I wrote this note last week before knowing about Iowa caucus’s result. Today is the day of New Hampshire primary vote. We are looking forward to learn about the results of “Super Tuesday” and so on. It is too soon to even predict who actually will be the parties’ candidates. But I like to write down my thought here and see what will happen.
I am not a political analyst or even activist. But for some reason that back to my personal experiences I can see somehow the Nov 5th 2008 headlines (Election Day will be Nov 4th 2008).
Republican candidate John McCain now holds only a slight lead, down from an advantage of almost 5000 votes. Democratic candidate Barack Obama in a statement congratulated the winner of the race. Democratic National Committee Chairman in a separate statement asked all of stakeholders including Supreme Court to think about some modifications in the Electoral College System and asked for a change in this regime. Last night Hynes Convention Center in Boston was full of thousands of democratic supporters who shouted and sometimes crying in supporting Senator Obama, the candidate of change.
That’s too pesimistic! Afterall, history never repeats itself, at least to the precision explained. The interesting fact is that I was also in the Haynes Convention Center in 2000, for the American Public Health Association Conference, when the Bush Gore thing was going on!
Syamak,
The scenario you imagined is so unfortunate and sad. It may or may not come true. But, what is important is that democratic fans don’t go after those who claim they will win since they are experienced and know how the system works and etc. I have heard some say they would vote for Clinton although their heart go with Obama only because they believed he wouldn’t won against the republican counterpart. I personally hate this type of argument. this is a deadly move from the beginning. Now, that I am seeing people support Obama makes me feel very honored that human beings are not too political inside and still go for “risk” when it is worth it.
Thanks for your wonderful blog.
Dear Banafsheh,
Thanks for your comment; this is a historical moment in American history, a country of hope, only in America a Kid from a Kenyan father and an American mother can stand for presidency, so see what will happen in the end of the day.
Syamak
Yes, the election will be close, with Obama and McCain as the leading candidates. McCain is a known quantity already, so let’s see what Obama will say of substance. If Obama wins, he will have a somewhat difficult time, because his political machine is just starting up. McCain would have an easier time of it, his party (and political allies ) are already established in government.
Hi Marianne,
Thanks for your comment; also I think if Obama wants to actually practice his promises in order to do an extensive reform and change in the current policies it would be very hard to deliver bacause of extensive stakeholders and a natural powerful resistance in any system for this kind of change.
Syamak
Syamak,
If Obama wins, perhaps the new climate would be similar to the Bill Clinton presidency. He had a struggle with the Republican Congress and had a difficult time carrying out reforms.
At least the Congress is a little greater than 50% Democratic than Republican nowadays.
Marianne
To Banafsheh,
While the notion of having a young, handsome, well-spoken president is exciting, experience cannot be downplayed. Experience, judgement and character are very important for such a high position of power. A leader lacking in these qualities could result in disaster for the country.
Obama’s lack of experience is evident in his statement that as the president he would be willing to meet with Ahmadinejad.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-09-24-1364154241_x.htm
As an Iranian-American, I do not consider Ahmadinejad someone who qualifies or meets the preconditions to meet with the President of the United States. Another example of what lack of experience could cause is Michelle Obama’s gaffe regarding being proud for the first time as a U.S. citizen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYY73RO_egw&feature=related
The Obamas are not bad people, but their lack of experience, as evidenced by these references, might cause them to make misinformed decisions.