A: This question is really a can of worms because so much affects the US presidential elections that it is very difficult to measure one thing and determine its influence. That being said, a lot has become apparent during Barack Obama’s tour abroad that can be used as an example towards an answer. Based on the public response to his speech in Berlin and the response from foreign leaders to his Iraq plan, it is clear that Obama has rather positive backing abroad, specifically in Europe. To many foreigners Obama represents a fresh, international-minded leader. However, many times what rallies Americans most are not promises to mend friendships abroad or calls for cooperation, but an improved economic situation at home. Whenever evaluating the success of a campaign event it is always important to remember this broad perspective and ask the following question. How do these actions promise to better the lives of the majority of Americans?
Barack Obama has skillfully crafted himself into an internationalist. From his mixed background to his pronunciation of Pakistan, Obama’s campaign moves away from the ultra-American image of the Bush administration, much to the pleasure of foreigners. A recent editorial in the Spanish newspaper El País accurately reflected the view of many Europeans about the prospect of an Obama led Whitehouse.
“There are no doubts about his energy, his contagious truth with which his government will be able to overcome recent adversities. However it is clear that the medusas of power in Washington, which have festered for decades, will meet him with a corrupting strategy, unhappy to see their interests ignored.”
It is clear that many Europeans are hopeful that Obama can bring positive change to the world, but still doubt his effectiveness in the face of the corptocracy.
What is not clear is whether the optimism about Obama in foreign countries translates to positive influence in the US. If Obama relies too much on foreign support he leaves himself open to attacks that he ignores middle class American concerns. We have already witnessed the success of such an attack against the failed administration of Jimmy Carter, later resulting in the sharp decline of the influence of the Democratic Party in the US government. Originally running on a platform of lofty, worldly goals such as human rights, Carter was unable to reverse the economic crisis in the US, the largest problem facing middle class Americans at the time. Such mistakes by democrats during the 1970’s allowed conservatives to craft the elitist image of the Limousine Democrat, a perspective that still exists today, and fundamentally shift the political power in the United States in their favor.
Today, Americans continue to place American problems over global issues. A June 2008 Gallop poll found that the majority of Americans prefer “a candidate whose greatest strength is fixing the economy (56%) rather than one whose greatest strength is protecting the country from terrorism (39%).” From this perspective, too much time and success abroad is a risk for Obama.
Obama has seen unprecedented success during his current trip. The backing of his Iraq plan from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and positive support from Jordan and various European nations have badly damaged McCain’s war position. Obama is leading in the voter polls and has seemingly displayed his capability to bridge international differences, improve the perception of the United States abroad and bring troops home. However, let us examine our original question. How do these actions promise to better the lives of the majority of Americans? In the face of a weakened dollar, rising oil prices and unaffordable health care, I have to say not very much.
-Tait
Stay tuned for more on this topic.
No comments:
Post a Comment