Yes We Can! Are We Affected? Yes We Are! (The US Elections)

Member Name: MarcoG

Product:	The US Elections
Date:	26/02/09 (255 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Change for America

Disadvantages: The world met Sarah Palin

Obama has won...are we affected?

On the 20th January 2009, history was made as America welcomed it's first black President.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

Having spent the majority of last year in America and experiencing the madness of the 2008 US Election first hand, I have certainly been given food for thought...and I'd like to share. I never thought I would get into American politics, but no matter where I went, I couldn't avoid it. I got completely engulfed in the chaos of it all...and it was pretty chaotic at times. I attended rallies, lived in one of the main swing states (Ohio), came close to working for Obama (more on that later), and was in DC for the results night. So what do I think about it? Firstly, thank the lord that America saw sense and voted for the man with sense and not elected another redneck to 'look after' their people.

The main question here that I would like to tackle, is how will this result effect the rest of the world? Before I handle that issue, I want to give a little bit history and background info...and as this is politics I'm talking about, I'm going to discuss it from MY point of view, as an outsider (Brit) looking in. I may slur and I may bitch, but then, that's what it is all about, right? If you don't believe me, just ask the Republicans.

"It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference."

Hmm...where to start?...Be warned, as I write I'm drinking a Glenmorangie or three. I'm not usually prone to drinking whilst writing (my thoughts tend to drift and I end up spelling things wrong) but I feel it is vital in this instance, to help soften the reality that I need to mention and think about Sarah Palin. Also, I'm probably going to add youtube links, please if you don't mind, I would really appreciate you taking the time to check them out as they strengthen my argument and prove that I'm not making anything up.

Let's start with the parties...Incase you've been under a rock for the past forever, the main contenders for Presidency in 2008 are the Republicans and the Democrats. Bush (the very word makes me shudder) is a Republican (it is also OK for one to refer to him as the witless-incompentant-redneck) and controversially got elected in 2000. Then more horrifyingly got re-elected in 2004, which meant that he served as President for an exhausting 8 years. The Republican representative vying for presidencancy in 2008 was John McCain. A rather old, ex-prisoner of war, hailed by most as a war hero. The Democratic representative was Barack Obama and it's no secret that he won the election on 4th November 2008, making America a democratic country again (eh-hem), as Clinton was the previous democrat in power before Bush.

I say that Bush was controversially re-elected as there was a lot of hearsay and speculation that he was never actually voted in. Without going too far into America politics, the votes that count are the Electoral College votes, and a certain number of these votes are 'allocated' to each state. There is also a popular (public) vote, but as the 2000 election proved, it's the College vote that counts. As Bush 'only' received 50,456,169 public votes, meaning that Gore beat him with 50,996,116. But college (not actually anything to do with college as in 'schools', it's about the senators and state representatives who vote 'on behalf their state'. The number of college votes each state gets is the number of representatives - proportional to population - plus the number of senators - exactly 2 per state) votes declared that Bush beat him with 271 to Gores 266 (source: cnn.com). It's often bandied about that the declared winner is the candidate who can get 270 in the college vote. Unsurprisingly, Obama made history with a score of 364 to 163 (source: 270towin.com), and the election was declared as his landslide victory.

"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states."

As the weeks rolled by and I got more and more swept up in the election. I watched all 3 Presidential debates, as well as the Vice Presidential debate. I tuned in regularly to the evening shows that discuss what's going on ('The Rachel Maddow Show', 'The Countdown with Keith Olbermann' and not forgetting 'The Daily Show'). I began to align myself with the democrats and gave them my support. I wasn't shy to express my opinion and enjoyed many a debate, discussion or argument with 'fellow' republicans and democrats alike. However, I was also asked why I care, and I was told a couple of times that it has nothing to do with me, as a non US citizen. A friend of ours from Germany, who lives in America, initially expressed that he didn't feel it his right to care (being European) then realized that it has as much to do with him as the rest of the world. Was it not Bush's fault (ah-hem) that we got involved in the Iraq War? Does the action of America have no impact on our lives over here in Britain? Well, those are some of the key arguments that suggest that this US election is relevant for the rest of the world too.

"America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do."

WHAT DO I THINK OF THE LEADERS?
I have a lot of respect for John McCain, as a war hero. But as a politician, I have none. After seeing all the adverts on US TV slinging mud at the democrats, his party just seemed petulant and immature. They turned into a party that couldn't explain why they were the ones to vote for, but spent most of their budget making up lies about Obama's policies and spreading a weird fear amongst staunch Republicans to loathe everything Democrat.

