I started to write a long article about the Swedish election — the campaign, not the outcome — but I gave up. It was too painful. One word is enough. Disappointing. 

So little vision. Such disdain for facts, knowledge, expertise. So little respect for democracy and the intelligence of voters. Such meanness and disdain. Such fear-mongering. 

Not everyone in the political spotlight sank to new rhetorical lows. There were laudable exceptions. But too many did, too often. 

At least the far right lost seats in parliament. At least the parties who said anything at all about prioritising climate change (both green-left and green-center) both gained a bit. 

The media contributed to an unserious, circus atmosphere, where political theater, coverage of baiting and gaslighting, and the search for dramatic tension completely sidelined substance. 

There was very little serious talk about the real problems and challenges we face. Standing strong against an aggressive Russia. Adapting our job market to AI. Hastening the transition to a green economy. Giving our young people some hope that their future will not be a dystopian nightmare. 

We have missed an historic opportunity to come together and think about the best way forward, a vision in turbulent times. Instead, we watched our assembled leaders snarl, huff, glare, and sometimes just plain lie to each other. And to us. 

Disappointing, to say the least. And trending the wrong way. The most important result of the Swedish election is, I fear, further damage to the process of Swedish democracy. 

Regardless of who ultimately is declared the winner of the election itself.