The high-speed transfer of information in today’s world is a determining factor for technological improvements, business undertakings, and day-to-day communications. Many a time, this rapid yet necessary transfer of information can have broad consequences ranging from making or breaking business deals to the saving of lives in the farthest corners of the world. The “knowledge is power” truism is more relevant than ever in today’s cohesive social structure as more and more people are starved for varying sorts of information. People realize its substantial potential and appreciate the advantages of knowing as opposed to the downsides of being left in the dark.
One of the most important skills taught today is teaching people where to find key information. Most higher learning institutions have turned their focus towards turning out students with this important transferable skill as we have reached the stage where there is too much information to be taught during a degree. With increasing specialization across all fields, the depth and quantity of information has increased dramatically within the last few decades ensuring that the most important skill graduates require is the ability to know where to look, rather than know without looking. Of course, value is still placed on knowing facts and basics of all professions but with the amount of opinion and research in all fields, it is now more important to be able to know where to find what you need and find it quickly. It is this skill that has become a defining job requirement and the difference maker in the careers of many professionals.
That is why it is essential for one to know where the information needed is potentially located. However, to do that one will need to be aware of the many sources of information out there. Also, a basic understanding of global events and how information is processed is essential. Conventional (i.e.: books, encyclopaedias, journals, etc) and alternative (i.e.: search engines, wikis, social networks, etc) sources of information and knowledge are becoming increasingly diversified and specialised to meet ever-changing needs. An adept ability to effectively search both mediums requires much practice and practical ability. Such ability is garnered through constant updates about world events, which helps build a fundamental underpinning of key concepts in our world. This foundation of understanding, which includes knowledge about politics, economics, and social issues, is vital to the effective application of any information.
Information, while great on its own, is even more powerful when applied to real-world situations and adapted in such ways to provide solutions to problems. That is the most common application of all information; it is analyzed and digested so it can be used as part of solutions to potential or actual problems. It is this application that produces real-time results in today’s world. The use of information and knowledge from the simplest to the most complex problems has produced the solutions to many of yesterday’s problems and this reoccurring trend is what produces the highly yearned technological advancement our world craves. A great example of this is the stock market. Information, and lots of it, is always relayed quickly and people who act on this fastest and efficiently end up with the biggest wins. Just like the stock market, it is the management of information that is a defining factor in how significant it can be. Hence, it is evident that progress in today’s world is based on the application of information and the quicker it can be found, processed and effectively applied, the faster new technology, studies, and results appear.
Now, it is amply clear how critical a role information plays in today’s world. That is why we need to learn skills that help us find information as well as know the best ways to apply it. In order to do that, we need to constantly be updated about world events as well as have a fundamental understanding of factors that influence those events. Elementary knowledge about politics, economics, technology, and a variety of social issues is essential in ensuring that innovating applications for new and vast amounts of information is found. Not everyone needs to be an expert in all fields and always up-to-date about all happenings in the world. That is not what I preach or suggest is a practical way towards living a fulfilled life. However, I do suggest it is imperative that some information about world events as well as basic knowledge about social issues, the two stepping stones towards developing the skills required to be successful in the 21st century, are vital to developing social awareness.
Photo by mojoey
Proposition 8 is a famed State constitutional measure proposed to voters in California this past November 4th. The measure revokes a recently approved amendment to the State constitution that gives homosexual couples the right to marry and enjoy the legal rights marriage conveys. However, California voted “yes” on Prop 8 thus launching a series of legal questions. Since many homosexual couples, including famed celebrities, had taken advantage of the new law and married soon after the original amendment was passed, what happens now that this right has been rescinded? Moreover, with a new political wave of change winning the day, how was it possible that this measure garnered enough support?
Firstly, the notion that previous legal gay marriages should be dissolved needs to be dismissed straight away. Laws are usually not passed retroactively, thus the status of current gay married couples should and will remain unchanged. Legal procedures in California confirms this as do many State legal experts who believe the measure, though it could, will not be passed retroactively. There are some voices, though, who suggest the interpretation of the language in Prop 8 to imply that any same-sex marriage will be viewed as illegal. That is highly unlikely to according to even the Attorney General of the State. However, one thing that is set in stone is that other gay couples will not be able to marry since it will now be illegal under the new measure. Therefore, a situation will exists where some gay couples are legally married in a State where gay marriage is illegal. This not only creates disparity within the legal system but also some confusion to lay people as to their rights and freedoms. There are already attempts to fight the ban through the legal system. Actions have been brought through the State courts claiming the measure is too close to a fundamental shift of rights and should be deemed unconstitutional. There is a desire to establish a precedent where a majority cannot take away rights from a minority, a precedent that many would agree would have significant positive legal consequences. However, many lawyers and legal experts see this as having little chance of succeeding in the courts. Therefore, the ban will most likely be upheld and confirmed leaving the State with a precarious legal position. More importantly, this creates a deep social divide within the state.
