November 4- US Elects President
Posted : November 5, 2008 at 3:59 am [IST]
It has been interesting to be in US at this time and see election from near. What a combination that the two parties have created!
While democrats have Obama, young and dynamic, Republicans’ McCain at 72 certainly look old though very active. McCain keeps on jumping to create a feeling of his youthfulness. Biden is older in age but highly respected for integrity, whereas Palin is younger and attractive. Some say, McCain brought in Palin to enthuse the younger voters.
Though media predict overwhelming victory for Obama, election results many times create surprises.
Though I have aged myself moving towards 70, I couldn’t get into McCain’s side. I feel Obama is better bait for Americans. It will enhance the image of US and its evolution as a free society without any bias of any kind particularly about the racial background.
Many feel that Obama’s win may not usher good for India, because of his views on outsourcing. However, I feel no one can overlook India if it keeps on moving with its growth and its strength.
On a day of total fast for Chhath, the TV news channels are good to keep me mentally busy. In every other respect, the election reports are similar to one in India. However, US today perhaps don’t require elaborate police protections on election booths as in India. Election will be over in a single day. Hooligans and dons perhaps don’t find election a good business as in India.
It hardly matters for individuals like us, but I am still anxious for knowing who wins and so must be many. By evening today, we shall know it. It’s just a one day affair after spending about a billion or more.
PS:
Americans are writing history. Perhaps the turnout will be a record in last hundred years.
Regardless of who wins on Tuesday, the election will make history. Obama, 47, a first-term senator from Illinois, would be the first black U.S. president. Opinion polls indicate he is running ahead of McCain in enough states to give him more than the 270 electoral votes he needs to win. Opinion polls showed Obama ahead or even with McCain in at least eight states won by Bush in 2004. A victory for McCain, 72, would make him the oldest president to begin a first term in the White House and make his running mate Sarah Palin the first female U.S. vice president. Residents in Obama’s late father’s village of Kogelo in Kenya prayed for his presidential bid.
There are some interesting aspects too. A Florida election official has taken the extreme measure of sleeping with his county’s ballots to ensure the integrity of the vote.
- Indra
Category: IRS in US 2008 |
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