Unintended Consequences
Funny how things work out. Two examples of the immutable law of unintended consequences stick out in this year's electoral results. First, soon-to-be-former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle was instrumental in the questionable defeat of John Thune two years ago - and this year is involuntarily retired by that same John Thune - effectively trading away his own seat to keep Thune out of the Senate for two years.
Second, Ross Perot exorcised his own demons in 1992 - leading to the defeat of George H. W. Bush. Absent his father's defeat, it is difficult to imagine that W could have become the architect of two consecutive terms as president - and the expansion of the influence of the Republicans in the House and Senate. Not, I am sure, what H. Ross had in mind a dozen years ago.
Perhaps you have your own examples from this year's results. Funny how things work out.