EverythingisPossible

America has resoundingly elected its first black President proving, that in America anything is possible. That’s the headline around the world, which generally celebrated the election of President Barack Obama. The world loves it when America rediscovers its normal spirit of optimism and this election represents a new hope in the eyes of those who have long been in opposition.

Whether you like him or not, whether you support or oppose him, Obama is seen as the agent of change, a phrase he has repeatedly uttered on his own behalf. The media had conspired to elevate Obama to almost Messianic status whilst, against him, McCain ran a sometimes very uninspired and strategically inept campaign.

It became apparent that Obama was seen as the future and McCain the past, and once that had become the common perception the older, whiter man had no real chance. Ironically Obama is more a product of Hawaii and his half white parentage than he is the normal African American urban black experience of his adopted hometown, Chicago.

However, what really killed McCain’s chances were two facts; the first that he was a Republican contender trying to follow on from President Bush and he is the most unpopular holder of that office, ever. Bush is more unpopular than Nixon was at his nadir and that is difficult to achieve. The second, and possibly even more decisive factor against McCain is the financial tsunami that has undercut and eroded the foundations of the American economy. During the election campaign every time the Dow Jones went down so did McCain’s popularity, and it has gone a long way down.

The electorate of the USA voted in record numbers to put Obama in the White House and, amid emotional scenes in many American cities and these were echoed around the world. Obama’s resounding success was celebrated with widespread and deep emotion bordering in some places on mass hysteria.

McCain accepted his defeat with the typical good grace of a true American hero, and the country now need to gather together behind Obama, because to rally to his cause is to be patriotic.

This column has repeatedly argued that Obama, if elected, will be tested by the leaders of America’s enemies, such as Russia and Iran and, of course, Al-Qaeda. I see no reason to change that view; and if that was not enough he also has to deal with the incredibly difficult economic problems facing the country and the world and let’s not forget Iraq and Afghanistan. I am also sure that there are crazies who will want to harm America’s new President before he even assumes office in January, since that is the way of the country’s extremists when confronted by agents of change.

The difference now is that there will be no acceptable excuses or blame attaching to anyone else. Now the American people will expect, in fact, demand, that their man Obama can change everything for the better.

The situation reminds me, emotionally, very much of Tony Blair with a tint, when he first came to power in the UK. It is hard to remember that at that stage Prime Minister Blair was thought by his supporters to walk on water, he could do no wrong. Blair walked on water until it was discovered that there were holes in his feet. Then we witnessed how supporters turn against their heroes when they feel let down by them. The very people who were so thrilled by his initial victories now loathe Blair. I am sure that Obama is aware of unrealistically high expectations that can and probably will haunt his term in office.

Obama does look and sound good, and projects a new and positive image for America and as a world citizen I truly hope that he can live up to his promise. He won this election against huge odds when many thought it was impossible, and I don’t mean his fight against McCain. No, when he overcame Hillary Clinton, he beat an opponent who had the money and the political machine behind her and that was a remarkable achievement. Now President Obama faces seemingly impossible odds again, this time in his new job, and I have my doubts, but then again, I didn’t think he could beat Clinton.

Change has come to America; Barack Obama will soon be in the White House. Many now say that they are again proud to be American. I believe Americans should have always been proud. We all pray for President Obama to enjoy every success but let’s hope that his countrymen don’t expect miracles, their new leader has an almost impossibly difficult job ahead of him.