That brings up the question of how Prop 8 passed in the first place. With Barack Obama winning a national election on a promise of change while riding a liberal agenda geared towards changing social values, how was it possible for the measure to pass in a “blue” state that chose Obama? In my opinion, religion, age, and a small degree of discrimination were determinant factors in why this turned out the way it did. First, it is a known fact that religion plays a great role in American politics. Therefore, traditional religious groups who see marriage as only sacred between a man and a woman had a significant influence in how people voted. An important note here is that over 70% of black voters who voted for Obama also voted for Prop 8. Traditional African-Americans are brought up in the Church and see homosexuality as a sin. An influential Mormon community also funded over half of the financial support pro-Prop 8 groups received. Clearly, Obama’s core support group did not translate in votes against the measure. Furthermore, exit polls show a great disparity between how young and older voters. Younger and more naturally liberal voters voted overwhelmingly against the measure while more traditional and conservative older voters evidently voted for it. Obama’s main driving force in the national election, youth, was not enough to gain the “against” votes needed. Lastly, I believe there is still a degree of discrimination against homosexuality entrenched within our social conscience. The quest for homosexual equality has not been on our agendas as a society for too long a time and therefore it is still an issue that harbours much resentment.
It is clear that American political ideals have not fundamentally shifted towards the left, a shift that many would be quick to assume following Obama’s overwhelming victory. Similar measures also passed throughout the country showing that gay marriage is still a thorny issue for many. As time passes and tolerance and acceptance become growing traits in future generations, one day, some believe not too far into the future, the issue of gay marriage will not be an issue at all. However, today it is not widely considered an issue of equality but a moral and religious dilemma. Just as civil rights took many decades to develop and be accepted, so will gay rights.
The Social Verdict has received its 2nd official contribution. This is credited to Elizabeth Duan.
Photo By jen and joe
To say that November 4th 2008 was a day on which history was made would be an understatement. The word ‘history’ implies that this day will be spoken about for generations to come, that it will be written in the textbooks of American history students and that it will go down as one of the greatest moments in the 21st Century. Whilst all of the above are amazing achievements in themselves and will no doubt happen, the true impact that Barack Obama has left in his supporters is one that goes far beyond the history books. It is the inspiration that Obama has aroused – the inspiration to go after one’s goals and to believe that there are no limitations in the era that we live in – that the history books will never fully capture in writing.
His campaign of change delivered a message that anything is possible and it is the embodiment of this message in every person who has been inspired by Obama that will mark him out amongst other influential figures in history. It is in the psyche of the single mother who goes back to college in the hopes of having a better future for her children and the belief of the college graduate embarking on graduate school despite a mountain of debt; it is to those people that Obama’s message of self-belief will come to fruition. And this is what I regard to be Obama’s greatest achievement on his way to the White House: his power to inspire people to believe in the courage of their convictions and the audacity of their dreams.
What Obama has achieved stands as a bold slap in the face to anyone who doubts that anything is possible. He tapped into the very fabric in which American ideology is woven and kept that ideology at the heart of his campaign. The American Dream that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance is not limited to America. It is a universal ideology that stretches to all corners of the world. Obama is a man who not only made his own dreams come true but the dreams of countless other African Americans before him and on November 4th 2008 he proved the sky is the limit. This is the reason that we are each able to identify with Obama for his achievement signals that self-doubt is the only thing that stands in the way of greatness.
I will be the first to admit that I am a member of the younger generation that Obama has inspired to take an interest in politics and I have followed this election as if I had a vote in it. Whilst watching Obama’s victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, I realised that the people gathered in that park had not only made history by electing Obama as president but that they had made the decision to do something that was greater than themselves, to make a difference. So, that was the moment when I understood that the quest to fulfilling a dream carries with it so much more than a sense of individual achievement. It is the means by which we convey who we are to the world and in consequence appreciate the importance of social worth, of contributing and of leaving a mark on society.
So whilst others will remember Obama’s victory in terms of his flawless campaign, his historic victory or his amazing oratorical skills, what I will take away and believe in even more will be the message he reinforced with three simple words: Yes We Can.
