Obama won! That’s the best news out of the US in a very long time! We should be happy! Whether you like or don’t like Obama, he does represent America quite well. He will be an important figure in helping America re-balance it’s role in the world. This does not mean that we will never see the US army overseas again, nor that the price of Coca Cola will rise to the ceiling, nor that Exxon will start funding schools in Zimbabwe, but it sure is a good start! Obama won 69% to 24% with some independents taking a few percentage points.
A higher percentage of registered voters came out to vote in this election than in any other election since 1908. That’s 100 years! When I lived in the US under Ronald Reagan, voter turn out was something like 35% – meaning you could win an election with only 17% of popular support ( a couple of % were always taken by independents). Obama was very good at reaching people, also through internet, and helping them understand the message. As well, the Democratic Party has consolidated its hold on the Congress, meaning that for the next two years we will see a lot of centre left politics in the United States. This is good for all of US. Bush tried to radicalise the world in an attempt to gain blind support for his policies. He failed. It was simplistic. America will not be swayed simplistically anymore. That may put pressure on other governments to raise their game. Let’s hope so. I hope it sends a clear message to my own home country of Canada, who just recently re-elected a minority government under Stephen Harper (weirdly right-wing). I hope it sends a message to this country to raise the level of quality in its politics. Maybe I’m hoping for too much. I do, however, think we’ll see more intelligent policies from the US, whether from Democrats or Republicans. That can only be good for the world.
I hope Obama is up to the tasks in front of him. I know he has the support he needs both in the US and outside to make some changes.
That’s my opinion – we welcome yours. Here’s a poll.
Here’s another poll.
Have a great weekend!
Language and Culture for Business 