I think I'm only just now letting the shock of the election results set in... (Picture any "Simpsons" episode where Homer screams. And screams again. And again. And Again.) It doesn't help that I just learned my least favorite aunt worked on Bush's campaign in Ohio.
I think I'll go with the majority of this thread so far. "No, but that doesn't mean they aren't choosing to see it that way."
I'm not sure I see a mandate in a few percentage points.
Anyway, I'm sure the Republicans realize that they have two years till the next election so they can't go crazy.