ran a more conservative campaign then he might have, thanks to the presence of Tom McClintock in the race, and he might, MIGHT, be good for the state and the GOP; 2) Gray Davis, the representative of nearly everything that is cringe-making and wrong with American politics, is gone in a well-justified voter revolt; 3) Tom McClintock acquitted himself well and emerges with his reputation in general—if not his reputation for being a team player, as John points out—enhanced. So, maybe what you smell at the moment is everything coming up roses…