Disappointed in McCain

Adam Lassise MSc. is a physics PhD student. He is originally from Tucson, Arizona. “I don’t find the result shocking. I simply went to bed on Tuesday evening and woke up to find the results of Obama beating McCain.”

“The elections often come up as a topic of conversation with European colleagues and friends. But Americans are often very secretive about who they vote for. It’s a borderline social taboo to ask someone in the US who they voted for.”

“There are a number of reasons I voted for Obama. For one, as former Secretary of State Colin Powell mentioned in his endorsement of Obama, we are witnessing a turning over of power from one generation to the next. While I do not agree with all of Obama’s policies and views, I think that he has demonstrated over the last 20 months adeptness to lead, intelligence, calm demeanor and ability to excite a tired, worn down population.”

“Also, to remark on McCain, I grew up in Arizona, and he has been my Senator for the last 22 years. I have seen what he has done for Arizona and the people there. He has been a wonderful senator, and I certainly respect him for that. However, over the course of the primaries and now the elections, he has started talking and acting not like the man who has done a wonderful job for Arizona, but more like some politician pandering to the conservative republican vote. It brings a certain sadness on me to see.”/.

“I admit I cried with joy and relief”

“Yesterday, I could not watch, I was too nervous. I got up this morning at 6am, in time to catch most of Obama’s outstanding victory speech. I shuffled between NOS, RTL4, CNN and BBC for reactions”, says History of Technology postdoc dr. Alec Badenoch, who is from California.

“I admit I cried with joy and relief when I heard the result. It was watching the reaction of reverend Jesse Jackson to Obama’s speech that did it. I am not sure what we can expect now - if anybody, least of all Obama, knows the extent of the mess that is actually and needs to be cleaned up. The new president faces the challenges of an economy that has been neglected for eight years, with not many tools to fix it. Bush has left behind a presidency that assumed powers it should not have. Obama (thankfully a professor of constitutional law!) faces the challenge of trying to get things done whilst also needing to reign in and repair the boundaries of his own office. That’s a tall order.”

“As far as policies go, I actually stand further to the left of Obama. But to me, he is inspiring on a number of levels. He is clearly an intelligent man - unlike Bush, a good man, and a charismatic man. I trust him not to be stupid or mean. For me, the deciding moment was his speech on race in America, which was the most intelligent, daring, eloquent and necessary speech I have ever heard in a political campaign in the US. This is a moment in time where I think that is as important as policies: we actually need a change in language.”

“In the Netherlands, I think you are also closer to the politicians, also on the news and such. If there is heated debate or controversy in de Tweede Kamer, there will be reporters right there outside who will walk up and speak directly with the ministers or MPs as they come out. You don’t get that in US political coverage - you only ever see US political figures from a distance.” /.

“Return dignity and integrity to the office”

“I am very pleased with the result of these elections. I hope that Obama can return dignity and integrity to the office”, say Erik Berda MSc., a postdoc at the Applied Chemistry department whose last address in the US was in Florida.

“Obama had inherited the largest national deficit in history, two wars, a crippled financial system, and a severely tarnished international image. Resolving any one of these issues will be challenging, let alone all of them.”

Berda says he is surprised to see how much interest there is abroad in the US presidential elections “It has been a very eye opening experience. I think it is something more Americans should experience. I would say most Americans are unaware of how big an influence their government has on the world stage.”

“Barack strikes me as intelligent, thoughtful, calculated and reasonable. Also his background more closely resembles mine and most Americans. He has a much broader knowledge base and range of experiences than does John McCain. Also, his popularity abroad is a factor; I hope he will be able to repair the strained relationship between America and the rest of the world. The Iraq war is another major issue for me: John McCain said “we could be in Iraq for 100 years”, that’s not acceptable. Finally, the thought of Sarah Palin making major national and international decisions frightened me.”

Speaking about the American constitution Berda remarked: “This is a beautiful document that outlines a very efficient government; however the interpretation of the constitution in my opinion has gotten out of control and has given the federal government too much power. The Electoral College system is also antiquated and should be changed; the American people elected Al Gore in 2000, but a technicality gave the White House to arguably the worst administration in history. I say: one vote for every citizen!”/.

“Obama is the man for these times”

“This is great! I expect significant change in the United States”, says dr. M. Gordon Brown, head of the Real Estate Management & Development Group at TU/e’s department of Architecture and Planning.

“I watched all night with my wife. Obama has insight into the problems we need to deal with in the economy and the environment. I think he is the one to tackle these issues. He has good advisors, such as Colin Powell. Obama knows how to stimulate and involve young people. The last time I saw this on such a scale was with John F. Kennedy. I think Obama will be able to engage nations all over the world.”

Brown is originally from Chicago, but has lived in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, Phoenix and London, England. “I have watched Obama over the past several years and it is clear he is gifted in many ways that are necessary in politics and governance at any time, but especially for these times”, Brown continues. “On the other hand, I was also impressed by John McCain’s idealistic concession speech, promising to work with the Democrats for the good of the country.”/.