Before you read the rest; I do not have a set opinion of the two contenders in the election. I have a personal reflection of what I would think is good PR for USA, but lets wait with that until later, since it has nothing to do with them both.---
This American election (that is really just the USA election) does force itself upon you everywhere you are in Europe too.
But I have not seen any of the debates in uncut versions; neither could I find a down to simple facts description of the contenders.
To an ignorant onlooker in Europe, as I am in this, the feeling of hype around Obama is annoying as is the spiteful comments about McCain. The feeling of a fair run is not there, it seems all is a play for media and the media has chosen their hero from day one: Obama.
Do you get the same feeling, that Obama is pushed onto you and that if you show a slightest interest in McCain, you have an issue?
Since we are talking about one of the most influent country in the world, as it is, with its currency being used as a base for world trade, this election is really not a small issue, even if we like to make humour out of it.
The best leader of US is the one that understands economics and diplomacy at a high level.
- The first ability can be studied at school and if you have at least simple mathematical skills you should be ok, if you have good enough advisors around you.
- The second ability… I must say, and you just read around in here in the forums, diplomatic skills does come with your personality. Sure, study the subject; watch those that came before you, but to really be the one to float above heated discussions and keep your head cool, it needs to be someone who does this naturally.
Why?
They may be presidents of USA but they are even more the chairmen to the board of world business, where politics are used to leverage countries trade with each other. There is no way around it, the Government of USA can concentrate how much they want on national issues but to the world there have to be another agenda, how people fare in USA is of less importance to us outside.
Back to Media.
McCain has been described to me as whimsy, lost, bitter, aggressive, war mongrel to name a few things. He has NOT been mentioned as a financial genius or a guy with good social skills, the opposite.
Obama has been described to me as clear, to the point, laughing to avoid nasty subjects, friends in unusual places and a person that loves talking finance. His social skills are already here spoken for as he got everyone charmed (or his make-up people did).
But… to become a good juggler of the US interest and influence in world matters, I really think that friends in unusual places and being able to laugh and avoid nasty subject are important.
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It does not help me, but I can not believe that a person can reach as far as McCain without having some of those skills too. Not if Obama’s lead is really only a few points ahead, no matter if it is 4, 6 or 10.
I think media is turning our head around and people are choosing president as a result of the good feeling they get from media or as mistrust to media. Not built on the actual abilities of the contenders.
And that is sad.
