Pressure is on Obama

Since we have hacked to death why McCain lost the election, both in class and in our blogs, I thought I would turn my closing thoughts to the future. Obama has promised the world to America: change, hope, better health care, a fixed economy, better relations with foreign nations, and a better more united country. Add to that the fact that he is the first African American president and that there are thousands of people waiting for him to screw up to turn others to their prejudices, and one can see that a lot rides on Obama's performance, more so than any other president in recent history. The reputation of his party, and to some extent (sadly) his entire race, rests on his performance. If he fails to deliver, America can turn on him in an instant and revoke the hope and trust it has put into a new party. Obama will not be able to blame an obstinate opposing Congress, and since the US has begun to look the the President as the conductor for our legislative process, real progress will have to be made or he is going to get the blame. On the other hand, if he succeeds we may have a more united country than we have seen in a long time, and Democrats will likely hold power for elections to come.

So, sorry Obama, but the pressure is on you.

Final Thoughts

McCain should have never campaigned in PA. The state was possible to win in a Republican year, bu this was not it. The numbers he needed would never be able to win and Obama won rather easily. This was what I had stated from the beginning. The tens of millions that he spent trying to win blue states instead of securing red states, ultimetly cost him the race. He spent 10 million in Michigan before leaving the state, and around 20 million trying to win PA, out of the 150 million he spent on TV ads. 

Sarah Palin was a bad choice, and destroyed his chance with independents (something I also mentioned, before the Katie Couric interview). 

However, the main factor McCain lost was PartyID has swung to the Democratic favor in the last 4 years (5pts), and the economy meltdown. 

Obama Wins PA and General Election

And so Barak Obama has secured both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as the general election for president of the united states. Both of which were done in total landslide fashion. The final numbers still won't be known for several hours still, yet there is no doubt in anyone's mind. Both the concession speech of John McCain and the acceptance speech of Obama were witnesses by thousands in person and millions around the globe. The implications of this election will be felt for years to come and I join with John McCain in wishing Barak Obama Godspeed in his future office and wish him the best.

This American Life

Followers of the radio show This American Life found a pleasant surprise last week, as it was entirely devoted to McCain's desperation and Obama's chances in PA. They highlighted a group called "Democrats for McCain", a group made up entirely of Hillary supporters who were supporting McCain for his experience. When asked why they would vote for a candidate so far from their core beliefs (Hillary is pro choice, pro union, as opposed to McCain), they spoke of being alienated by the DNC.

These volunteers campaigned heavily for Hillary during the primaries, and spoke of 'scandal' at the convention, from the ripping of their signs by fellow Democrats, to the dubious splitting of delegates from Michigan, which they considered undemocratic and alien from the Democratic party most had followed all their lives. This alienation is what they spoke of as their reason for supporting McCain.

The shows other segments profiled one part of the campaign - race. Union workers and Obama volunteers both spoke of their expeiences with prejudice and how some people's minds will never change, and how bigotry can remain so prevalent in the 21st century.

Episodes of This American Life are free to stream online.
This American Life 367: Ground Game