The White House Marathon

 

In a glance at the history of democracy in the United States, we will find out that it has been formed after two centuries and based on principles such as capitalism, constitutionalism, and secularism etc. Each of these goals features have been attained through a taxing process. Although the contemporary United States enjoys economic, technological, political, and international achievements, and has recorded great victories in the history, it is currently facing serious crises in domestic affairs, national, and international security.

 

In his “Democracy in America”, De Tocqueville, the well-known French philosopher and sociologist who had lived in the United States for years, states that social protests in Europe and some other countries turn into social revolutions, but in the United States social protests are manifested in elections. These protests can be now seen on the global scene too.

 

The other important point is that in the last two decades and following various developments, it has become clear that Americans look for reform and transformation in their domestic and foreign policy. Before we move on to different social layers in the United States and have an international and outside look on the country, it is important to know that 4^th of November 2008 is one of the most momentous political days for both the United States and the world and we should know that what demands, whether domestic or foreign, ballot boxes face.

 

What is important inside America includes issues such as economy, health and medicine, employment, and national security. Of course the priorities differ in each state. For example, immigration is a matter of concern for some states while for other states, with more educated population, abortion and stem cells are overriding.

The United States’ foreign policy is involved with matters such as trans-Atlantic ties, ballistic missiles, Russia, China’s flourishing economy, democracy crisis in the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, Arab-Israeli peace process, Lebanon, Iran, and Pakistan, each of which can affect the presidential elections of United States, as noticeable in the case of Iran which has been influential in election of Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr.

 

Here I do not want to discuss about the United States’ electoral system, college delegates’ vote etc, but I want to draw economic, political, national, and global security issues forward and analyze the current state of the elections.

Since 7 or 8 months ago, Bush has decided to focus his attention on economic affairs instead of the matter of Iraq, and state that economy is America’s key priority. Meanwhile, 73% of the Americans believe that the country economy is not currently in good conditions. The leading candidates of elections, i.e. Clinton, Obama, and McCain have focused on cutting taxes, creating new jobs, and reducing expenses of the government in domains such as war.

 

But the most important thing about this election is the unique situation it has put the Americans into and two historic events; one the candidacy of a woman, and the other, the candidacy of an Afro-American, both of which are welcomed by people.

Obama’s slogans are accepted by people. He believes that fundamental, and not superficial, changes must occur in Washington’s out-dated policies. His successive victories, especially his recent victory in Washington convey distinct signs.

 

Hillary Clinton’s position compared with Obama’s is also a special one. She is using her husband’s card, who was one of the most popular presidents of the United States, and she has a high chance of success. On the other hand, in Republicans’ camp, McCain has defeated neo-cons and he knows himself as the representative of a group of conservatives.

He, too, has won massive vote and also he has gained the support of George Bush, which is also a rare event. I don’t want to predict which candidate is going to win the election, but I believe that every winning party has to substantially change its strategies if it aims to sustain friendly relationships with American citizens.

 

The presence of a young figure like Obama with his eloquence, high skill in communication, high political intelligence, and opposition to the war has made many to believe that he has a strong chance to win the election. When it comes to a choice between Obama and Clinton, American evangelists will choose Obama.

 

Although McCain possesses half of the votes of electors, but since he is a supporter of war, gay rights, and abortion, he’s got opponents even inside the party and they judge him as a liberal politician. The other concern about him is the military background he and his family come from, which may reinforce America’s military tendencies. His hawkish attitude towards Middle East affairs doesn’t head off chances of military conflict in this region.

Some call him a warmonger president and believe that his experience and records relate to the period he served in the army. In case of his victory, there’s a possibility that the number of American troops in Middle East increases.

As it has been said about the Democrat candidates, the victory of any case will set a new record in history and American citizens will not oppose any developments. The Harvard-graduate Obama, a former lawyer, has been more successful than Clinton in raising campaign funds.

 

While Obama and Clinton have managed to raise 100 million dollars so far, last week they raised 32 and 13 million dollars respectively. Obama has a charismatic character, he has been against wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and now he holds the winning card, claiming that the previous politicians have not acted successfully. First, they must put an end to war in Afghanistan and then, they have to find solutions for problems in Iraq. He thinks that today they are observing the dangerous consequences and reality of the war.

Hillary Clinton, taking advantage of her husband’s popularity and support of the Jewish lobbies, has managed to attract the support of the states of California and New York.

From the total votes counted so far in 13 states, Clinton has gained 1104 votes and Obama 1085. Other surveys reveal interesting results: 44% for McCain against 47% for Obama 47% and 46% for McCain against 41% for Clinton.

 

In another survey Americans had been asked about the candidate they favor. The results show 58% for Obama, 51% for McCain, and 52% for Clinton. On the candidates they disfavor the answers are: Obama 31%, McCain 36%, and Clinton 44%.

A survey conducted among Caucasian Americans, revealed that McCain polls 56% of the votes, against 41% of Clinton. In general, Obama has a better situation compared with Clinton, but Hillary Clinton has more political influence because of the political background of her husband and herself.

Obama, who believes that he can band the Americans together, has challenged his contender both in foreign diplomacy and economic affairs. This may be a cause of people’s inclination towards him.

 

Anyway, there’s a shoulder-to-shoulder contest among three candidates from two parties: McCain, Obama, and Clinton. But it can not be said with certainty that which Democrat candidate can defeat the other. Republicans are pleased with having the vote of Caucasian Americans and those who oppose the idea of a female president, but at any rate it seems that the Democratic Party holds a better position than its opponent, due to the Republicans’ policies.

 

Since the candidacy of is almost certain in the Republican camp and the Democrats have a long way to select their candidate, through which the Obama and Clinton weaken each others’ position, the Republicans have more time to promote their candidate’s plans among Americans. However, we can’t have a certain judgment currently.