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.