Despite the recent media mudslinging about Barack Obama’s pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright, “bittergate” and Hillary Clinton’s alleged rifle attack in Bosnia, the race to the White House, both democratic and republican, continues to be dominated by the most hollowed out word since “globalization” went from high brow to unibrow: CHANGE!
Disenchanted with one of the most unpopular administrations in modern history – and justifiably so – the United States is looking for a leader that will clean up the mess at home and restore America’s image abroad. Naturally, the promising change rhetorics of the three remaining candidates reveal that all of them are perfectly equipped to allay the nation’s hunger for a better tomorrow. While John McCain will face tough times explaining that his devotion to Change goes beyond populist lip service, Barack Obama has raised the bar by promising “Change we can Believe in.” Accusing Obama of not being able to walk the walk, Hillary Clinton said she will be “ready on day one”.
Does that sound painfully familiar? If you have followed the primaries up to this point, I assume you share my disappointment about the news coverage. Undoubtedly, news teams have a hard time emphasizing the novelty in a quarrel that has dominated the news ever since the reelection of President Bush, nonetheless there are many issues that remain untouched, especially with regards to outlining distinct and yet crucial features of the American political system. The U.S. presidential election has become a global event. It could even be argued that foreign nations are showing more interest in this year’s primaries than Americans themselves. Polls in Germany showed that more than ten percent of adult voters would give up their rights to go to the polls in Germany’s 2009 federal elections in exchange for a chance to cast their vote for one of the candidates in November. When asked about American politics however, many of them had a hard time answering basic questions. But it is not only about foreign interest. Many Americans are unaware of the complexity of their political system, which has remained largely unchanged since the days of the Founding Fathers. Therefore, a glimpse behind the veil of common wisdom might clear away some of the clouds of insignificance that have overshadowed the election coverage since the Iowa caucus.
“Change” is the theme of this election year. But what possibilities and limitations does the American political system hold for the new Commander in Chief? Comparing the three candidates, Barack Obama seems to have the most radical ambitions towards changing America and American politics. Even when disregarding his rock star-like appeal, his commitment to a new America is not only striking but – given his race and biography – highly believable. So what kind of Change would actually be achievable for a hypothetical President Obama?
President Obama’s blueprint for Change
It would be exaggerated to claim that President Obama’s dedication to Change went as far as turning American politics upside down. Nevertheless, his “Blueprint for Change” starts off with an immediate swing at Washington and its lobbyists. Obama’s centralized online database of lobbying reports and ethics records is intended to shine light on manipulations and bring unprecedented transparency. Furthermore, the President plans to include the public in the policy cycle, e.g. by giving people a chance to comment on new bills on the White House website for five days in order to possibly alter the President’s decision before signing the document.
Before the end of President Obama’s first term in office, every American is planned to have access to a health care plan that is similar to the benefits that members of Congress enjoy. Obama wants to raise the minimum wage, provide tax cuts for working families, make college affordable, reduce carbon emissions 80 percent (by 2050), decrease the federal debt, reform immigration policies within 12 months – all this while bringing the troops home in less than two years.
President Barack Obama, a man who knows how to move the masses, a man who has run a superb campaign, a man who will face hard times in the Oval Office.
Even though the American people are widely welcoming towards Change – just look the French’s resilience against President Nicolas Sarkozy’s reforms – Obama will learn that getting things done in Washington is likely going to be harder than convincing white, middle-aged Idahoan construction workers wear “Change we can Believe in” t-shirts.
Washington politics – wooing the stubborn lass
When asked to describe his job as President, Harry S. Truman’s answer was both surprising and foreseeable: “I sit here all day trying to persuade people to do the things they ought to have the sense to do without my persuading them.”
Surprising, because the U.S. President is generally seen as the most powerful man in the world. Foreseeable, because of the fragmented nature of America’s political system. To make Change a reality, President Obama will need to stretch his persuasion and negotiation skills to avoid a brush-off after his first date with the Legislature. The Senate and the House of Representatives have to vote in favor of a bill in order for it to pass. While this sounds like an easy task in a currently Democratic controlled Congress, the Obama administration – and especially President Obama himself – will need outstanding persuasion efforts in order to convince the oftentimes stubborn Legislature. In the United States, party discipline – a hallmark of many European political systems – only exists in rudimentary form. When voting for or against a bill, Senators and members of the House of Representatives base their decisions primarily on the needs of their Congressional District. This type of localism makes it harder for the President to even count on his supposedly loyal Democratic Congressmen and women. If Congress is controlled by the opposition, the administration’s wooing efforts have to go beyond the obligatory flowers and candy. No extra-efforts, no second date, as George W. Bush experienced multiple times.
So what should be part of the charming offensive that will help President Obama win Congress’ favor? As leader of the Democratic Party, Obama has to establish the party’s political tone. His ability to unite the party and to swear it to his cause will be crucial for a good start. If he fails to do so, Congress might soon be controlled by the Republicans. Furthermore, fundraising for the Democratic Party will prove an important tool with which to influence members of Congress with promises of financial support for local projects. Being a terrific speaker and fundraiser, President Obama might have what it takes to take his relationship with the Legislature to another level.
In the American system of checks and balances, even the executive branch is hopelessly fragmented. Governance is implemented by a confusing arrangement of federal and local departments and authorities. Overlapping responsibilities and responsiveness to thousands of interest groups make it hard, at times even impossible, for President Obama to ensure that his policies be implemented. Obama’s ability to influence the leading figures in these organizations will determine the success of his policies.
So when looking ahead at a possible Obama presidency, we find that the campaign continues infinitively. While the faces in the audience will have changed here and there, Obama’s ability to move the masses, to unite the country and to promote “Change we can Believe in” will prove to be the factor that will make his policies fail or succeed.