A discussion of one of these mud-slinging adverts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKSE3ZZhaEo&fe ature=related

John McSame:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AOhyIZ3FDfo&fea ture=related

More smearing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3iCWMsF32w&fe ature=related

Unfortunately a lot of Republicans are from the central strip of America (Texas upwards) and are gun-toting rednecks who believe that any one who believes in equality, or isn't a staunch believer in God (I have absolutely nothing against anyone with faith, I'd just like to point out now before I get hate comments) or isn't a capitalist deserves to be shot...

(this clip is endorsed by the Republican party)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p51Ic7kgpA&fe ature=related

Matters of the Republican reputation weren't helped when it was announced that McCain had chosen Sarah Palin (or 'vile witch' as I like to refer to her) to stand with him as Vice President.

JOHN McCAIN AND THE HOCKEY MOM:
An early response to Sarah Palin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2OUJ8ZUTiI&fea ture=related

Now, one thing to understand is that McCain is very old and could, well, sad as it is to say, die within the next 4 years, implying that Palin is a heartbeat away from Presidency herself. I'm not sure many Brits fully comprehend how terrifying that thought is. She is often referred to as 'the Hockey Mom', which in our language could translate as a 'Football Mum', the sort of Mother who is fiercely ambitious in her encouragement of her kids, to represent themselves well and do better than the other middle class families. This is a lady, whose response to foreign policy and networking with Europe and the world, and why she would be good for the role as VP was 'I can see Russia from my house' (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6i0OGvpwyzw&fea ture=related). This is the lady who when asked what a Vice President does, got it wrong and divulged in no uncertain terms that she didn't know. This is the lady who gave a 'shout out' to her nephew's school at her one and only Vice Presidential debate. Needless to say her idea of appropriateness is highly lacking and needless to say, Joe Biden (the democratic VP) held his own like a gent. Now whatever your opinion of abortion is, this is the lady who wants to make it absolutely illegal, insinuating that a baby must be born even if the result of incestual rape (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=v77WekmM8F8&fea ture=related). To quote Ricky Gervais on this matter 'she is mental'. This is the lady who claimed her role as Mayor of Alaska was much more demanding than one of Obama's previous jobs as a Community worker. Not only is this ridiculous, but proves she has no regard or respect for the hard work, not to mention the valuable work that all community workers do.

This clip is PRICELESS, 'The Daily Show' demonstrates beautifully the hypocrisy of the Republicans and Sarah Palin: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NBaCcRMStxc

Palin turns her speeches into Panto. When the crowd start booing and hissing, she encourages it, and when people start shouting 'Obama is a terrorist', she doesn't stop and correct them, she silently lets them get on with their false accusations. Oh, and this is the lady who got her ex-brother-in-law fired from the police force after he split up with her sister. So, begs the question, is this somebody that ANYONE wants running a country and put forth into the global forum?

Roseanne Barr (democrat) talking about Palin. (Left to right: Salman Rushdie democrat/liberal, democrat, republican, the host who is a liberal, and Barr): http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iXdhywzo1NA&feat ure=related This happened earlier on in the same show, highlighting the stupidity of Palin (and America in general) on terrorism (warning, strong and offensive language is used): http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hZfROQxXpMI&feat ure=related

Ok, this is another good clip...It's a 'debate' about Sarah Palin on American daytime TV, the lady in red is a Republican and expresses the republican defensive demeanor spectacularly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_GjgZseFRc&fe ature=relat ed

Obama was regarded as the enemy by Republicans, but for Democrats was seen more as an inspiration. Obama took all the criticism and mud from the Republicans with dignity and didn't stoop to retort once, and maintained his declaration of policy and ideas thoroughout. When Obama spoke, he defended himself with the republican untruths, but moreover he was inclusive in his policies. He expressed care for all types of people living in America. He explained how he wanted to end the war responsibly (needless to say, Palin described him as wanting 'to go in feebly waving a little white flag'...oh, but hadn't Bush already said the war was over?...) and put more money into research for clean energy and lower taxes for the middle classes. McCain wanted tax breaks for those earning more than $250,000 a year (oh yes, clearly the majority of America...not exactly inclusive) and was also reported as wanting to raise taxes for middle classes (not helping the economy really, especially with the raising house prices - he also didn't care or know how much house prices were, as he owns 7 mansions!). So, apart from the policies regarding the American economy directly, we are affected here...How America deals with pollution and the war has everything to do with us.

