Social Dem Schroeder Out, Christian Dem Merkel In as Germany's Leader

Interesting. She's Germany's first female leader. Interesting solution to the closeness of the vote, too: Christian Dems agreed to give up key cabinet posts to Social Dems in exchange for Schroeder stepping aside.

This "winner takes all" and "mandate" shit that goes on with our elections doesn't help Republicans, doesn't help Democrats, doesn't help anyone in between or outside the two parties.