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A Foreign Correspondent's View of U.S. Elections
October 31, 2008 7:11 AM
By EVA SOHLMAN, journalist and writer for the Swedish magazine Fokus, covering the U.S. elections
As the clock ticks down to Election Day, I wonder whether Americans realize just how eagerly – almost fervently – the rest of the world awaits the outcome of their vote.
My editor in Sweden summed it up when she urged me in my curtain raiser for the election not just to tell her who might win but what was America thinking and what were the various moods I'd found in my travels around the country.
As I see it, there is a dark cloud of uncertainty and worry hanging over this historic vote.
Americans know they will bring forth either their first black president or their first female vice president. They are also battling a financial crisis that threatens not only to wreak havoc on their livelihoods and the country’s standing in the world, but also to kill the American Dream.
Little wonder then that the entire world is watching this election far more closely than many of the past.
The writer Joan Didion depicts a country struck with a kind of blindness, or coma. “…We approach this election with no clear idea where bottom is: what damage has been done, what alliances have been formed and broken, what concealed reefs lie ahead,” she wrote in The New York Review of Books. “Whoever we elect president is about to find some of that out.”
My friend Joanne, a 62-year-old editor temporarily out of work, is one of thousands of middle-class Americans who are going through housing foreclosure. She observed that the country has woken up to a new reality and has moved from feeling rich to feeling poor. This identity crisis is a brutal and paralyzing experience. “It is like standing on a beach with a tsunami coming at you,” she said.
Joanne worries that many Americans do not yet appreciate how much they will have to change in order to get it back on track, especially when it comes to their culture of consumption and credit. “At this moment in time I see us as a bunch of astronauts floating idly in a little tin can lost in space, hoping for a miraculous happy ending.”
Grim words, I know, but it is a mood I have constantly run into as Americans seem to be seeking in this election not just to choose a new president but a happier, calmer and more optimistic future.
They want the American Dream back. And they want it back in this election.
“Growing up, you knew you could fulfill your dreams. Today, you don’t even know if you’ll be able to pay the utility bill,“ said Jim Edmunds, owner of the Stonewall bar in the small town of Winchester, Va.
So how do you avoid the feared scenario of the so-called American Century crumbling like the Roman Empire? And what will a future America look like if, and when, it weathers this financial and identity crisis?
Internationally, pundits agree the era of dominant superpowers is nearing its end as people and markets – nations – become increasingly interconnected in the "global village."
For a weakened America, whose political and economic credibility and clout have dwindled, this means an increased need to seek alliances and strategic partnerships. As China, India and Russia continue to grow and the issues become more complex, “there is a great opportunity for the U.S. to swallow a dose of humility and learn to listen,” Anne Marie Slaughter, the principal of Woodrow Wilson School, explained to me.
At home, the United States will have to sort out its markets and get better regulation, not necessarily more, financier George Soros concluded at a seminar on the financial crisis at Columbia University in New York last week.
One of the main problems, he agreed with economists Nouriel Roubini of New York University and Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia, was that the markets focused on surface appearances and did not recognize underlying reality. This superficiality appears to have become perhaps a common attitude in the wider American society.
While Americans are voting on their future, they are also voting on their past. A dark history of slavery and discrimination is being brought into clearer daylight. To move forward and into the 21st century, some intellectuals say, the country will now have to address the fact that even if a black American is elected president, equal opportunity still will not be a reality for all – especially for people with dark skin – and that America is in fact a class-based society.
Caryl Phillips, a Yale literature professor and writer, who writes about race, identity and belonging, concludes the "trickle-down" economy clearly hasn’t worked when 1 percent of the population sits on about a third of the country’s wealth. He says the country is still run by a white gentleman’s club that doesn’t represent what America looks like today.
“America is at a historical crossroads. But if she chooses the wrong way she could lose her soul,” he said.
Back to Joanne.
She sees an America where her 30-year-old daughter Kelly won’t have the same opportunities as she did in her youth. Although she has a law degree from an Ivy League university, Kelly can’t afford to buy a home. She is lucky to have a job. “I can see how I myself might end up like one of those old ladies on a park bench eating cat food,” Joanne said.