Barack Obama spoke to over 240 000 people in Chicago after winning his historic bid for the US Presidency. This article takes a look at his remarkable victory speech.
Photo by Wa-J
“Yes we can” are the words that the whole world woke up to the day after the results of the American election. Played over and over in news outlets and on the internet, Barack Obama’s inspiring phrase has the potential to one day eclipse Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream”. His words were that powerful. With a refrain taken from doctor King himself, a charisma Kennedy mastered, and a charm only Reagan portrayed, Obama produced a riveting oratory spectacle. Not only did he produce a captivating delivery but his message carried an underlying theme few expected with the celebratory mood. However, those who know him best say that is typical; his steady and even-keeled nature ensures nobody ever gets carried away. His we-us-ours mantra, consistent throughout his campaign, is different than a typical politician’s approach. But Obama is not your typical politician. This speech came as a final nail in the coffin to a carefully but perfectly constructed image founded on strong, considerate, and inspiring leadership.
Obama came across as calm and composed, someone ready for a challenge. Everything about the speech from the historic location to strategic aesthetic choices to the specific language chosen produced the desired overall presidential atmosphere. Relaxed and stoic, a trademark of Obama’s demeanour during speeches, he began by reflecting on the historic nature of the result. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer”. He thanked Senator McCain and continued thanking his family, campaign team, and supporters. He then quickly took the steam out of everyone’s cheers. He shifted tone from festiveness to thoughtfulness and introspectiveness. “For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime.” He spoke about the problems and challenges his country faces and how hard it will be to overcome them. He then took a page out of Martin Luther King’s famous refrain with “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there”. This was the genius of his speech. From the onset of his first steps as President-Elect, he did one thing he needed to do straight away. He began lowering expectations and reigning in realism.
“This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.” And with that, he defined what the change he campaigned for isn’t. He kept up the inspiring concept that got him elected by leaving his message of change undefined while also maintaining that this was just the beginning of a long and grueling path. “There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can’t solve every problem” He then did something that Kennedy did when he took office. He challenged the people and called his citizens into public service. “It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.” This call to duty is a sign that the change the country seeks needs every person to be part of it, not just one man. He went on and faced realism head-on by acknowledging the divisiveness of the country. “As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends.” He then promised to be a president of all Americans and work hard even for all those that didn’t vote for him, all 48 million of them, but he needs their help as well. He briefly talked about foreign policy in figurative terms and went on to tell the story of a 106 year old voter. The defining moments of the speech followed. Highlighting the extraordinary historical occurrences of the last century, he followed each one with “yes we can”.
“And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.”
With that, President-Elect Barack Obama concluded with the staple of the American dream, a dream that should be a global one: “out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can”. And they sure did.
Photo by Barack Obama (Flickr)
Americans went to the polls and elected their first black President. President-elect Barack Obama handily won both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote in the US election yesterday. He carried the majority of swing-states and battleground states, winning 3 of the 4 largest states in the country as well as stealing many traditional “red” states. In 2000, Obama could not get to the Democratic National Convention. Five years ago, he was elected the first black Senator and two years ago launched a presidential campaign as an unknown who many said would not make any impact even on the Democratic nomination. Today, he is the President-elect of the United States of America.
In what was a historic day for the Democratic Party as not only did it win the presidency, it also increased its majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In a long day of frustrated voters complaining about long line-ups at voting booths, it is a clear sign that a shift in values that took place two years ago when the Democrats won the respective legislative majorities was not a one-time mistake. A significant shift in political views was confirmed as Democrats had a good day across the board.
After a long and drawn out battle with fellow Democrat Hilary Clinton, many doubted his chances of defeating a long-standing and respected member of the Republican Party. Many of Hilary’s supporters said they would rather not vote or even vote for McCain than vote for Obama. Further, a frosty relationship with the Clintons and his decision to not even consider her as a running mate further dented his image in the eyes of many. However, his choice for Vice President in the end proved to be a good decision. He ran a flawless national campaign based on a steady issue-focused campaign. His political instincts delivered great decisions time and time again throughout the campaign as his responses to personal attacks, the financial crisis, and refusal to go negative on character delivered great political results. When he began leading in the polls, he focused on building up that lead and maintaining it. He was steady through the debates and always did enough to win and purposely kept the rhetoric down until the end. His calmness and steadiness throughout the campaign has led him toward this historic final outcome.
