Gray Tuesday

I am quite enthralled with the U.S. presidential election.

The voters need to realize just how significant this upcoming election is. Besides the whole speech about how all American's should vote and whatnot, I think there is something more important to be discussed. The outcome of this election will (inevitably) effect the entire world. With the growing economic crisis, the neverending 'War on Terrorism', and the (let's just face it) falling USA superpower, voters have a lot to consider.

No offense to Canadian politics, but they just aren't as interesting as the American politics. Canada isn't battling it's position of a global superpower with several other countries. Canada isn't facing a economic crisis as severe as the States. Canada isn't defined by its current positions on the War in Iraq. Canada just doesn't have the fuel to power an election quite like this.

This election is important on several notes. The candidates stand for political and social issues that have plagued the USA for far too many years. Obama comes from the working class, African American, middle citizens. He represents all the years of Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality. He represents the charismatic, hollywood, perfect dad, JFK parallel of this century. And yet, his newness to politics, along with his experienced vice-presidential candidate, Joe Biden, Obama brings 'new light' to the White House. His position on the War in Iraq could use some perfecting, but he is a smart, outgoing candidate who is not afraid to be the hero figure. I see Obama as a sort of Harvey Dent character from the recent Batman film. He is eager to clean up the States, however, he is young. His eagerness and inexperience may cause him to become corrupted.

McCain, on the other hand is the elitist, conservative leader the States may just need to bring them through the next few years. McCain's experience in the wars, former trips and quibbles in political races have given him the stamina to fight back. McCain is not afraid of the reporters, and believes deeply in using the sentiments of human nature to bring his campaign to new levels. He, however, lacks the newness of Obama, and has one fallback. He belongs to the same party as President Bush. We all know that Bush has outlived his time in the Whitehouse, and although McCain may have some differing views than Bush, they do belong to the same party. Their take on the War is similar, in fact, McCain is pushing for more troops.

However, consider this. Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney are endorsers of Obama. McCain is supported by the Washington Times, Boston Harold and the Veteran's League. Although Obama clearly has the lead on the whole 'money is power' philosophy, McCain has the intellectual newspapers, veterans, and critics potentially on his side. Which is better? Swing the funds? Or swing the Media?

In the coming years, the USA is facing an end to his global domination. The world will no longer depend on it to keep things together (or tear them apart, depending on your view). With the falling economy, and this is a huge topic to be discussed, both candidates are faced with the other miserable accusation of spending so much on a campaign before digging the Americans out with the money. Far-fetched, perhaps. But wouldn't that be the more effective campaign?

It's a dog-eat-dog election. And it could go either way. All I can do is encourage voters to make an informed choice. The rest will be decided on Tuesday? This decision isn't all black and white.

Another thing to consider is the faith of these two men. As a Christian blogger, I hate politics. I will not base my choice on claims. We'll see who wins, and their values and morals should play out in their term. Much more than just a war on 'terrorism' lies in this election. As it will always be, the Middle-Eastern war is about conflicting world views and religions. Islam vs Christianity once again. So, who will stand head of this supposedly 'God-fearing' country? Do I sound pessimistic?

Gray Tuesday, my friends, Gray Tuesday