It turned out to be a nail-biting night for Democrats. The ballots have been counted, and while sources predict the winner to be President George W. Bush, there is a glimmer of hope that the final few votes left uncounted may make all the difference.
For the most part, the analysts’ general predictions came true: Bush secured the “solid south” and America’s heartland; Kerry held the liberal northeast and California. But the battleground states proved to be a fight. By the end of election night, the much-contested states of Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa are left as the deciding factors in the race. After a late night on the edge of the seat, sources declared a victory “too close to call.” It would be wrong for the Kerry/Edwards campaign to concede now, but blurry signs point to another four years under Bush and the GOP.
People all over the world have been glued to the results of this election because it marks a turning point in the United States’ political history. This election not only means a lot to Americans, but it has a huge impact on the people of the world. At the turn of the century, the world has been hit with a few whirlwinds and challenges, mainly dealing with security and terror. The U.S. reaction with a new war on terror is at the center of attention. What do the next four years imply?
More people — about 15 million more — have registered to vote. And both Republicans and Democrats have worked harder and spent more campaign money than ever before to mobilize voters — the Bush campaign budgeted $125 million, about three times as much as in 2000; Kerry spent nearly $60 million.
Since the last election, Americans have invested more time and interest in the issues and the campaign and have been more skeptical about voting rights and fraud.
Even in this new atmosphere, Bush and Kerry ran a tight race, with last-minute polling showing the candidates within a hair’s breadth.
About 60 percent of the electorate turned out at the polls, breaking the 2000 record of 105 million. The high voter turnout marked a big threat to Bush, because it showed that people really wanted change. But the incumbent managed to squeeze through with only a marginal victory.
With the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the invasion of Afghanistan, the search for Osama bin Laden, the war on terror and the ousting of Saddam Hussein from Iraq, the drama of the last four years has taken a toll on Americans. For the first time in history, the United States’ role in the world has finally come to the attention of the average American. Re-electing Bush shows that while people do care about domestic policies and may have wanted a change of direction, the number one issue on people’s minds in this election was foreign policy and the war on terror.
Bush was able to rally support as a “kick-butt” leader. The uncertainty of the nation’s security appeared to cause reluctance to switch horses in midstream. As in the march to war against Iraq, once again the president manipulated the public through fear.
Furthermore, Bush’s propaganda machine very effectively managed to convince the electorate that President Bush is the right leader to keep the country secure and fight the war on terror. The reality is that he botched the nation’s position and influence in the world, making it even more dangerous for Americans. The Republican Party once again managed to deceive the American people.
Bush gave the people just enough to keep the domestic issues from being at the forefront of the campaign and a deciding factor in the election. During his first term, he has only offered cosmetic solutions to such problems as health care and social security.
Unless Bush stops focusing on corporate interests and trying to bully the world, I fear the next four years will signal a rapid downfall for this nation, both in domestic and foreign policy. His victory will surely give him and his administration more reason to snub their noses at the need for change. However, destruction is the consequence of arrogance.
With the closeness of this year’s race, it is obvious that no matter which candidate is chosen, it is a critical time for change and attentiveness to what is best for the people. Although my choice for president is not likely to win, I am insistent that Bush take the opportunity and, more importantly, the responsibility to clean up the mess he has made during his first term.
Natalie J. Mikhail ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in journalism and international studies.