In the minds of most Canadians, there really was only one choice. Despite a shaky economic record, the forced introduction of a massive and incredibly complex health care package, the crisis in Libya, and many a broken promise (most notably the clear absence of bipartisanship), Canadians felt that the only choice for Americans in the presidential election lay in the seemingly forward-thinking, more globally-minded, Barack Obama. Mitt Romney represented to us exactly what makes us weary of Americans: dinosaur-like social values; overemphasis on economic principles from the 1770s; a hatred of taxes; and, in general, a refusal that the times are changing. In our minds, Americans re-established themselves as rational, forward-thinking people eager for change, albeit by a thin margin.
One of the saddest notes of the election is that Barack Obama did not win through promoting his own accomplishments, but instead through destroying the reputation of his opponent. This is largely because Obama’s largest achievement, the aptly named ‘Obamacare’, is a largely unpopular and expensive healthcare package that few Americans understand and even fewer feel they need. His largest foreign policy accomplishment, the assassination of Osama bin Laden, was quickly overshadowed by the killing of American diplomat Christopher Stevens in Libya. Neither crediting Obama with the killing of bin Laden nor blaming him for the death of Stevens is rational, but American politics are certainly not rational. The political benefits of killing bin Laden were immediately extinguished by the Romney camp after the death of Stevens. Beyond this, slow economic trends and stubborn unemployment gave little substance for the Obama campaign in terms of other domestic policy achievements. One can argue how effective Obama was in executing damage control after the 2007 global economic meltdown, but there were certainly few to no concrete economic achievements that Obama could lay claim to. Knowing this, the campaign instead turned to destroying the reputation of the surprisingly vulnerable former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Former organizer of the Salt Lake City Olympic, Governor of Massachusetts, and son of a former Governor of Michigan, Mitt Romney possesses a wealth of political experience. On top of this, his business acumen and experience as co-founder of Bain Capital, a highly successful assets management firm, gave Romney the credentials of a highly formidable opponent for Obama, especially in such weak economic times. However, some questionable business ventures, a loose tongue, and his often mocked political flip-flopping provided the opposing Democrats with some significant sources for criticism. The most notable of his flops was his inflammatory remarks accusing 47% of the nation as being government dependents who pay no income tax, believe that they are entitled to health care, food, and housing, and that he need not worry about this 47% because they would never vote for him. He also accused Barack Obama of delaying the labeling of Christopher Stevens as a terrorist attack, when he had in fact done so a couple days before Romney made the statement. Despite Romney’s numerous flops, his strong performance in his first debate gave him a late surge that almost removed President Obama from power. However, it is not only Romney who must take responsibility for the failure of the Republicans, but also the yahoos and goofballs of his party that make a mockery of American conservatism.
When speaking of yahoos and goofballs, the names Todd Akin, Joe Walsh, and Richard Mourdock are some of the most blatantly bone-headed Republican politicians that I refer to. After asked about his opinion regarding post-rape abortions, Todd Akin deemed the procedure unnecessary, citing a woman’s natural defenses against pregnancy after ‘legitimate’ rape. These comments were made in August. Prior to this, Akin was seen as a favourite to win his Senate seat in Missouri, but instead lost to Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill. Joe Walsh, a single term Congressman from Illinois and yet another Tea Party favourite, stated “the women’s life is no exception” when asked if abortion is justified when the mother’s life is in danger. He subsequently lost to Democrat Tammy Duckworth in a highly publicized race that included heavy involvement from both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. The third candidate I speak of is Richard Mourdock, who defeated 36-year Senate veteran and Republican Dick Lugar in a May primary. Dick Lugar was seen as too ‘moderate’ by Tea Party backers, who provided the backbone of Mourdock’s campaign. However, it is unfortunate for Republicans that Lugar did not run in the campaign. Despite a large lead over Democrat opponent Joe Donnelly, Mourdock’s late October comments that pregnancy caused by rape occurs only because ‘God meant for it to happen’ led to a collapse in popular support and a subsequent loss in the election. These lost slam dunk victories for Republicans in the Senate and Congress decreased representation, but also reinforced an image to moderate Americans of the Republicans being a party representing radical pro-lifers and anti-immigration lobbyists.
In a recent poll, it was determined that 30% of Republican voters believe Barack Obama is a Muslim. No doubt, the percentage of Tea Party members who believe this is much, much higher. As the Democrats continue to present themselves as a forward thinking, socially progressive party, the Republicans continue, whether purposefully or not, to portray themselves as clueless dinosaurs without the faintest idea of how much the world has changed since 1776. It is scary that so many Americans continue to support these ideals. However, it is even more important for the Republicans that they realize that success lies in progress, not in jamming ancient ideals down the throats of the ever-important moderate voter who is tired of the same old crusades. The Republicans have truly lived up their label as the ‘Grand Old Party’, achieving overwhelming support from the white male demographics in America who support the worst ideals of American conservatism. The stooges of America will always vote Republican, but the forward-thinkers need more convincing. If the Republicans ever want to win another election, they need to select a dynamic candidate who understands the new millennium, not some outlandish Tea Party favorite such as Tim Pawlenty or Rick Santorum. Despite what many Americans think, Barack Obama is not a Muslim, post-rape pregnancy is a tragedy, and it’s certainly not 1776 anymore.
In conclusion, congratulations to both Barack Obama and the Americans who chose the right candidate while hopefully providing a wake-up call to the Republicans, who have truly become the ‘Grand Old Party’.
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