Meaning: The quote by Peggy Noonan, a well-known American author and columnist, reflects the idea that the 2008 election in the United States did not bring about a definitive resolution to the political and social issues facing the country. Instead, it signaled the beginning of a period of significant and ongoing change, akin to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. Noonan's comparison suggests that the political landscape is in a state of constant flux, with deep-seated forces driving the shifts and changes that shape the nation's politics.

In the aftermath of the 2008 election, which saw the historic victory of Barack Obama as the first African American president, there was a sense of hope and optimism for many Americans. However, Noonan's assertion that the election "settled nothing" reflects the idea that the underlying divisions and challenges facing the country remained unresolved. This sentiment is particularly relevant given the profound political and social polarization that has characterized American society in recent years.

Noonan's analogy to the movement of tectonic plates serves as a powerful metaphor for the underlying dynamics of national politics. Tectonic plates are massive, slow-moving sections of the Earth's crust that are constantly shifting and interacting with one another. These movements can result in seismic activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and have a profound impact on the Earth's surface. Similarly, the forces driving political change in a nation can be deep-seated, slow-moving, and far-reaching in their effects.

By drawing a parallel between the political landscape and geological processes, Noonan highlights the enduring nature of the challenges facing the nation. The reference to the tectonic plates "moving" suggests that the shifts in national politics are not temporary or superficial but are part of a larger, long-term transformation. This perspective underscores the idea that political change is not confined to individual elections or specific policy decisions but is shaped by broader historical, social, and cultural forces.

Moreover, the comparison to tectonic movement also implies that the changes in national politics are not uniform or predictable. Just as tectonic plates interact in complex and often unpredictable ways, the dynamics of political change can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including social movements, economic trends, and international events. This suggests that the course of political development is nonlinear and can be marked by sudden, unexpected shifts, much like the sudden movements of tectonic plates that result in seismic events.

In essence, Noonan's quote encourages us to view national politics from a broader and more long-term perspective. It urges us to recognize that the issues and conflicts that shape political discourse are part of a larger, ongoing process of change and evolution. Rather than expecting quick or definitive resolutions, we are prompted to appreciate the complexity and depth of the forces at play in shaping the nation's politics.

In conclusion, Peggy Noonan's quote captures the enduring and transformative nature of national politics by likening it to the movement of tectonic plates. The analogy emphasizes the ongoing nature of political change, the deep-seated forces driving it, and the unpredictable and complex dynamics at play. By understanding politics through this lens, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring challenges and opportunities inherent in the political life of a nation.