We’re down to the final two weeks of what might be the most historically significant election of our lifetime. First, there’s the possibility of electing the first black President of the United States; second, given the almost certainly large Democratic majorities in Congress, an Obama Administration could dramatically transform American society by ushering in a 21st century version of the New Deal.
There is little doubt that if Obama were able to enact even half of his agenda, America would be a fairer, more just, and prosperous nation eight years from now. It is exciting to be so close to a transformation with the potential to do so much good.
By any rational calculus, the election should be a landslide. The Republican brand is in tatters after eight years of criminal incompetence by the Bush Administration (an incompetence which has left America significantly weaker both internationally and domestically). Unfortunately, significant numbers of citizens appear to be more interested in culture wars, religious fundamentalism, and thinly-veiled bigotry than making a reasoned choice for the next leader of this great nation.
While Republicans have no monopoly on ignorance, they certainly seem to have cornered the market. A once-proud GOP now panders to the lowest common denominator, so much so that McCain-Palin rallies often bear an eerie resemblance to lynch mobs.
Senator McCain, who once famously denounced the religious right as “agents of intolerance,” last week hired the same robo-calling firm that tarnished his own 2000 presidential bid. Then the calls insinuated that McCain had fathered an illegitimate black child; now they’re spreading lies and sowing hatred toward Obama. So it goes in the final act of a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.
As I said months ago, this election will be a clarifying moment regardless of who wins: the soul of America will be revealed for all the world to see. My strong hunch is that we are going to like the outcome: Obama will win with a strong mandate, and the virulent elements of the Republican Party will be repudiated.
But there remains the possibility that Americans may give in to fear and ignorance and reward McCain; at the weekend, the polls were beginning to show a tightening race (though to be fair, this usually happens as presidential campaigns approach their end).
It’s also likely that the campaign will get even uglier as Nov. 4th nears (which also usually happens).
Do what you can to put Obama over the top. This is no time for complacency.
Jason Scorse