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Global Crossroads
Garrick Utley, President, Levin Institute 
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President Obama: World Citizen?
Wed,11/05/08
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President Obama.
President Barack Obama.
President Barack Hussein Obama.
Names can be important as symbols, and so it is now with the man who will be the 44th President of the United States. Barack Obama brings a generational change to the White House as no president has since John F. Kennedy nearly half a century ago. But unlike any of his predecessors he brings to the office something absolutely new; the DNA of his racial background and the psychological DNA of his personal multi-cultural experience and identity. More than any American president Obama has been a citizen of the world with his personal ties to Africa and Asia as well as his roots in the United States. He reflects and represents the new global environment in which we all live and work. That’s the good news.
But time now for a reality check. Or let’s call it keeping our expectations under control.
Yes, as a world leader and citizen, President Obama’s election can do much to restore America’s image and reputation in the world. But our world is changing quickly, beginning with the current financial and economic crises. Leaders of nations large and small are coming under increasing pressure to protect their domestic economies, industries and the livelihood of their workers. The uncertain fate of the Doha Round to reduce trade barriers is only one sign of that. Barack Obama in the White House will not be shielded from these foreign pressures, or the domestic ones likely to come from the enlarged Democratic Party majority in Congress. Some of the most direct challenges he will face will come from within the ranks of his own party.
President Obama will have to lead his own party in Congress to understand the world the way he does. However his life experience is not transferable to members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. He could find himself to be a leader who is far ahead of his own troops in understanding and seizing the opportunities as well as facing the inescapable challenges of globalization. This will test Barack Obama as he juggles his three roles and identities: president, politician and global citizen. It will be quite a performance to watch. And there is no escaping it.
What do you think?
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Sun,11/16/08
By : Rachel Oduka
“It was six men of Hindustan, To Learning much inclined…” The words of John Godfrey Saxe's poem resonated deeply in my mind as I mused over what was happening. Senator Obama had just been declared President-elect in the most historic election in the world! I sat quietly watching the big screen at Heathrow Airport, waiting for my connection. Inside I couldn’t help but feel what I believed many people were feeling at the time – a deep inexpressible sense of elation and gratitude at just being alive to witness this day. |
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Sun,11/09/08
By : Steven J Rayls
I would like to start this off by congratulating President Elect Obama for being the 1st African/American President. I take my hat off to him for this and for even wanting the job in the to begin with. As an American Citizen I do have many concerns that I feel have been unanswered throughout his campaign process. No.1 His stance with respect to Israel. No. 2 His stance on Iran and nuclear weaponry. No.3 His stance on the war with Iraq and the possibility of a premature pull-out creating the potential for another Viet Nam scenario. In addition to this, my hope is that he brings our troops home in a position of victory verse's defeat and that we bring them home with a hero's welcome. Not being a Democrat, I do plan to support his bi-partisan effort only until it is clear that it is no longer bi-partisan. I am dissapointed that the Democratic Party did not afford this same attitude with President Bush. You are correct! The entire scenario about to unfold will be interesting. Steve |
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