Obama’s Victory- Personal Musings
Article Tools
-
8
Liked it 
Subscribe to RSS
Some thoughts, questions and views on Obama’s Victory.
So, the Yankees have a new president. Barrack ‘yes we can’ Obama, today takes on the role as the leader of the most powerful nation on earth. And what a task lies ahead of him. Financial ruin, a disillusioned people, unpopular wars, fear and huge national deficit- all these things have been left to Mr Obama by his predecessor, George W. Bush. Can he really fix this? Maybe, maybe not. But to be honest with you all, that’s not what I’ve been thinking about.
As a British citizen, I’ve endured constant jabs about how our prime ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are nothing more than puppets to America. These attacks are made all the more wounding by the fact that they have been for the most part, true. So what does an Obama victory mean for the people of Britain? Come to think of it what does it mean for the rest of the world? America is unlike any other country, the decisions it makes have massive, far reaching consequences, be they military, financial, or social. Can Obama balance the needs of the world with the needs of his own country? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure though- he can’t do much worse than his predecessor.
Change. It’s time for change, change is coming- the word change seems to be Obama’s motto. Can he change the system? Can he shift American politics into a more unified state? Does Obama have the force of will, the knowledge and the sheer charisma to unite a nation that has been heavily divided under the reign of George Bush, a man who has proven about as popular as a bottle of BBQ sauce in the three little pig’s house? Can he achieve this goal he’s set out to do? Unifying millions of Americans under one political idea, not democrat but American. Can he balance policies from all over the nation? Can he create a unified front? These are massive changes he wants to bring around, and a system as old and set as the American political process will not respond well to change. As the first black president of America, he’s achieved a great thing and demonstrated that as a nation, America is marching on to racial acceptance.
But despite what Obama and McCain both said in their closing speeches, racism and bigotry still exist in America and in the world at large- on an uncomfortable scale. White supremacists are going to want to take a shot at Obama, possibly literally. Can he stand up to this the same way that other great black men and women have before him? Possibly an even bigger concern is racism within the American political system itself. How will senators and other politicians respond to a black man in the ultimate seat of power? For all his strength of personality, his knowledge and his backing by the American people, if key figures decide they don’t like him, Mr Obama will have a hard enough time running the country, let alone bringing about the change he desperately seeks.
How about a second term? One thing is for certain, Obama is not going to be able to sort out America this time around. The nation is so divided, the financial crisis so deep that untangling the mess will take many years. Will people believe in him enough to give him a second term in office, a term that will almost certainly be needed to see his plans through to fruition? Or will they feel he is doing too little and demand quick patch solutions? We can only hope they realise that he is on the right track, and that quick fix solutions will only lead to more trouble further down the line.
If anyone can do it Mr Obama, I’m sure it’s you. Likewise I’m certain that you are under no illusion about the enormity of the task you have set for yourself. I respect your goals though, this change needs to occur. I wish you the very best of luck, you’re going to need it.
4 Comments
I agree with your thoughts, but Obama has to deliver what he promised or at least show the people he tried or he will open the doors even wider for racism. He has to set an example! He has a heavy burden on his shoulders. But make no mistake, he is the right man for the job. God bless him! Great piece.
Great points. Well taken from an American, whose thinking this is a charasmatic, very smart black man who systematically worked his way up the political ladder and beat his opponent for the biggest job out there…Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream”…came true last night when we elected the first black man the 44th president of the USA. He can not fail, otherwise were not apt to elect a second. He has to prove he was worthy, and not embarass his race, and take pot shots, and duck bullets, and fix the nation. He is going to be more scrutinized than Bushy. And don’t you know, he knows it. he feels the responsibility riding on his shoulders alone. So much is riding on his success. I think he can do it. If anyone can succeed Barack has rpoven he’s got the right stuff. so wish him well, cuz if he fixes us, he may just mend the world.
I enjoyed this work, it was a good read. As a Brit in Cyprus I was suprised by the hope of the Cypriots that Mr Obama would get into power, this is because he has shown an interest in the political situation of the North/ South divide here, so he has gained another country, so to speak, they are living in hope now.
When in office he will have to duck the bullets, putting it bluntly, he has to tidy up after the others, sort out the desk and work harder than any other American President, he has to prove racism isn’t behind the doors of The WH. I like his style and age, others say he hasn’t fought for his country like others before him, I feel his war starts on January 20th, he will fight to get pride back, financial power back and he will fight in the racial war. I do believe there will be one, sorry and sadly I feel this.
As a proud American, who proudly cast her vote for Mr. Obama, the questions you’ve brought up are valid. Yes, it will take Mr. Obama eight years to really bring about change. But I knew that when I cast my vote. I think Americans are ready to give him that chance. And as you said, if anyone can do it, he’s the man. And I’d really like to hear people replace the tired, overused word change that we were inundated with throughout Mr. Obama’s campaign, with the word HOPE! As always, enjoyed your article.