It was interesting, last night, to watch the BBC Newsnight special on the final televised debate between the two presidential candidates in the US election.
From early on in the race, I've liked Barak Obama. He's fresh, sharp and seemingly astute. As a stark contrast, in last night's debate, John McCain presented himself and his ideas really poorly - he looked frail, bumbled through ideas and proposals, flapped in futile efforts to retort criticisms levelled by his running 'mate', and made repetetive, petty jibes at Obama.
Obama was unphased. He looked confident, presented his ideas and arguments convincingly and succinctly.
I truly hope the right result prevails. I have two major concerns though. Firstly, I hope that enough intelligent Americans interpret the campaign's manifestos accurately and make the right choice. That might sound patronising, but a majority* voted in George 'Dubya' Bush (twice?!) and many of them supported his subsequent 8 years work! It's worrying to consider where the mindset is of those millions of voters..
Secondly, if Obama does win the race, I fear for his safety. In a nation of gun-toters (where high school shootings have become historical recurrences rather than isolated exceptions) it is surely vexing to contemplate the security and personal vulnerability of a prominent and powerful political incumbant of a distinct racial constitution.
I think (*read: hope) that sense will prevail and Obama will ultimately succeed. It's going to make interesting viewing/news in the meantime.
* Majority - in terms of the numbers required to win; assuming they were obtained legitimately!
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