The historic nature of this campaign cannot be underestimated. Some will believe this will be an overestimation of the potential impact of this victory. An outpour of emotion in the media is to be expected as many, both Republicans and Democrats, realize how big of a step this was for not only America, but the entire world. This victory represents a transformational change in American politics, a generational change in social values, and a historic moment that proves anything is possible. Many of the greatest American presidents have been transformational figures, from Lincoln to FDR. A youth movement gave America President John F. Kennedy. A generational movement today gave America President Barack Obama, a transformational and transcendental symbol for the entire world.
This moment will also prove a significant shift in American reputation world wide. The country that elected President Bush twice has learned from its mistakes and has given Obama the opportunity to hold the coveted position of “leader of the free world”. Not only does it represent a move in line with the world towards progressive policies, Obama’s victory also strengthens the world famous “American dream”. He will also have the opportunity to follow in President Clinton’s footsteps, as the last Democratic President, and follow-up on the goodwill and impeccable image he left behind. The symbol of hate towards America will have gone and replaced by a young and driven President who promises many things that the entire world would like to see happen. America’s image experienced a massive boost with this historic movement.
The expectations placed on President Obama will be outstanding. His constant promise of change, grand promises of sweeping reforms in many fields, as well as the presumptuous nature of voters will result in many people being disappointed regardless of his performance. Obama himself has raised the bar high and many people have raised it even higher for him as they interpreted his promises and mantra of change as they wished. The American people expect him to follow up on substantive promises. The world expects drastic changes in American foreign policy and conduct. Further, everyone wants a leader capable of following up his historic nation-wide movement who will transform it into a new world order. Many, if not most, of these expectation are heavy enough to ensure any man, including Obama himself, will crumble underneath them. Only time can tell whether Obama can be the President the world needs.
As images of Oprah, Rev. Jesse Jackson and many others crying in Chicago during Obama’s victory address, it was clear that, for many, today was a very special day, a day Martin Luther King spoke of in his last speech before his tragic death. The first person born after the civil rights movement to become President is a black man, a true testament of how far America and the world has come in the quest towards racial equality. The Republicans severely misunderstood who the average “Joe” in America is. The face of America is more diverse, tolerant, and intelligent. The Latino vote, the Black vote, the Youth vote really shook the current political order to the core and after almost two hard years of battle, a new leader emerged, Barack Obama. Is this the beginning of a movement or the end of a historic step?
The first ever submission to The Social Verdict is here and it is a direct response to the a previous article titled The World Needs a President Obama. The author wished to remain anonymous so there will be no BY line. Big thanks to the author. Feel free to comment and keep the posts coming!
Ideals aside, a President Obama will not solve the world’s problem
These are curious times. America faces big problems and a big choice. Whether it is Obama or McCain, the victor will be faced with an uphill challenge. It is an uncontested fact that America is not moving in the right direction. Further, and perhaps more debatable, where America leads, the rest of the world usually follows.
For conceptual clarity, the terms “Obama” and “President Obama” will be used interchangeably. There is no need to distinguish the two. If Obama does not become President, then the argument will go no further. The holding of power is a staple requisite. Alternatively, if he is elected, he will be expected to use his personal abilities so to meet the Presidential ideas demanded of him.
Let us start on a practical level. If Obama is to attempt to resolve some of the world’s problems, then surely his first task will be putting America back on track. Clearly, there is no point arguing he can resolve global issues if he cannot deal with the raw issues at home. This is, after all, his electoral mandate. With this in mind, let us examine some of the issues he faces.
Firstly, Wall Street is not in a settled place. Irresponsible lending by institutions such as Fanny Mae and Freddie Mack provide the foundations for trouble. It is simple logic that if creditors cannot get their investments back, this will ultimately lead to the downfall of the creditor. The problem is further amplified by inter-lending between financial institutions in a frivolous manner. As one financier said, it has not been uncommon for no one to know who was in charge of a debt, or who was actually holding the assets in question. The complexities of the financial crisis are not in issue here. However, we have outlined the problem America faces, and as such, a problem which a President Obama would need to rectify.
The next problem is the American housing market. Coupled to the liberal lending ideology, house builders could not resist the urge of throwing up thousands of houses to make a quick profit. But what is the point of building a house? Surely the answer is to provide a home for individuals. The common phrase that something is said to be “as safe as houses”, does not hold true if we forget this basic principle. In America, house building has become a money making tool. Supply now outstrips demand. The house market has become knotted with the financial market. Potential home owners do not buy houses because they cannot get the capital. Coupled to this, the very companies depended on a housing bubble can no longer get the credit, nor can they sell the houses they have built. The result is collapse.
