Unexpectedly Fascinating
I'll confess straight up that I am not American. I am an Australian watching the American election process from a distance. It has fascinated me unexpectedly. I am not particularly for or against any particular candidate. Quite frankly, I think they would all make enough of a difference to repair the mistakes of the current administration and calm the anxieties of the rest of the world.
John McCain
John McCain, no matter how democrats are going to define him in an election, is not a hard right conservative who will introduce another Bush term. Barack Obama has made this claim a number of times already and it is simply not true. We only have to look at John McCain's track record to realize this. His record reveals that he will do what he believes to be right and is willing to work with democrats to get things done. He is anti-torture and there is no way he could legitimately be described as pro-war.
McCain simply realizes that the die is cast and now that America is in Iraq they have to end what they began honorably. I have absolutely no problem with that. I personally think the lies that were told to go into Iraq and the corruption involved in profit making deals there, cast real doubts on the integrity of Bush, Cheney et al. However, having created such a pea soup, if America simply packs up and leaves Iraqis will be victimized further as religious individuals and groups vie for power. In fact, the whole region could potentially destabilize.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama has been fascinating to watch. The man is a born entertainer or perhaps he would be better described as a charismatic preacher. He has a commanding stage presence and people are uplifted and inspired by his words. Simply speaking, he makes people feel good. He speaks to people's discontent with their lives and the society they live in and promises change. Obama tells Americans that their country is broken and needs to be fixed but it can't be fixed by Washington Insiders since they are the ones who broke it (or at least made it worse).
Barack is currently carrying 92% of the African American vote but if anyone suggests that African Americans are voting for him because he is black, they are quickly jumped on as racist. In fact, he has so much popular appeal that any sort of reasonable criticism seems to be interpreted as "gutter politics." I can only wonder what Americans would think if they watched Australian parliament in operation or saw the sort of election advertisements that get run here. Criticizing one's opponent is par for the course and is expected rather than surprising.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton is another story. I have found her journey through the Democratic primary somewhat uncomfortable to watch. I have to admit that I am one of those people during the last seven years of the Bush administration who have been fondly longing for a return of the Clintons. And yes, I do see them as a team. Despite Bill's embarrassing behavior with Monica Lewinsky, he and Hillary represented the U.S. with dignity on the world stage. They didn't contribute to global instability or stomp all over other people (at least in any obvious fashion).
I admit I was not privy to American news and political commentary during the Clinton years so I probably didn't get a daily dose of negative press about them either. However, I am at a loss to understand the awful way that Hillary Clinton is often treated. Suggestions that by standing by her husband after the Monica Lewinsky affair Hillary demonstrated a lack of character absolutely shocked me. Her husband wasn't just anyone, he was the President of the United States. I'd think Americans would thank her for being so gracious and acting in the best interest of the country. What did they expect her to do? Storm out crying?
Hillary Clinton has actively worked for change throughout her career and she has a track record of success. She doesn't have the charismatic personality of Barack Obama but she can provide evidence of achieving the sorts of things he is aiming for. The problem she faces more than anything is that of credibility. There has been a concerted and long standing effort to tarnish her reputation and label her as a liar. She is also facing a greater challenge than either John McCain or Barack Obama - the glass ceiling.
Eighty percent of people in the Pennsylvania exit polls stated that gender was not a factor in their voting. I don't believe it. I think gender is a factor whether people are consciously aware of it or not. If a man can say or do things a woman cannot say or do without a negative response, then gender bias is present. If Hillary's eyes water they say she's breaking down and can't handle the pressure. If she comes across in a no nonsense and strong manner, she is characterized as unlikeable, even a bitch. If she makes strong arguments for her own candidacy and points out the flaws in Obama's, she is scoring cheap political points. Give me a break!
