It is over. The seemingly never-ending election of 2012 is finally over.

And, with all the seriousness of the election finished, I would just like to take a look back at my favorite gaffes, quotes and “promises” from this election cycle because we all deserve to have some fun.

Let us start out with 9-9-9. While you may have completely forgotten its meaning, you may still remember hearing it over, and over and, well, over. Herman Cain and 9-9-9 went hand-in-hand. Its purpose was to replace our current tax system, setting personal income, corporate income and sales taxes at 9 percent. Average voters will probably let Cain fade back into obscurity, but many will forever remember “9-9-9.” Probably not fondly, but remember it they will. Oh, and maybe that stint he had as Godfather’s Pizza CEO, because who doesn’t like pizza?

But hey, at least he knows numbers — Mr. President seemed to forget how to count. He said we should be proud of the three words stamped on American made products. Three words: “Made in the USA”. I hate to think what other countries would think of American-made products after that. 

There was also Newt Gingrich’s moon colony. In his defense, living on the moon would be pretty cool. I would love to see the space program rejuvenated. When I was younger, my family and I flew out to Florida, just to see a space shuttle launch at 4 a.m., and it was one of the best experiences of my childhood, hands down. But to make a moon colony a goal by 2020 seems a little extreme. Not too many people were going to follow him on that one. It just sounded like one of those bad campaign promises you hear for seventh grade class president. He probably should have promised no homework on the weekends too. 

Speaking of weird promises, telling a crowd that Romney is “going to put y’all back in chains” is probably not the best plan. Vice President Joe Biden was theoretically referring to Romney’s wanting to change the rules of Wall Street or “unchain Wall Street.” That’s just a tad harsh. I can imagine plenty of more elegant ways of saying it. Maybe something like, “Romney will change the rules of Wall Street, which will hurt you.” That just sounds better than “y’all back in chains.”  

There is also the chair. I know I have written about it before, but it is much too fun to forget. The night Republicans were formally giving the nomination to the Governor, Clint Eastwood entertained the press by yelling at an empty chair – I mean, “President Obama.” The media had a grand old time with that one. And I enjoyed every minute. I especially recommend watching Obama’s response on Late Night with David Letterman. It still cracks me up. I would like to hope those behind the Republican National Convention learned a lesson here — like don’t give people chairs at the last minute. 

And speaking of the Governor, I cannot simply pick just one from him that was my take-away favorite, so here’s two. First of all, no one will ever be able to forget “Binders full of women,” which he used when he tried to say he wanted more women working for him, so he had his team assemble a list of women. It inspired its own Facebook page moments after it was said. To this day, it has over 350,000 likes while a page titled “Women for Mitt” hovers under 250,000. The power of social media.

And the worst part was that it was a lie. As his term as governor went on, even less women were working in senior positions then to start with. 

My other favorite would have to be the 47 percent comment. Even at a private function, I don’t think it’s a great campaign strategy to alienate almost half of the population. Even if you are absolutely sure no cameras are on you, they are. When you are in the political spotlight, you are always in the political spotlight. No matter what. There are always cameras around.

Some other things I will not miss from this election: Rep. Todd Akin’s legitimate rape comment, pundits speaking for women voters, flexible hours in the workplace for women and Santorum’s sweater vests. 

Okay, maybe I already miss the sweater vests a little. 

But one of the best things about quotes like these is that people, even if just temporarily, get involved in the political process. And maybe just by doing some research into some of the gaffes, people might be willing to learn about the candidates too — past the, um, interesting things they say.

If nothing else, let us rejoice knowing we have a year and a half reprieve before talks of 2016. Maybe that’s dreaming too big. I’m willing to settle for a year. Sweet serendipity.

Joanna is a senior in LAS. She can be reached at [email protected].