A third and perhaps most important problem is a downturn in the American economy. Today it was announced on BBC news that there are fears one of America’s car giants will fail. Buying new expensive purchases, such as cars, are hardly high on the list of the average American in light of the circumstances. These “icons of the American dream” are on dodgy ground, having proved less successful against their Japanese rivals over the last ten years they may not survive the credit crunch “tsunami”. Uncertainty is not only common at the top, workers too are worried. Boeing workers, worried about their future job prospects and outsourcing to China have caused revenue to fall by nearly ten percent at the company. These America icons are looking shaky, and whilst it would be too far to argue that America’s global economic dominance is under threat, they are not representing the “American dream” in the way they have previously.
Evidently a President Obama has some big problems to solve. But according to the author, he may be able to solve them. After all, there is “no force that can stand up against fierce determination, passionate desire, and gut-wrenching hard work”. Obama can walk on water too, so rectifying a “tsunami” sized credit crunch shouldn’t be too challenging.
What should be obvious from our brief exploration of key American problems is that Obama cannot and will not solve them. Obama cannot solve the financial crisis single handily. The financiers don’t even know where the assets are located. He cannot solve the oversupply in the housing market, and he cannot exert enough individual force to turn the economy around. Things are in equilibrium and things must play out. The excesses of ten years cannot be crossed out, merely by placing a cross in the ‘Obama box’.
A counter may be propounded. No one is claiming that Obama can solve these problems. Rather Obama represents an ideology which the world needs. His overwhelming capability will mean other leaders will be “armed” with “innovating ideas and solutions” to face the problems individually. Through this, he will implement the change necessary to both the world and America back on track.
Unfortunately this response cannot work either.
Firstly, a President Obama has no basis to found such an ideology. As the most powerful world leader, he will be faced with great and new challenges. Electoral rhetoric, promise and spin all sound great, but until attempted execution of these promises, his leadership ability cannot be ascertained. Moreover, if we are forced to accept Obama cannot resolve the current downward trend, he will have a very slim basis to claim such an ideology.
On a practical level, if (as the author claims), the European Union, Russia and China are in politically resurgent positions; they are unlikely to accept solutions from a representative of a state which has “slipped down” the global ranks.
Secondly, and most crucially, it will have been noticed the problems Obama faces in America are not just specific to America. They are global. Take Britain. We are facing a similar credit crunch, largely because the banking system is interlinked. Northern Rock has recently been nationalised, and the treasury has announced an enormous rescue package for the purpose of saving other lenders. Like America, our housing market is in free fall, and similarly our economy is looking shaky. It can be said with certainty that similar problems are faced in Germany, Iceland and elsewhere around the world.
Obama cannot solve America’s problems. It is not proven that he can lead the world to its desired solutions, or that they will bother to listen. We cannot claim, therefore, that the world needs him. Where America leads, the rest of the world follows. Currently that is, and will remain downwards.
There is one last irony to address. The writer argues that a President Obama could reduce prejudice and polarization. He shall create a shift akin to that of Martin Luther King. Tolerance should prevail, and the mighty shall not prevail over the weak. In a daring assertion, the writer points out that Obama shall “lead the way towards a new world order”.
This is all sizzle and no substance. In Britain we have experienced this. In 1997, we had our own “Obama”. Tony Blair. On his political ascendancy he was heralded as someone who would bring change. He would solve both our social problems at home, and further lay the foundations for a cohesive world. True, his work with Israel and Palestine on the Middle East Peace Process was proactive and largely positive. But do not forget Blair’s other great legacy; war with Iraq. This is not to argue that Obama will precipitate war. Rather, to argue that politicians who appear to represent peace and prosperity may not live up to their expectations. Even the most positive ambitions may be curtailed by the realities of office and power.
Unity, coherence and fairness are easy values to preach, but they are almost impossible to bring about either nationally or internationally, especially where states are under severe pressures. We only need to look at the battle between Iceland and the UK over protection of investor deposits. In particular, the UK took the extreme and aggressive measure of invoking the Crime Prevention and Terrorism Act to freeze landsbanki’s assets in this country.
America is in dream and will remain so for the next couple of weeks. There are those who are already sold, cheering enthusiastically at the democratic conference, believing in change. Even those who are yet to decide are likely to get caught in the spin of the next few days. If there is an election of a black president this will undoubtedly be groundbreaking and a perfect signal of equality. Yet overall, we should exercise caution. The world does not need Obama because he cannot create the change he preaches. The realities of the last ten years must play out of their own accord. Vacuous ambition and promise, backed with little proof of success will not be enough to solve them.
