Much at Stake

The fate of the planet is not at stake during the U.S. election on Tuesday, November 6. Nevertheless, the results of the competition will influence the course of events one way or another. The United States, despite the power of China and Russia, as well as a Latin America reliant on its market, has secured itself as a world leader.

No major crisis, like the one now in Europe, can be solved without Washington’s intervention. It’s obvious that the election lacks the interesting factors present in 2008. The tension is absent over the preventive war made by George W. Bush, using the pretext of terrorism, in order to occupy and defeat the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan. And there was never such a candidate with so much promise at that time than Barack Obama, who is now seeking re-election. In addition to the possibility of becoming the first African-American president, Obama was the antithesis of his predecessor. He promised to recall the soldiers, end disgraces like the Guantanamo prison, prosecute those responsible for the mortgage crisis, reform finances in health and immigration and save the economy.

None of these factors are now present for him, nor for his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, who carries the burden of a management strategy as dire as that of Bush. Although Obama and Romney agree in various aspects, there are many interests at stake this election. It has previously been said that it didn’t matter who wins the U.S. election, because the presidents were merely puppets of the Pentagon. But after the Cold War, this scenario ceased. A score for Obama is his charisma and authenticity, which will make him a favorite to the international community. These are attributes Romney is lacking.

The Democratic and Republican machineries have much in common, but they also differ over U.S. foreign policy and social questions. Preservation and consolidation of the political, economic and social system are what dominate both structures. Regardless of fortune, color or hierarchy, no mortal is above a system that has promoted the foundation of development, power and the “American dream” as a stimulus to create wealth. Obama and Romney are not raising a revolution, nor are there reasons for thinking the results mean the U.S. election is a fleeing event. Not at all.