Obama hooks the world’s top post; but does he really want it?
It’s official. The United States of America has a new President – and he’s a Democrat! After leading the opinion polls for month, Barack Obama emerged as the people’s favourite when the US went to the polls on 4 November 2008. The election drew more voter
What awaits America’s 44th President? Early indications are that Obama faces an uphill battle. He may be taking the reins of the world’s largest economy; but he’s doing so at the worst possible time. A day after the election results were announced shares on the major US exchanges resumed their unruly behaviour – plummeting hundreds of point. The Dow Jones Index was down 486 points (5%) on Wednesday… And the technology heavy NASDAQ and S&P 500 were down by similar margins. Any thoughts of a drawn-out victory celebration have thus been replaced by concerns for the US – and ways to avert the economy from plunging into a lengthy recession.
There aren’t any skeletons in the closet
The new US President can rest easy in the knowledge that there aren’t too many skeletons in the closet. His heavy-handed predecessor never bothered to hide what he did. Wars with Iraq, military intervention in Afghanistan and interrogations at Guantanamo Bay all took place in full view of the media and the American people. Those who support Obama will want him to move quickly to reduce US military activities in many of these areas – and particularly avoid creating new conflict areas in Iran or Pakistan. We expect that the war against terrorism will probably exhibit a slightly softer touch in future years.
Upon the news of Obama’s election, thousands of congratulatory notes have poured in from around the globe. Among the list was South Africa’s own Nelson Mandela. Mandela emerged from the confines of a prison cell on Robben Island to become South Africa’s first elected black President in 1994. “Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,” wrote Mandela. And he continued: “We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead.”
But not everyone was as accommodating. Within hours of his election America’s cold war rival Russia was up to its old tricks. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev used this moment to announce plans to aim Russian short range missiles at a US missile shield based in Europe. Perhaps someone should have told the Russian leader that Obama would only be inaugurated in 10 weeks time. He may have to deal with Bush in the interim.
Lest we forget
Five decades ago US society was strictly segregated along racial grounds. It wasn’t called Apartheid; but black citizens in the US were denied access to restaurants, schools and buses in much the same way as black citizens in South Africa. That’s why Obama has been welcomed as a symbol of change. Obama’s “Change has come to America” cry rang out at more than one election rally. But he probably wants to move on from that tag and get down to the work that’s at hand.
Obama’s landmark victory is going to be a major driver for change. Not only is it rare for a Democrat to win the seat of power in the US; but the margin of victory is almost unheard of. With results from 48 states already finalised Obama had won victories in 349 electoral ‘colleges’ as opposed to McCain’s 162. He only needed 270 to take victory, proving that he really enjoys the support of the people.
In what some described as the first election victory parade that could be seen from the moon, Obama went to great lengths to thank his competitor (Senator John McCain), supporters and family. He had special praise for his wife of 16 years… And he confirmed his allegiance to the country of his birth: “We are and always will be the United States of America!”
Editor’s thoughts:
If you’ve ever visited the United States you’ll appreciate that everything happens there on a grander scale. Cars, roads, buildings, McDonalds’ meals – it has to be bigger and better to survive in the world’s largest economy. And the electioneering process is no different. What can South Africa learn from the campaigning and voting that took place in the US this week? Add your comment below, or send it to gareth@fanews.co.za