I am not an American citizen and therefore did not have any implication in the incredibly hyped event on November 4th, 2008. Yet, as a citizen of the world, I was highly interested in this election because it will have many consequences, some more severe than others, in most corners of the world. The economic, political, and social influence of the coveted presidency of the United States cannot be underestimated since many decisions made in the Oval office often have international repercussions that are sometimes impossible to foresee. The ripple effect of such decisions is often very extensive and with the current socio-political landscape of the world, combined with the recent global economic downturn, the United States needs to provide the world with its next great president.
Humanity is in search of a great leader who is capable of rallying other world leaders around him and arming them with innovating ideas and solutions to the many problems we face. The world needs a transcendental figure that can invigorate youths all across the world and motivate them to become conscious world citizens who will strive to make a positive impact. The world needs a generational passing of the torch with a paradigm shift in ideology and values. The world needs change it can believe in. The world needs President Barack Obama.
A President Obama would be a symbolic figure that will forever serve as a reminder to anyone across the planet that race should never prevent anyone from achieving their ambitions. There is no force that can stand up against fierce determination, passionate desire, and gut-wrenching hard work. A President Obama would be the standout personification of that ideal truly proving the famous Adidas slogan: impossible is nothing.
He has proven he can attract young people with a charm not seen since the Kennedy brothers. Today’s young will be tomorrow’s leaders and only with the proficient and pioneering abilities of these leaders will the world’s upcoming critical problems be solved. These young minds need to be brought together, united, and groomed to develop into the leaders we will need. This current generation has no leader that can provide such guidance and leadership. With a President Obama, imminent attraction of great young minds is inevitable.
Photo by gwen
Even without the title of president, Obama has proven he is capable of leading a generational change in mentality. A President Obama would lead the charge towards more unity rather than polarization, understanding rather than ignorance, and tolerance rather than prejudice. Such shifts in values happen every so often throughout history and it is time one happen again. The most recent profound shift in American values that had a great impact on the world was led by the remarkable Martin Luther King and the inspirational Kennedy brothers. A President Obama can follow in their footsteps and lead the way towards a new world order; one not determined by the power of the mighty and the ability to wage war against the helpless, but one rooted in the belief that only through unity and cooperation of nations can global issues have permanent solutions.
America has suffered a sudden drop from its previously held position as a dominant yet benevolent global superpower. With the increasing global influence of the European Union, the resurgence of a defiant Russia, economic tensions with China, and the constant threat of terrorist violence, America cannot afford to slip any further down the ranks of influential nations. The world needs a strong nation who can provide guidance and show how peaceful conflict resolution is the better alternative to waging war, a nation who will lead by example and not be accused of hypocrisy, a nation where any person is capable of achieving their dreams through honesty, dedication, and hard work. The United States can be that nation as it still maintains enough leverage in the world where it can regain its previous standing as a global leader. Obama’s political ideology, founded on principles of democracy and egalitarianism, seems to be in step with the direction of world affairs as progressive political dogma has recently reigned supreme in many developed nations. A President Obama, the embodiment of the American dream itself, would therefore be in prime position to provide the world with the benevolent and exemplary superpower it so desperately needs.
It is amply clear that not only America, but the entire world, needs a President Barack Obama. The sheer symbolic step of his winning the election will have a tremendous global impact in itself. His performance in that office will be highly scrutinized and harshly judged but he has proven able enough to suggest he will fare reasonably well. Even though there are many factors and elements that can influence a presidency, especially one as important as the United States’, Obama has proven to be a skillful politician, an inspiring orator, and a passionate leader who is determined to achieve his goals. Unmistakably, Obama has an excellent opportunity and enough potential in order to be the President Obama the world needs; whether the man will actually become the symbol remains to be seen.
After having seen the debate, read the reviews, and analyzed poll results showing who won the debate (CNN: Obama – 58%, McCain – 31%), there is a general consensus that this was probably the best debate of the three they have had so far. Additionally, it showed that McCain was stronger, harsher, and had a better overall performance in this debate than in his previous two. However, Obama was as solid as before and was not phased at all by McCain’s improved tactics.
Here is the official Social Verdict review of last night’s US presidential debate between Democratic Senator Barack Obama and his opponent, Republican Senator John McCain.
First, the verdict: Obama wins again. But it was close.
This was McCain’s best debate and he was a lot more convincing today when making his points. This stemmed mainly from his actually looking at Obama and addressing him directly this time. It worked great when he did it. However, Obama wasn’t phased and even though he clearly lost the first half hour or so, he came back strong and bit by bit chewed at McCain for the entire night. He knew how to attack McCain’s points without seeming aggressive. McCain seemed and was aggressive for the entire night and attacked Obama at every chance. His bringing up of Ayers was also not a good idea and lost points on several issues as the debate wore on.
