Setting the record straight - Why is Obama good for India?
Anybody who has been following the US presidential race, (I hope many of you do) must have noticed that Barack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois is surging ahead in the past few weeks and all the Democrat has to do in the next three weeks is to coast towards victory against John McCain, the veteran senator from Arizona.
We have to examine the significance of this to India, especially when the ties between the most powerful democracy and the largest democracy in the world is deepening and they see each other as the closest partners for the future. This is evident from the public rhetoric. For example Sen. John Kerry (you might remember him as the guy who lost to Bush) has said that it is time for the US to make India its closest ally. The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), a, premier business advocacy organization representing 300 of the largest U.S. companies investing in India, has hailed the nuclear agreement as a watershed moment in the US-India relations.
One thing is clear, the United States recognize that India is a land on the march and that it is a natural ally considering the values of democracy, freedom and human rights that both the countries share as well as the fight on terror. This leads to the next question: How would an Obama administration affect the India?
When I discuss Obama with my friends back in India, one thing that I perceive is that there are many concerns that need to be answered about Obama’s various positions. Having known him and tracked him politically for a while, I feel that I can answer some of the questions. After all, I’m all Gung-ho about him and have even had a chance to meet him at a book signing event (I’ve read both his best selling books - Dreams from my father and The Audacity of Hope) in Chicago before he announced that he is running for president and became an overnight superstar.
However, let me ask you my friends,
- What are your concerns about a President Obama?
- What do you think about the changes it will bring?
- What is it about Barack Obama that you wish you could learn more?
- What is it about Barack Obama that worries you?
Sources:
1. FiveThirtyEight - Electoral Projections Done Right
2.RealClearPolitics Polls Average
3. RealClearPolitics Electoral College Map
4. India: A land on the March - Edwin Feulner
5. Building a Stronger U.S.-India Friendship - Sen. John Kerry
6. Historic Watershed moment in US-India relations - Wall Street Journal Marketwatch
7. Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama
8. Political Positions of Barack Obama
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October 14th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Though I have been following this race closely - I dont really know about both the candidates. India’s relationship with a democrat President of US has always been better than a Republican President.
The results of this election will be interesting - as Obama is from the Black (African American - for those who feel offended) community. Though outwardly there is no racism - under the skin there is still a lot of racism left in the US.
As for the relationship with India - India does not really have to worry! India should be more worried about its relationship with countries like China, Brazil, South Africa… - which will be the kingmakers for the next century. The future for US remains bleak as the current administration and both the Presidential candidates dont seem to have an answer for the current Financial Crisis.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Quite sincerely, there is no debate as to how the Democrats are more for liberalisation which means that they are more keen on making the nation grow while building an international bond of trust. Whereas, the Republicans believe that growth is possible, internally and organically.
Personally, organic growth is totally limited to a company, not a nation. Nations have to work with each other to build their resource for a better tomorrow.
America may be a big brother, but India does provide the fodder for its growth in many sectors, while America is responsible for India’s fair share of technological growth and improvement. India looks up to America as a role model state!
Personally, in a nutshell, Obama spells good news as did his pre-decessor Democrat presidents!
October 14th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
In addition to my above comment, I wanted to add a fact that the territorial attitude held close to their heart by the Republicans have caused many skirmishes that proved to be bad for the Economy and the nation.
This will spell bad news for everyone associated with the country if run by the Republicans
October 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Yes, I Was myself quite mesmerized with the speech of Mr. Obama when I heard it , and wanted to put a vote myself, but my nationality won’t allow me too.I feel through his words that he will be a true leader for US as well as an ally to India, surely bringing up the positive impacts between India and US in terms of development, economy and welfare.
For US, i feel quite good and proud that a “black” is been chosen as a leader, (always had a soft corner for em’ as this community has always suffered !!!, also, they have fought for their rights and stood strong.)
Lastly, I Would hope that his presence will definitely make an positive impact in US as well as in India….this is my belief as well as my intution…!!!!
Peace ..!!!
October 14th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Hi: Mine would be a concern. Working with American clients over the last decade on outsourced jobs to India, why would a person like me want to support him who is lobbying against outsourcing.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Who wrote this post??
so is this a campaign attempt FOR obama…? ..lol
October 15th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Well Obama certainly seems to be a breath of fresh air… but the main concern with him is whether he would be able to do justice to all the expectations around him… if he were to be the prez.. everyone ( including Isaac
) would be hyping him up expecting him to conjure miracles…and when he falters ( which he is bound too - hez human after all!! ) the backlash would be quite severe to say the least…. Coming to wats in it for India.. well i dont know! I mean obama is so vague about most issues.. that one really does not know where he stands on them…. his campaign is full of promises.. but no specifics.. .. His VP candidate selection - Biden a known Indophile could be an encouragement for Indians i guess….
October 16th, 2008 at 8:51 am
@Jojo…
Well…it is a campaign, for hearts, not votes….
October 19th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
i think its time for us to think how India is affecting them and not how they are affecting us. the situation for India is more or less the same not matter who comes into power. he has his so called lead now just because of the world financial crisis. besides being a good speaker, i dont see many qualities in obama. I like McCain always. He is an international policy expert. he has served his country during 3 wars. Obama likes india just because he hates pakistan, and nothing much.
October 26th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Well.. BO is definitely a change that America needs !! After following all the debates/polls closely & just watching his latest Ad ! I feel that definitely he should make it as Pres.. Provided People VOTE ..Al-Gore lost by just 230 odd votes the last time..
On the Indian Front …He should do India good.Who cares if he prefers India to Pakistan..Politicians & Cricketers ‘ve made monkeys outta us when it comes to Pak!!
India IS on the ROLL !! McCain or BO …We as a country will reach the vision that we set ourselves in 2020 & a person like BO as president could jus propell us further…
3 Cheers to Barrack Hussein Obama !!!!!