Obama And The Rest Of The World

The majesty of democracy shone across  the world last Tuesday like a neon light as better part of humanity stayed glued to their television sets with keen interest to observe elections in United States of America. It was an epoch that saw the re-election of incumbent President Barrack Obama in  a presidential poll that expectedly ended in a befitting climax after months of intriguing  electioneering.

During the period, the United States was the cynosure of all eyes not because it is a super power but because it has been and is still the bastion of democracy . And true to expectations, the elections dramatised, in no small measure, the colourful ritual of liberal democracy, displaying its inherent properties: consent of the people and ultimate legitimacy to the leader.

In  human history, very few activities draw such  magnitude of attention as did the United States’ Presidential election. Indeed,  last Tuesday’s was a re-affirmation of the fact that with its pre-eminent position in international affairs, its decisions and or indecisions, and indeed actions and or inactions will surely affect the world, for good or for bad.  Herein is the significance of the US Presidential polls and the resultant contagious outpouring of  emotions displayed by the multitude that showed interest.

Indeed, the elections were a show of electoral and political maturity of the American electorate and political actors as it was equally a celebration of vision and democratic culture with the winner and the challenger united on the larger interest of the American nation. The challenger, Mitt Romney, tasked Americans in pious tone to pray for the success of President Obama in his second term. Congratulating Obama after conceding defeat, Romney said: “At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion”.

Similarly, in a rare display of statesmanship, the winner, President Obama also extended a hand of fellowship to his challenger. “In the weeks ahead”, Obama assured in his acceptance speech, “I… look forward to sitting down with Gov. Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.  .… I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet to challenges we can only solve together.”

While  the free world celebrates the US elections, The Tide finds it is necessary to underline and infact, commend the basic elements of the process. All through, Obama’s and Romney’s electioneering campaigns were issue-based devoid of mudslinging and brickbats reminiscent of African, nay Nigerian Politics.

From the Republican Convention in Tampa, Florida to the Democratic’s in Charlotte from which both candidates emerged, domestic issues such as the economy, health care, tax plans and job creation dominated talks just as sensitive foreign policy matters as relations with  Isreal, Iran, Syria and China enjoy ravish conversation.

Even as the campaigns were drawing to an end, Hurricane Sandy that struck the East Coast of the United States became at once the litmus test of the Obama Presidency and his re-election bid.

Interestingly, Obama showed great leadership, acted promptly, decisively, and impressively to the admiration of the electorate including key Republican figures who were satisfied with his response to the natural disaster. This and other issues determined ultimately the candidate’s electoral fortunes in a way that clearly shows that politics is all about weighing divergent policy options on the affairs of the state and not on other extraneous issues which sadly, in most cases in our clime, bother on trivialities.

The Tide congratulates Obama for making the black race proud through  his remarkable second term victory, the first for an African-American. This indeed speaks volumes and eloquently so, about the metamorphosis of contemporary American politics.

However, much works remain to be done by Obama. America’s political and demographic structure which was badly hit by the election would require healing. Of course, he must urgently find pragmatic ways of working with a partisan congress – where the Democrats lack a majority –to be able to consolidate on his achievements and serve Americans and the world better. He must also work harder than ever before to sustain world peace and mutual understanding, and focus more on climate change and other issues currently engaging mankind’s consciousness.

Furthermore,  President Obama needs to be reminded that his policy towards Africa, which hardly had a mention during his electioneering campaign should be accommodated, through a programme that is more involving, meaningful and progressive. African leaders, on their part are expected to shun corruption so as to  provide the basis for purposeful engagement with the Obama administration. That way, the US President’s African policy could shift from merely using the continent as a battle ground for his Administration’s counter-terrorism fight to a more vigorous and constructive engagement on issues that drive Africa’s sustainable development and progress.