President Obama mentioned in his DNC speech that America doesn't look to a savior who alone can solve America's problems, but that is exactly what presidential elections are about. Americans do look for a savior in a presidential candidate especially when times are tough. In 2008, the people clearly saw Obama as their savior. It was also true of Reagan in 1980, and to a lesser degree, Clinton in 1992 when the country was in recession. It was even somewhat true of Bush in 2000. After years of scandals, people wanted some dignity and respect restored to the presidency. And as already mentioned, it was definitely true of Obama in 2008.
Now, once again Americans are looking for a saviour - a strong leader who will "save" them and make things better for them. |
Vertical Divider
|
Both candidates have promised to do that. And incidentally both sound very similar in what they want to do - do away with unfair trade agreements, bring jobs back to America, punish companies who move overseas, make them pay their fair share of taxes, stand up to China, put America first, equal pay for men and women, affordable child care, and so on. One candidate wants to make America great, the other wants to make it strong. Sounds very similar to me. Both acknowledge the government isn't working and needs fixing, that people have been forgotten and disrespected, and that voters are angry and want a leader who can get things done. And each claim to be that leader or "savior."
This need for a savior is also why people chant the individual's name. If it wasn't about the individual candidate, they would be shouting the party's name, or "America" instead of "Hillary" or "Trump." Of course it's about the individual candidate and of course each candidate believes they are the one who can fix things. If they didn't, they wouldn't run. Presidential candidates have always made bold promises and had ambitious plans to "fix" the problems, and the reason they're elected is because people believe they will make things better. However, after they are elected, the reality sets in - that no president can do anything without the approval of congress. So they either don't implement their plans at all or they end up with a watered down version due to all the compromises. This is also why at the first mid- term elections after a new president has been elected, many times we see congress switch hands to the other party. People realise their savior hasn't delivered and they take out their frustration on their representatives. So sit back America and strap yourself in, this crazy ride is going to get a lot crazier. The candidate who wins in November will be the one who can instil the most fear in people about their opponent, the one who can discredit their opponent the most, and the one who can best present themselves as that savior everyone is looking for. But regardless of who gets elected, you will be fine America, you always are. Most of the fear-mongering always proves to be false. Donald Trump will not start a nuclear war. Why? Because Donald Trump likes to win, and in a nuclear war there are no winners. Hillary Clinton will not repeal the 2nd Amendment. Why? Because she also likes to win, and she knows to do so would be political suicide. As much as people want to make Presidential elections about ideology or policies or what is best for the country, at the end of the day it is about the individual candidates quest for power. If you really want to make a difference in November, demand that Congress do what they were sent to Washington to do, and that is represent you, the people. If they are not performing, get rid of them, and in their place elect candidates who are interested in you and your concerns and not just their own career. Candidates who are interested in working together for the good of the people, not the special interest groups and lobbyists. Candidates who are not career politicians but true representatives of their electorate. God luck America, and, by the way, on behalf of all those observing from outside the U.S, thanks for the show. It's been a really good one this time. ☺ |
Vertical Divider
|