Rethinking the American Electorate after an Obama Victory
We are on the cusp of a very special moment in the US. Barring extremely unusual or dramatically unforeseen circumstances, we are less than two weeks away from a great day for the United States as we definitively close the book on the dishonesty, incompetence, belligerence and ignorance which has characterized the Bush administration. Election Day will not just mean the end of almost a decade of dysfunctional Republican governance, but will also show that Americans are ready and anxious for progressive and thoughtful leadership.
November 4th will also be a great day for democracy as millions of people will join together and through the simple act of voting change their country and the world unequivocally and for the better. The world has rarely seen the people of any democracy rise up peacefully and send such a clear message. All those who don't believe that democracy can work or that voters are only driven by their baser instincts will have to wrestle with the message the people of our country will send on Election Day.
It ain't, as the famous American philosopher Lawrence Berra would say, over until its over, but if I may continue the baseball allusion, we are now up by a few runs with one out in the 9th and have Mariano Rivera on the mound. I recognize that, even the great Rivera blows a save every now and then and than in order to ensure victory we all have to continue to work, volunteer and, of course, vote, but having said that, I am going to address some of the often overlooked issues which an Obama victory would raise.
One of the great things about an Obama victory is that it will force a lot of people to rethink a lot of things. People outside the US who have bought into the appealingly reductive anti-Americanism rhetoric of recent years, will have to rethink some of their basic assumptions about our country. This will be particularly true among those on the European left who may want to stop and ask themselves what it tells them about the US, and their own countries, that somebody like Barack Obama will be our leader. Others in Europe and elsewhere who perhaps pay less attention to the US will have to rethink their view of the US as a conservative country which likes to elect cowboys and bubbas, as we have in recent years.
Right wingers in the US will have to revisit their assumptions about the inherent racism and conservatism of the American people as well as the power of wedge issues to divide people and lead them to vote on their fears. Emphasizing bizarre issues such as Obama's acquaintance with Bill Ayers, or calling Obama a socialist because of his notion that tax policy should not simply redistribute wealth upwards, failed to influence more than a few voter this time. This should suggest to the operatives of the right wing that they their cynical understanding of America can be trumped by a more affirming and progressive sentiment in the electorate.
It is, however, the American left which will have to do the most intriguing and challenging rethinking of basic assumptions when Obama wins. For years now a central piece of the progressive worldview is that progressives are enlightened Americans in a sea of their ignorant, bigoted and narrow-minded compatriots. If you don't believe my assertion, see how many times in the comments section of a progressive blog, Americans voters are referred to as ignorant or uninformed, or eavesdrop at any progressive coffee shop or other hangout. Opposition to progressive causes is often explained away by saying that Americans are bigots, or somehow stupid. This demonstrates an ugly contempt for voters, and in fact for democracy, that should have no place in progressive politics.
Nonetheless, this feeling of specialness is a central part of progressive identity for many. For example, the tone often used to express disbelief that Obama could win, particularly early in this campaign, was often a mixture of anger with racism and a sense of self-righteousness from the speaker for being above that racism.
November 4th will almost certainly show these beliefs to be the nonsense that they are. After November 4th, whenever somebody belittles the intelligence or tolerance of the American voter the proper response will be "What about when we elected Barack Obama?" I hope for many this will be understood to be a sign that American voters can be more progressive, enlightened and thoughtful than had previously been believed. Obama will win because willingness to vote for somebody who looks different, and whose name sounds unusual, simply because he is the best candidate, is no longer the province of elites or an educated minority. This may cause progressives to rethink much of what they thought they knew about America, but it seems a small price to pay for an Obama presidency.
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chickens, not hatched, shouldn't be counted. polls are tightening in some ... polls. Can't get arrogant now. just less than 2 weeks. after the election, if Obama wins, then we celebrate
Don't get too excited yet, Lincoln. Obama has had to work hard for what looks like a probable victory, after eight years of the worst president in U.S. history--and that's factoring in the extreme bungling of McCain's campaign and the Palin disaster.