But, even in her grimmer moments, Joanne can still show a glimmer of that can-do American attitude that is still so admired and yearned for again around the world.
She believes something positive will come out of the financial crisis. She predicts Americans will become engaged again in their grass-roots community, just like in the '60s and '70s:
”I can see an America, which gets back to some of her core values. I can see people helping each other and sticking together when the going gets tough.”
Maybe she is right because it is one of the great things that have struck me about this country -- how it never stands still. Change and failure might be hard and uncomfortable, but as so often in the past, for Americans, they are often seen as something positive.
America should stick to that belief as it searches again for a new American Dream.
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October 31, 2008 in Guest | Permalink | User Comments (39)
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Who has been talking about the American Dream? Obama.
Posted by: doug | Oct 31, 2008 7:13:00 AM
Obama does not have to talk about the American Dream.
Obama IS the American Dream.
Starting next Wednesday, for the first time in 8 years, me and millions of other Americans will read the morning news without thinking "God Damn America.
Posted by: Clifton | Oct 31, 2008 7:48:06 AM
Clifton, I couldn't agree with you more.
Posted by: Deb | Oct 31, 2008 8:13:55 AM
Clifton, if you truly think that everyday I'll buy you a one-way ticket to any other wonderful country you want to live in. How about China? Russia? Sweden? Pick one. This whole article is one gloating "I hate America" foreign reporter's opinion. She looked for and found the pessimists. She wants this to be true because she is a typical Euro snob. Give me a break. Not all of us think this country is doomed. Most of us are damd glad to be living here, doing our jobs and living our lives.
Posted by: Nobamafan | Oct 31, 2008 8:59:03 AM
I'm not surprise one bit just how many Americans think they can 'own it all'. It's the reason behind banks, realestate, car dealers, etc. saying people can get a loan even if they have very little money. Most in this country do not even know basic Finacial 101 that you can not get something for nothing, no matter what.
(sigh) Of course, greed running rampant in Wall Street and big main companies. CEOs shouldn't be having huge bonuses if the company is doing bad. I don't buy the crap that they give out the bonuses to keep the talent there.
So really, we need some form of regulations to keep greedy companies in check as well as keep the banking system in check. I'm surprise this country didn't learn anything from the Enron scandal, because guess what? It had happened again on a *national* level! Sheesh!
Posted by: GWP | Oct 31, 2008 9:06:11 AM
Damn straight, nobamafan. I'd like to help you send the America haters somewhere, anywhere else.
Posted by: pindizzy | Oct 31, 2008 9:14:41 AM
A Positive Mental Attitude best describes Americans.That will be their obvious choice next week. The content of ones character is what we will consider, not the rhetoric. The "Dream" lives on.
Posted by: Chris | Oct 31, 2008 9:18:15 AM
Anyone who thinks a Chicago machine politician is going to change his life for the better is a pureblind fool.
Posted by: George A | Oct 31, 2008 9:25:39 AM
It' always easy to say someone from europe is a snob, and maybe an elitist too. But as a swede living in europe I think one should consider that american culture and ideas has always been very popular over here. A lot of swedes travel to the US every year, live there and go back many times. As myself. Why? Because I really like your country and the people. Why be so afraid of criticism? Isn't a good thing that people have a point of view and are concerned that America will continue to be a great country? Obviously Nobamafan is not a person who like to think too much. But it is very clear to the rest of the world that the US of A is in a serious need of Change. The whole world is changing. And thererfore it's urgent to have leaders that is able to find new ways to deal with that change. Fear of change is not going to help in the future. Is all change good? No, of course not. But the change sen. Obama is proposing is something most people in Europe see as a very positive thing in many many ways. For America and for the rest of the world.
Posted by: Håkan | Oct 31, 2008 9:27:52 AM
I didn't feel this article was hateful. Since I was born here in the 40's I've experienced a lot. Seems like a lot of 3rd world people want to be here, but have not noticed other European people trying to live or become citizens here anymore.They may visit or live here part time because of their jobs, but thats about it. Have we as americans become snobs?
