A record-setting 70 million-plus viewers tuned in to watch the 2008 presidential election returns last Tuesday both domestically and around the globe. Following the election of Barack Obama people across the world have celebrated what they believe is the induction of a new age in U.S. politics.
At least for the time being the world sees the United States in an overwhelmingly positive way. Kenya the homeland of Obama’s father declared Nov. 4 a national holiday. A prominent London newspaper hailed Obama’s election as “One Giant Leap for Mankind.” Mexico’s former foreign secretary cheered the “extraordinary opportunity” that had arisen for his country’s citizens.
It is an incredible phenomenon that the world’s concept of America can change overnight with the turnover of its leadership. Sadly a sentiment of anti-Americanism has been prevalent abroad for the past several years. Now America may again be embraced.
Yet at its core America has changed little over the years. The country’s greatness descends from its people its ideals and its government’s constancy. These have been intact all along and they define our country regardless of who serves as president.
Although some abroad may hope for sweeping changes America has endured remarkably since its infancy and few countries can stake this claim. While other nations have changed their constitutions several times and undergone periodic rebirth with each revolution or philosophical transformation the United States has retained its Constitution since 1787. Although policies inevitably fluctuate over time America remains fundamentally unchanged.
This election has reaffirmed the boundless opportunities that the United States offers its people. Americans and non-Americans alike are proud that any citizen of this great nation has a chance to achieve whatever dreams they have even those as ambitious as seeking the nation’s highest public office.
Internationally some have expressed rekindled faith in democracy because of our latest election. Yet democracy has always been alive in America unlike anywhere else and now it has merely been reaffirmed. The truly faith-invoking facet of democracy isn’t necessarily the person elected but instead the seamless exchange of governing power that occurs. This “peaceful revolution” – impossible in some countries even today – provides a legitimate source of pride.
As Obama takes office both domestic and international expectations are high. But they must also be realistic.
A great example is our current economic crisis. This crisis wasn’t created by one person or even one country and the solution simply won’t come from a single person. It is often noted by historians that presidents are either lucky to receive credit for a good economy or unlucky to receive blame for a bad one (although a president can certainly do more to hurt an economy than to help it).
Most importantly the American economy will thrive as long as innovation within the country is alive. Sound economic policies are also crucial but once again this involves so much more than any single person or branch of government. This is the beauty of checks and balances within the American government.
With regard to foreign policy many abroad are optimistic about Obama’s promise of diplomacy but even he knows the United States must often make unpopular decisions in order to defend American liberty and international interests. Obama wrote in “The Audacity of Hope:” “There will be times when we must again play the role of the world’s reluctant sheriff. This will not change – nor should it.”
Obama like past presidents knows that the defense of American ideals takes precedence over achieving international popularity. Americans and those abroad must be prepared for this reality.
As such American popularity abroad may only last a fleeting moment. But whether it is apparent or not the world will continue to admire America for the things that are often unmentioned and remain remarkably conserved over time.