Yes, this generational change will happen sooner or later. I just did a long piece on this yesterday for national media, how the political landscape has been dominated by people's attitudes toward communism, Vietnam, and the '60s, rehashed a million times over. That was clearly what Reagan was about, and it's what McCain's running on now. You'd think sooner or later people would realize that the packaging of Reaganism (the "I'll put a stop to those commies/ra
But I'm not sure an Obama win will prove that at all. I'd love to think that we're finally getting out of this obsessive look backward, refighting Vietnam in Iraq and anywhere else we decide to go, etc. But I really don't know. Power has a way of regenerating itself again and again in the same ways. The smart 25-year-olds of today may become the jaded, power-hungry multinational board-sitters of 20-30 years from now.
So we'll see. Your confidence in the American electorate far exceeds mine, it's safe to say.
You are right about one thing, everyone is going to rethink everything the first thing you need to rethink it is, who will be in charge of this administration what are their intentions? People are always saying that we don't know who Barack Obama is for me that is not the question. I'm believed we know who Barack Obama is what we don't know is who's idea is Barack Obama? Who are the people that really concieved and the ingenious idea to use Barack Obama as a political vehicle to move them into the White House. We have some idea what a a Romney, Giuliani,Biden, or Clinton administration may have looked like because platforms and campaign promises campaign demands made by constituents would have been apparent this group only promises hope and change and to end the war in Iraq. Mr. Lincoln other than getting someone who looks different a different sounding name on November 5 what will be waking up to?
Your worst nightmare: A return to government "of the People, by the People, for the People".
Politicians listening to their constituents past election day ? What a concept, they don't have time for such sillyness, on November 5th they will start the next daily round of dialing for dollars from their wealthy corporate donors.
You want to fix your out of control government ? Vote all the encumbents out of office on November 4th. Removing the 1/3 of Congress who hold law degrees would lead to an enomous improvement. Just remember, voting for the same people every time and expecting different results is a basic form of insanity. Just count the encumbants returned to office on November 4th and you'll have a crystal clear view of the next four years; next verse same as the first !
Before you laud the American public for its progressivism and leave a chocolate on the pillow, you need to look at the atmospherics which brought us to this moment.
If Obama is elected president, it is not because people disregard his race. It is because of his unique temperament, intelligence and perspicaciousness. If you think that every African-American will be regarded the same until he or she proves otherwise, it is a blatant denial of the fact that there is still entrenched in this nation vile racism.
Obama, if elected, will be a rarity, not set an example. In fact, the standard he sets may be so high that future minority candidats may find it insuperable. Such standards have not been applied to "white' candidates when we see the likes of Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and John McCain running for office.
It is apparent that America appreciates mediocrity in its "native sons." It looks for a giftedness in its minorities.
What you say is right on the money. Yes Barack is gifted and truly exceptional. I speak as a Brit who became a US citizen 15 years ago, so I can make comparisons between US and European politics. You're right, when elected Barack will set the bar at a giddy height. I find this to be intoxicating, for we need to ask this much of our leaders. How do we encourage future leaders of true quality to come forward? We must change our system. Obama has weathered a barrage of filth these past 2o months, and his supporters have felt deeply every cut. It's one thing for satirists to draw laughter at the expense of our champions, but in the future we must not condone or allow campaigns to slander and bring into disrepute the people we wish to represent us. Vet the candidates yes, thoroughly. No more Sarah Palins' please.
You are right again when you say that there is a double standard in that Obama's quality is way beyond that of Reagan, Bush and McCain However it's the nature of how a nation needs to grow, in order to rid itself of ignorance. The day that Barack walks into the White House a great stride will have been taken. From that day forward all people aspiring to high office will be required to be gifted. At the very least I pray that the days of a "W" will be over.