"This is your Victory"

As an outsider looking in, and seeing who could represent America, I would want Obama everytime, and I'm thrilled that this has happened. He took Election day with grace (the day after his Grandmother died). One of the key reasons I'm glad he won, is that Obama, politically and personally, is a gentleman. He can be put in a global forum and deal with world leaders, with the vocabulary and the eloquence to speak fairly, sensibly and responsibly. No matter what anyone says, John McCain is not this. John McCain is the man who refered to his 'fellow American' (Obama), in the second Presidential debate as 'that one'. If he can't even have the courtesy to call Obama by his name in America, lord knows how he would refer to other world leaders or handle himself at vital global forums. This thought alone lets me breathe a sigh of relief that Obama has done it. Can you imagine electing someone as volatile as McCain? It would be better to have someone like Britney as President, or dare I say Paris Hilton!

The Republicans defended Palin's failure to make relevant comments at press meetings, by declaring that the media tried to trick Palin and that they were the 'gotcha' media. Now, if Palin can't answer questions correctly from her own country's press, how the hell would she survive with World leaders when the going gets tough? A strange view from the Republicans against the Democrats, was that they thought Obama was an elitist, and therefore didn't represent 'the people', thus he was non-deserving of the position in the White House. They muttered under their breath that he was perhaps too clever and would only associate with the elite few. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you want someone with high values and standards, intelligence and rather 'elitist' representing your country?

Not only am I glad that Obama has won for the reasons I've already stated, but he represents a 'new' America, as America's first black President. This election got more voters than any previous year, and I feel that Obama inspired many. He appealed to those voters who have previously ignored the elections, especially in the black communities, and he received unprecedented support, including the force of Oprah. He gave a fresh, relevant and driven approach to the stale politics that Bush, and even Kerry (the 2004 democratic candidate) to some extent, had breathed into the White House. Voters queued for hours to make sure their man, Obama, made it.

"This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:"

It's also a respect thing. America has always been regarded as a nation of fools and Bush just added insult to this poor injury, for eight long and torturous years. I feel differently about America now, as a country who saw sense to give the right man the job. Even better than that, is that just under 8.5million POPULAR/PUBLIC voters chose Obama. Perhaps now, globally, we can view America as a capable and strong country with a worthy opinion, from a worthy leader.

Ok, ok, I know I've pretty much slated McCain, but I did admire his concession speech, he proved that there is decency in him, especially to assure his staunch followers that Obama really is OK and will serve the country well, and not to fear 'the black man'. You would not believe the number of people in America, who use being Republican as an excuse to be racist and promote hate against anyone different to them. McCain has had experience of his supporters referring to Obama as a terrorist and an Arab, face to face ON NATIONAL TV, but managed to refute the statements and I'm hoping, managed to reassure the crowds mourning his defeat. Obama's speech was also admirational and inspiring. He is inclusive. Obama mentioned this is a time for everyone and he is serving for everyone, as he listed diverse groups of people, majorities and minorities, his inclusive direction is refreshing and embracive of change to come.

The only downside to Obama, is that he used a phrase coined by Bob the Builder. Can America do it?...

"Yes, we can."

This is another clip from The View (so sorry to keep using this show) discussing the candidates. Some very interesting arguments are created: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m956EDKJXCQ&fea ture=related

So, in conclusion, quite plain and simply, does this election effect the rest of the world and will it affect the rest of the world? A resounding yes...for everything I have explained above.

Thanks for reading ☺


© MarcoG 2008

By the way...I just realised, I never mentioned how I nearly came to work for Obama. Well, in America they have people EVERYWHERE with clipboards asking if you're registered to vote. My answer was always 'sorry, I'm British', to which they always say, 'well you can volunteer', to which I smile, laugh a bit and move on quickly. Well, I was in a bar, a wee bit drunk, and some guy accosted me, clipboard in hand, asking if I've registered to vote. On saying no, he asked if I'd like to volunteer, and by doing so explained that I would get a lovely Obama badge. I said 'well, if I get freebies, sure!'. So I got signed up, and got my badge...they never did call back to do some work for them though, shame, but I still have my badge...hurrah!

Summary: Finally, the right man has won!