Posted by: SmileAlready | Oct 31, 2008 9:43:12 AM
nobamafan, ill make you a deal, If the voters of America choose a new path, and if the GOP get crushed this Tuesday , i will buy a ticket anywhere you want to move one way, if McBush and the pig with lipstick win, you can buy me a ticket..deal? and please enough with the America haters crap, nobody hates America some just feel that we can do better than we have, esp after the last eight years. All you have to do is look around and realize the GOP has shot themselves in the foot with greed etc, there can be no doubt when asked, are you better off now or 8 years ago? what the answer is, well at least if you are reasonable and honest..or are you just full of Fox news one liners and propaganda? As far as main stream media, puhhleez, fox is biggest news org in the world, my clueless fuirend, they are the mainstream media.....W was the worst thing to happen to America since Karl Rove
Posted by: colomar | Oct 31, 2008 9:51:49 AM
Ms Eva,
Your friend Joanne and millions like her are loosing their homes and lifestyle in the US because they did not exercise personal responsibility. Sorry to harp on your friend, but at the age of 62 and being an (educated) editor its hard to believe she did not have a decent income for decades that perhaps she wasted on want more, consume more, live for today in credit philosophy instead of saving for a rainy day.
Posted by: hutke | Oct 31, 2008 9:52:25 AM
I wouldn't say this country is doomed but it sure isn't as grand as it used to be. We have become lazy, ignorrant, snobbish. Take a look at the comment from Nobamafan "She wants this to be true because she is a typical Euro snob." We, as a whole, think that anyone who says anything bad about this country is benethe us. The first amendment is one of the greatest things about this nation! It allows for people to speak up when things aren't right and need to be changed. This country has strayed from what it once was and needs to change. But "world be damned" if someone says this country isn't perfect...thats snobbish and its that mindset that makes us look uptight and looked down upon by the rest of the world.
Posted by: Nick | Oct 31, 2008 10:00:03 AM
Why do we care what the Europeans think? As a group, they are weak, indecisive, and cowards. Example, Two world wars that we had to jump in and rescue their butts! This is more of the same from them; evidently, they NEVER learn! We have depleted our treasury feeding them, providing security, Marshall Aid, etc. As far as I know, only little Finland ever repaid the WWII debt. All they do is whine about the big, bad U.S. If they are hoping for our decline, be careful what you wish for EU! As far as slavery, get over it and move on! Europe's record isn't too pristine either. We have all kinds of incentives for our minorities to succeed. Do you really want to speak of a class system? As to the Woodrow Wilson School principal comment of: "There is a great opportunity for the U. S. to swallow a dose of humility and learn to listen," we have a deplorable education crisis. Teachers as a group in the U. S. are spoiled, whiny, and lazy--and over-paid if you look at the uneducated students graduating--if they graduate at all! Parents are failing their children as well. When 95% of homeowners are paying their mortgages, one would assume the other 5% shouldn't be a homeowner! If anything, Americans are like the rest of the world-- we simply make bad decisions and lack common sense! Take responsibility for your bad decisionS! Don't blame everyone else! AND EU, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
Posted by: jonnie36 | Oct 31, 2008 10:02:01 AM
I had to check out someones comment a few days and there was some substance to it.
There is a high coinicidence between high unemployment rates, budget overruns and company struggling and those those states that are traditionally blue states.
There is the same relationship between low unemployment rates, low welfare usage and balance state budgets and red states.
I havent seen it on the media, but it looks real.
Posted by: Andre | Oct 31, 2008 10:02:02 AM
Without a doubt, the American populus has very strong opinions regarding the ensuing presidential election and it's clear that the rest of the world is weighing in as well. Perhaps it's due to the unprecedented economic crisis, rising concerns about future prosperity, or the marred global image. Whatever the case, the next president is facing a daunting task and will have to make some tough decisions. Both candidates have strengths and weaknesses and the aptitude to be the next president. I've found that you can learn a great deal from listening to an outsider's perspective (i.e. someone from outside the US) on this matter. As the author of the article stated, America keeps moving even when she's down. I am seeking a president the will keep America moving in the right direction. Rather than belittle eachother because we have different opinions, let our vote do the talking and may the best man win.