The discussion about tone was the most interesting part in my opinion, and the most testy as well, with many accusations thrown back and forth. I was surprised to see Obama bring up the chants of “kill him” and “terrorist” and the “palling around with terrorists” comment but it eventually worked in his favour as he did it on the defensive instead of using them as an attack. McCain also seemed petty complaining about negativity when it is his campaign that went negative right away and has been far harsher and brutal in its assessments of Obama’s character. They have clearly tried to steer the talk away from issues and onto petty issues and it was weak of McCain to step up and complain about it simply because he has no money to match Obama. This also looks even worse when you consider the Republicans’ history of negative campaigns. (Even further weakening McCain, after the debate the GOP has launched a massive nation-wide phone-call campaign talking about Obama’s association with Ayers and his character, classy!) Overall, it was a better debate where Obama took some time to find his footing but when he did, he outperformed McCain and looked more like a 26-year long senator than the novice he should be. He was more presidential and a lot more convincing. Obama has won 3 out of 3 debates and every time he has just done enough to win. He has never clearly out-shined McCain but has always managed to simply stay one step ahead and do just enough to win. He has kept to his strategy of making few mistakes, no grand gestures, and keeping his cool. It seems to have paid off as there is not much more McCain can do now to defeat this man.
Techniques
For the first time in probably all of the three debates they have had, John McCain actually looked and addressed Obama directly! In those instances, he looked in control of the discussion and a lot more confident. If he would have done that in the previous debates, they all would’ve been a lot closer. Both were crisp and efficient in their dialogue and more concise during their substantive points. There were fewer “my friends” from McCain, and less bumbling from Obama when asked direct questions. He also looked less professorial and also engaged McCain a few times, making him seen like he wasn’t dragging on a passion-less discussion as he seemed a few times before. Both their postures were good throughout the debate but I thought McCain had better hand gestures to match most of the strong points in his arguments. I did not like his joke attempts, again, and his sinister laugh after pointing out an Obama flaw or mistake.
Questions
Economic plan and why is it better than opponent’s
Obama had a great, substantive, concise and easy to understand answer. McCain looked strong as well because he looked at Obama and questioned him for the first time (as opposed to calling him “that one” again). Not a great answer, but managed to get his message across nonetheless.
Cutting proposals out due to huge deficit
Obama did not answer the question. He smartly used his talking skills to circumvent the question and talk about what needs to get done instead of what he will cut. Tried to tie McCain to President Bush on failed economic policies. McCain also did not answer. He just repeated that he would cut pork-barrel spending. He’s said that way too much to make anyone start caring now.
Balance the budget in 4 years?
McCain said he would, which is an outright lie as it is impossible to do in only 4 years! But, McCain used his line of the night: “I’m not president Bush, if you wanted to run against president Bush, you should’ve run 4 years ago”. That was his best line of the night and overshadowed a poor answer to the question. That was his best moment. Obama was on the defensive for the entire segment with no chance of winning it.
Tone of campaigns (most interesting bit in my opinion)
McCain indirectly blamed the tone of the campaigns on Obama, saying his refusal of many town-hall meetings has caused it. Really!?? Oh, and he regrets some of the things said as well. Again, really!?? On top of that, he promises to run a truthful campaign and blames Obama for spending the most money in history on negative ads. This segment to me seemed hilarious since it was a Republican complaining about negative ads and negative campaigns!! Was it not his party that invented the negative ad??? McCain also brought up Obama’s failed promise to use public financing and asked for a repudiation of Congressman Lewis’ recent remarks.
Obama states that presidential campaigns are usually tough but that 2/3 of people in America, from recent polls and data, show they believe McCain is the one running a negative campaign, not him! He also points out to independent data that proves 100% of McCain’s ads are negative! (So, I guess McCain was just complaining that he didn’t have enough money, not that there were too many negative ads). McCain came back pointing out that Obama was mis-portraying him on issues (Ha, payback’s not fair is it?) and asked for a repudiation of congressman Lewis’ recent accusations.
Obama, smartly, brings up the chants of “kill him” and “terrorist” from recent Sarah Palin rallies where she has done nothing to stop or even condemn them. (In all fairness, McCain has recently done more to prevent such things from happening, but folksy Palin hasn’t!) Obama then clears the air by saying his campaign immediately released a statement after Lewis’ remarks that his comparison of McCain. Obama said he wants to talk about issues, and when people suggest he “palls around with terrorists”, that is not talking about issues! McCain shot back aggressively defending his supporters at rallies but also saying you can’t stop someone from shouting something. Obama came back with suggesting that they all disagree without being disagreeable and have a tough debate about issues, not characterize each other as bad people.
