If you just sniff the air, you can feel it, taste it, sense it. It’s not instantly recognizable because it just might be the smell of freedom. It’s a promise that a return to normality, of American greatness, and leadership, might once again become the standard. It’s a sense that men and women can once again be proud and patriotic, and the people who feel the need to apologize for America, to attack her, to hate her, to impugn and malign its people, may find themselves back in the shadows where they belong.

Donald Trump is indeed a deeply flawed human being and certainly not the best of the GOP candidates. As president, he may be unreliable, brash and contrary when it comes to his policies. As president, he may be awkward, embarrassing and impolitic in his political relationships. And then again, he may not. The gravitas of his position as president-elect was shown in his victory speech: sober, dignified, magnanimous.

But beyond these flaws, if there was one thing, and just one thing, that might have really made a difference in this surprise result, it was that voters understood at a fundamental level that Donald Trump truly loves America.

We’re going to get to work immediately for the American people. And we’re going to be doing a job that hopefully you will be so proud of your president. You’ll be so proud. Again, it’s my honor. It was an amazing evening. It’s been an amazing two-year period. And I love this country. [President-Elect Trump]