The mess that is on display in the American Presidential election, (where innuendo trumps fact and so the silliness of such as Palin becomes a horrifying reality) is not an indication of the inability of the American people or even the media. It is very probably a display of the inappropriate nature of the election itself, meaning the country is just too big for a single election to be conducted in a sensible manner.
It will be horrifying for Americans to acknowledge that perhaps the EU is showing the way; that America should split into separate States and that each elects a president who has to negotiate the future with others, and not only in America.
MidaFo, i know your frustration, but that should never be spoken nor ever be put to action! although America has great issues, but with the correct and knowledgeable people (OBAMA/BID
That is actually how Rome fell. They split up the republic under multiple emperors who, in the end, went after each other's power.
"People outside the US who have bought into the appealingly reductive anti-Americanism rhetoric of recent years, will have to rethink some of their basic assumptions about our country."
We will if something changes--and something might under Obama. Of course you won't mind if we wait at least until the election before we do your bidding?
Good old American presumptuousness! That never changes!
Considering what the polls are telling us, ONE THING we must NOT stand for this time, and that is the damned GOP rigging and stealing another election. There is no bottom to the well of Repug dirty tricks and no end to their scheming. WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS GARBAGE AGAIN! If McCain/Palin somehow wins, it's time for changes and time to hit the streets. This duo cannot be allowed to take power...un
And don't even think about some "SURPRISE" happening between November and the January Inauguration that allows Bush/Cheney to declare martial law and either cancel the election or declare some sort of martial law. Time for the bastards to go......FI
All these thugs belong in jail! NO EXCUSES THIS TIME! NO MORE!
Everything has to change and the change begins here. What has to change is the mindset that says that government and the power that we give that government has the right to cheat the taxpayers out of their money. What Americans need right now is equity from their government. We deserve to get back every dollar that we've paid in. This is in terms of the services and the actual reason itself for which government is necessary and that is to responsibly manage our money and not think of the Federal treasury as some kind of looting pool for the unscrupulous. The change that has to take place in America is that we the people have to take back our destiny from special interests that have the ear of Congress and the Administration. The same kinds of things go on in Europe in terms of the special interests no doubt. The answer is stop the wealthy in their mad pursuit of money Let them know that our Treasury is off limits once and for all to them. Money has to flow in order to be productive. The more money is in the people's hands the more productive our society becomes as that money is used to better the lives of all. The wealthy corrupt few want to drain us of all of our cash. It is a form of madness I think to pursue money for its own sake and not for the good that money can bring to all.
joekutz , be careful "THEY" may call you a communist! (smile). I cannot agree with you more! Now, how can we beging to teach compassion?
I cannot agree with you more.
Obama has Talked the Talk, the voters know it canand needs to be better that the last 8 years
The voters are Hoping the Hope, for the changes we need
Now,Obama must Walk the Walk and do what needsto be done. His tree ofruth will be the fruit that is bared.
Sorry, but I disagree with your assessment of progressives.
Sure, most liberals think that they are, as you say, in "a sea of their ignorant, bigoted and narrow-minded compatriots".
But it is far from true that most of us believe that this characterization applies to ALL, or even most, non-liberals. Nor is it believed that all liberals are exempt from the possibility of being ignorant, etc.
It's just that the ignorant, bigoted and narrow-minded (along with the people who exploit them) are what we talk about when we consider the problems our society currently faces.
Math is truth, I could not agree with you more. I am not the sharpest pencil in the box, and I could not stand up to the elite brainiacs, but I do believe that a progressive approach to policy as well as to address our crises, are more in line with historical trends and successes. Idiots live everywhere and if the election goes as expected, we will see many progressive liberal idiots over the coming years and then the pendelum will swing back unless we learn from history.
Sorry, it aint over until the Diebold machines sing. And McCain seems to know something we dont, no matter what the polls are saying. There is no way that Bush & Co can take even the slightest chance of a War Crimes indictment. Sorry but there will be no President Obama - stop dreaming.
The devils have already made plans for upto a Plan D, to cover for all eventualities.
