Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[kakalak]

To European Media on Obama Coverage- Sent to the London Times by moi.

Dear Mr. Watson:

I read your report on Obama clinching the Democratic nomination for President of the U.S. As an American who has traveled extensively, with a firm knowledge of history, and an appreciation that the U.S. should pursue our allies' approval, both diplomatically and culturally, I am concerned about how this election will be covered by the media in Europe. I fully understand and appreciate Europe's angst and anger with our current President. But I hope that if Obama experiences difficulty in this election it will not be analyzed that "America just has not grown beyond its racist past".

There are many cogent and informed voters in the U.S. who will not vote for Obama for very real concerns on his lack of experience, fuzzy policy positions, questionable affiliations from the past, and the like. If there was another black candidate that offered experience, lower taxes, strong defense etc. in his/her platform, you can be sure than many voters that I know would throw their support in that direction. It is too easy to view this election through a prism of our racist past. And I believe it would be mistaken--and wrong--to surmise that IF Obama does not win the election, it is because of our "stubbornly unenlightened American electorate". Obama's challenges will not be his race. It will be from his beliefs and vision for the U.S. that does not jive with the majority of Americans. We still are a nation that resists relying on Government to solve our individual problems. And as long as this is true, liberals that espouse Government programs (and the higher taxes necessary to provide those programs) will have difficulty in winning national elections--despite the undeniably gifted oratory skills of Mr. Obama.

The problems with the Bush Administration have been well-documented and commented upon. Whoever wins, there will be a new President with a new world view and skill sets to reach out to that world.

Just a few thoughts from a concerned American