The Barack Obama Presidency – What it Might Mean
Eloquent and Direct, the President Elect Inherits Tough Hand
Nov 1, 2008
With Barack Obama being given roughly an 85% chance of cinching the election according to various sources ranging from CNN to Intrade, it becomes increasingly important to consider the drastic changes that face the United States of America, particularly in the face of an imminent and wide-sweeping recession, credit crisis, the War in Iraq, and finally the dismal face of American global relations during the past 8 years encompassing the Bush administration.
The Economy and Sen. Obama's Tax Plan
On the issue of the economy, Sen. Obama has been pummeling his opponent, Sen. John McCain. Given the information provided to the public via the Tax Policy Center, a D.C. based joint project between the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution – Obama's tax policy is far and away the superior choice for nearly 95% of the American population.
Obama's tax plan addresses a crumbling middle class as well as the burgeoning working class and those stricken by poverty and increasingly low relative wages. The plan outlined by the Democratic candidate offers a tax cut to all individuals earning ~$600,000 per annum or less, increasing taxes on the extremely wealthy as a means to afford greater revenue for infrastructure, education, health care, and to help bolster the consumer economy. McCain's plan, by contrast, offers the largest tax cuts to the wealthiest, scaling down in scope until settling on the lowest income bracket – those making less than ~$19,000 per annum, offering them a rather paltry $12 tax cut as opposed to the $567 offered by Sen. Obama.
In an Obama presidency one could at least anticipate a great shift in focus towards supporting the working and middle classes – those classes hit hardest by economic recession and those who also spend the largest portions of their income on domestic consumer goods, the figurative engine of a market economy. Barack Obama's policies, in general, tend to be more populist in scope – setting him in direct contrast with the corporatist leanings of the Republican administration and platform.
Society and International Relations
America's reputation globally is extremely tarnished, primarily due to the Bush administrations disastrous approach to the War on Terror and foreign policy. In a poll that had been conducted by the United Nations Foundation at the end of August, findings indicated that 78% of American voters “believed that America's reputation has suffered in the world” and called out for the candidates to address this issue – a sizable and concrete majority.
In a BBC poll that encompassed the views of global citizens from 22 countries, all 22 countries suggested in overwhelming numbers that Barack Obama would be their preferred victor, with 17 of the 22 countries showing the belief that an Obama presidency would help improve relations between the United States and the rest of the world. An average of 49% of those polled in all 22 countries supported Sen. Obama as the victor, contrasted with 12% supporting McCain as the eventual victor – a gap that speaks for itself.
On the domestic front, Barack Obama is a great deal more liberal in his social outlook than is his competitor, as is typical for a Democratic candidate. In a prospective Obama administration, a citizen might expect significant improvements to their health-care coverage, educational funding and other opportunities being provided through an optional community service for credit program, as well as more support for civil rights and socially progressive ideology.
A Caveat and Final Thoughts
The largest caveat is obviously the assumption that Sen. Obama will emerge victorious on November 4th, which is by no means certain. No matter what polls may say, or what the odds being offered by Intrade may be – no race is truly over until it is over.
That being said, there is a definite excitement in the air during this election – a mystique that has held viewers from around the world spellbound as they watch with growing interest this presidential race. In such tumultuous times, combined with an eloquent and intelligent candidate with new and inspirational ideas it is no wonder that the American populace is sitting up and taking notice. In noticing, and reviewing the course of their great nation over the past decade, it would be no great surprise if they American people elected for Change, and started a new chapter in United States history.
Other Social Issues and Debates
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