I don't really buy into the fact that Americans are going to believe an Obama loss...how could Obama -- with all his money, all the voter enthusiasm he generates, all his competence -- do WORSE than Kerry? Sure maybe he won't get over 270 electoral votes but 270 is all he needs. McCain's campaign has been AWFUL and lots of Republicans openly talk about this fact. No one will believe it if Obama loses...no one .. not even the Republican intellectuals. Most everyone will say it was stolen...n
There will be a revolution in this country like never before!
Then there will be a revolution
Amen! and it will HAPPEN!
After November~4th, whenever somebody belittles the intelligence~or tolerance~of the American voter the proper response will be "What about when we elected Barack Obama?" - Lincoln Mitchell
But what of the nearly~half of the country that voted for more~of~the~same of the last 8~years and will do so again every~time~there is the opportunity to do so?? Do we just pretend that they do not live amongst us??
The progressive belief that ALL individuals are~well~i
Yes, maybe we should tone down our~resent
There is a dramatic circumstance that will very likely happen, but it is not or unforeseen and since it's already happened in the last two presidential elections it's not that unusual anymore. I'm talking about the outright theft of the Election. Greg Palast warned us this would happen in 2008 and showed us how they stole the 2004 elections. With voting machines flipping Democrartic votes to Republican votes in Virgina, we're seeing the shape of things to come. And if McCain does steal this election; as Sean Connery's charactor in the Untouchables asked, "What are you prepared to do about it?"
We will have to do something. This will not stand.
Mr. Mitchell - I hope you are correct about the change in the electorate. I hesitate to fully embrace this notion as a result of watching in horror as Americans elected right-wing, conservative presidents in 5 out of the last 7 presidential elections (Clinton's two terms are excluded here, although I would argue he was a moderate). My question - what took so flippin' long, and why did our once great nation have to come so very close to economic collapse for this enlightenment to occur?
Like Militant_Leftist, I hope (wistfully, I admit) that Lincoln Mitchell is on target. Let's face it, while enough American (voters) have enough residual common sense to finally hit the brakes before going off the cliff, but unfortunately not until after significant damage has been done.
And you've got to feel a bit of a chill going down your spine when people express pride in being a "dittohead" or call strong, independent women "Femi-Nazis" or yell "Kill him!" at a political rally. Or people who think "Bomb Bomb Bomb - bomb bomb Iran" or "Drill Baby Drill" are legitimate policy positions.
And finally, the attitude and misinformation efforts come more from the "right" than the "left". Who pushed to make the word "Liberal" a dirty word and code for Communist? Who worked overtime to portray educated and THOUGHTFUL people as "Elitists"? Who made it seem somehow unAmerican / unpatriotic to drive a (possibly foreign car - even if actually made here) that gets good mileage and suggests that Jesus would drive a gas-guzzling SUV or Hummer? Or even worse, eat arugula (or even know what it is!)
I'm not saying both parties don't have dirty hands.Let'
Right wingers will "revisit their assumption
The failed Karl Rovian campaign redux proves that the right wing has learned nothing after the abject failure of the Bush Administration, and does not care to learn anything. They have Christian neocon tunnel vision that is second in monomania only to Muslim terrorists, from whom they are distinguished only by the level of violence to which they resort to impose their intrangient ideology on everyone else.
After Obama is elected, the will do exactly what they did after Clinton was elected: try to overturn the election will endless plots to find or manufacture impeachable offenses.
There will be two huge differences this time around, however. One, the majority of the electorate has seen through their tactics and empty, hypocritical message, and has grown weary of them. Two, Obama is not the the fatally flawed person Clinton was, and has scant skeletons in his closet or uncontrolled passions to be exploited.
The right wingnuts, however, will never disappear. The best that can be hoped for is that they will become reduced to the obscure lunatic fringe minority they have always really been, and deserve to be regarded by the majority.
I have cut and pasted that into my file of wonderful statements.
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