U.S. Presidential Election Campaign: Optimism Low

Still in the Hearts of His Countrymen?

In exactly one year, on Nov. 4, the 45th presidential election will be held. One can already claim that the upcoming election campaign — which essentially started a long time ago — will be no different from the campaign at the end of the 18th century, when 57-year-old George Washington became the first leader of America in 1789. Surely, North America was in the midst of a civil war then, and the powerful state, comprised of various nations and attracting immigrants for its unimaginable wealth and opportunities, was divided into two camps.

However, Washington managed to restore peace, establish a confederacy and ratify the constitution that is still in effect to this day. “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,“ said one of the ardent Republicans in 1799 by Washington’s grave.

After more than 200 years, the situation in the United States is different, yet shows certain similarities. There is no war in the country, the principles of federalism are in effect, and American democracy has borne its fruits, albeit not equally sweet for everyone. Nevertheless, the economy of the U.S. resembles that of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Once having fascinated the world with its cheap gas and limitless job opportunities, the U.S. is presently experiencing an energy crisis as well financial downfall, and its foreign policy cannot escape constant confrontations.

More Money Yet Less Optimism

The hustle of the upcoming election is already in the air. It is hardly surprising, as, according to the 1787 Constitution, both Democrat and Republican Parties announce their candidates half a year before Election Day — not to mention the ardent debates inside of each party while trying to decide on the potential runners.

The way to the inauguration ceremony itself is even longer — it will be held on January 20, 2013. Until 1933 it used to take place on March 4, yet later it was decided to switch the date to January.

Nonetheless, potential candidates have already begun fundraising for their election campaigns. Barack Obama, the current head of State, has collected around $70 million from his supporters and personal funds just between July and September 2011. Fox News claims it is way above the planned $55 million, yet it remains $16 million less than what Obama managed to fundraise during the first quarter of 2011.

Fox News continued its analysis of Obama’s campaign and reported that approximately 600,000 Americans have donated money and 98 percent of them gave $250 each. As for now, it remains hard to estimate how much in total Barack Obama will be able to fundraise; however, he is planning to receive more than during his 2008 election campaign, which amounted to $745 million.

Black President Again?

Despite the solid political presence of Barack Obama in the upcoming elections, another politician of the same race — 66-year-old Republican Herman Cain — is entering the presidential battle. A former CEO, a chairman of a restaurant chain and a present Baptist preacher, Cain has received great support during his party debates. According to the polls, 30 percent of Republicans would vote for Herman Cain, while his closest rival, Mitt Romney, would get 23 percent of the Republican vote.

As early as this June, another Republican, Member of Congress Michele Bachmann, announced her candidacy, making her the only woman candidate so far. Support shown in party conventions for this representative of the anti-tax, ultraconservative Tea Party movement suggests she could soon become a major rival for the mainstream Republicans hoping to challenge Barack Obama.

Bachmann is often compared to another influential Republican and the Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin, who was the Republican vice presidential candidate in the 2008 elections. The former governor of Alaska has recently announced, however, that she would not be running for president this time. Such a statement by this charismatic 48-year-old politician was received with a great deal of disappointment by a number of Americans.

President Giving Up?

According to the ABC TV company, Barack Obama already thinks he might lose the 2012 election since his team could not tackle the economic crisis. For instance, the unemployment rate is presently at 9.1 percent, which is the highest in Obama’s years of presidency. The president did not sound overly optimistic while commenting whether he is ready to become a “one-term president”: “Absolutely. But I don’t mind. I’m used to being an underdog.” Even though a great deal has been achieved in the country’s foreign policy — a U.S.-Russian “reset” policy, New START, bringing down both Osama bin Laden and Moammar Gadhafi — only 37 percent of Americans believe in Obama’s victory in 2012, while 55 percent are convinced the next president should be a Republican.

Certainly, a lot will happen during this year that will affect the bustling election campaign. Seemingly never-ending world financial crisis is depleting the U.S. of its wealth and glory. The careers of today’s politicians will come to their ends as soon as the dollar splendor fades. The Pendulum Principle is still in place.