McCain then brought up Ayers (which is ridiculous) and said the people need to know about his relationships to him. He even accused Obama of beginning his political career in Ayers’ living room. What? Since when? Obama quickly but clearly cleared up the Ayers situation, although he did not outright reject his association with him which might suggest it goes deeper than originally thought. I HIGHLY doubt it goes as far as the Republicans suggest. Does it really matter though? Who cares if he was friends with him 10 years ago!???
Obama CLEARLY won the segment and looked VERY strong against a defensive McCain who really had no way out of a hole dug by countless weeks of negativity on his part.
Why is your VP better and why would they make good president
HA, where do you begin? Sarah Palin vs Biden? Obama could have gone on forever about Palin’s ineptitude and absolute and unequivocal unpreparedness to be a president. However, he smartly stayed away from attacking her and simply highlighted Biden’s great accomplishments and how great he is. McCain did the same until the moderator asked them about the other’s VP. Obama again did not attack Palin and called her a capable politician who has excited the Republican base and has done a lot of good things for special needs. He then cleverly brought up how an across the board spending freeze proposed by McCain would not help special needs families! Well done. McCain was on the defensive about that issue for a little while and went on to talk about Biden and even attacked him on several foreign policy decisions he’s made in the past. Clearly, Obama won this point for his candor about Palin (I am shocked he didn’t attack her, he must have restrained very much because there is A LOT he could’ve mentioned) and how he cleverly showed that McCain’s proposals were contradictory.
Reduce dependency on foreign oil
Both had good answers but McCain won the segment because he brought up Obama’s opposition against the free trade agreement (Obama never really defended that position at all which was a mistake) and cleverly used Obama’s words against him when he highlighted Obama would simply “look” at off-shore drilling. Well done by McCain in this segment.
Health care plans
Obama nicely explained his plan by looking straight into the camera and clearly highlighting the benefits. McCain explains his but begins to attack Obama. He once again brings up the fine to be paid if people choose a health plan other than the one mandated by Obama’s proposal and asks about the fine that Joe the plumber would pay if he bought his business. (He really should have known Obama would come prepared this time).
Obama shocks by saying Joe would pay 0!! McCain cannot maintain his shock and blurts out “0???” accompanied by an expression of desperation. Obama explains that small business owners, like Joe, are exempt from the fine and even get a 50% credit! (Someone didn’t do their homework on Obama’s health plan) McCain simply looked stunned throughout this. Obama then proceeded to mop the floor with McCain during this segment when he cleverly brought up McCain’s plan and pointed out how people would actually lose money and that for the first time in history, health care would be taxed! This was probably Obama’s best moment in all three debates so far! McCain attempted to come back with a clever answer but his attempt at humour at calling Joe the plumber rich failed miserable and his last attack on Obama’s plan failed just as badly as he even mistakenly called Obama “Senator Government”. He was clearly still dazed from that metaphorical knockout blow thrown by Obama.
Roe v Wade and influence over Supreme Court judges
McCain’s clever answer about his non-influence and picking the best judge was good as at the end he mentioned that someone who supports abortion does not fit his description of a qualified judge. Obama smiled and proceeded to say that he too would not administer a litmus test but would do his best to support someone who was pro-choice because he agreed with Roe v Wade. He went on to describe his position on pro-choice and why it is important for women to have a choice in the matter. He did this very intelligently and passionately. Well done. McCain’s rebuke was not that strong and called Obama’s position radical. What? Really?
Education
Obama’s description of his education plan was clear and very substantive with clear bullet points on what he would do and how he would do it. McCain simply did not provide any specifics and faltered through the answer. He did win points by winning the argument on vouchers and his use of Washington as an example and Obama really did not rebuke that argument clearly but Obama still wins the segment because of his education plan and how well he explained it.
Final words
McCain delivered a passionate straight into the camera plea for a vote. He was direct, concise, and very convincing. Well done! It was the best closing he’s had so far. He needed to finish strong as these would be his last words to the entire nation and he delivered. Once again, well done! Obama was not as passionate and not as concise. He reviewed his proposals again briefly (which really he shouldn’t have) and was not as passionate as McCain. He was eloquent but that was not enough. McCain won this segment even though Obama had the advantage of going last.