Posted by: SJ | Oct 31, 2008 10:06:45 AM
Andre..well the biggest welfare state in the union is...Alaska. Highest violent crime rate per person..South Carolina
..Highest abortion rate per person..Alabama..stated plainly if it wasnt for the blue states there would be no red states as no subsidies for the farmers (hey isnt that socialism??) would mean no farmers and obviously subsidies are based on a semi socialist structure..no jobs and no economy mean no schools and no roads.simply stated there are not enough jobs or income to support the Fly over states but hey i guess they dont mind that kind of socialism huh? .the facts are simple it is the revenue from the blue states that support and maintain the red states. These are facts so does your argument hold water..?? Honestly?
Posted by: colomar | Oct 31, 2008 10:08:43 AM
sj..great comment couldnt agree more. Havent we had enough of the snide petty Rovian tactics?
Posted by: colomar | Oct 31, 2008 10:12:56 AM
Eva..good show...but America is already beyond repair...nobody sees it yet, but they will. America is past 3rd world and struggling in the 4th world...non-existance....but they deserve what they chose....since America could not integrate with the world as a whole her death is justified. Humans we all are?
Posted by: Gombonzo Parzini | Oct 31, 2008 10:20:30 AM
what has suprised me most in the past weeks is all this talk of the middle classes I have always understood America to be a classless society. We british have been held back by the class system for hundreds of years you know Kings Lords Dukes Dames and now footballers. It appears that class nowdays is how much money you have in which case I am a serf
Posted by: leslie miller | Oct 31, 2008 10:28:11 AM
Jonnie36 I should remind you that the great USA had to rely on us Europeans to help you out in Iraq so be careful about putting us down. Service men and women from the UK have dies because of the war that your President got us into. I have lived in the States and for the most part the people are wonderful and I hope the US rides out this financial crisis along with the rest of the world. I do however think its time you all took your heads out of the sand and realise that as a result of Bush America is despised in the rest of the world. You are not the greatest country in the world you do not have the greatest health care system in the world, your military is not the greatest in the world. So grow up and get over it,
Posted by: Marie Therese Hayes | Oct 31, 2008 10:29:26 AM
Dissent is not hate. Just because some of us have the brains to think differently and dream of change does not mean that we hate America.
And as for "Europeans minding their own business," we are living in a global world, and the fact that our stock market's downfall has hurt their markets shows that this is their business too. Besides by "putting thier noses in other people's business" they are showing how much they have learned from the best (us).
Anyone who tries to argue that McCain and "that woman" are going to be any different that crap we have had the last 8 years need to wake up.
Posted by: Joker | Oct 31, 2008 10:29:27 AM
jonnie36
So sad to read stuff like that. But somehow it proves the point about change.
Especially when it comes to matters of education. Your lack of respect and humility clearly shows that. Your comments about europeans is a clear indication of how wrong things get when we forget about what it means to live side by side in an world where more than ever before every country is dependent on the other. It's called globalization. And by the way, didn't those horrible europeans come to help president Bush regarding the economy?
I think you are the one that's whining. Take a look at yourself and ask if your way of thinking really benefits someone else. I guess if I were a country you would like to nuke me now...
Posted by: Håkan | Oct 31, 2008 10:30:57 AM
IT IS VERY SIMPLE !! IF YOU DON´T LIKE THE BUSH ERA AND A POSSIBLE WORSE THAN BUSH ERA BY McDON´T-KNOW-ECONOMY / PALIN-ANTI-WOMEN-AGENDA THEN VOTE A SMART, ENERGETIC UNIVERSITY OF HAVARD PRODUCT OBAMA / BIDEN.
Posted by: JUNIOR | Oct 31, 2008 10:36:06 AM
jonnie36
It took us brits 60 years to pay off our leaselend and other war debts in full to the USA. Possibly the loss of all that compound interest has helped the present situation, just a thought
Posted by: ancientbrit | Oct 31, 2008 10:52:38 AM
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