Obama Scrapes Through by the Skin of His Teeth

Barack Obama has secured for himself a second term to head the governance of the US in what might as of now be the most closely fought, most expensive elections to the US Presidency. It is also perhaps one of the most rancorous and bitterly fought battles.

President Barack Obama

It is a victory that should make Obama and the Democrats sigh in relief rather than gloat over; so thin is the majority of popular vote in favour of Obama. A Republican Party without Mitt Romney as its candidate might have earned itself a victory in the battle for the Presidency.

If any Indians think Obama’s victory is good for India or that it is not good for India, we can only cluck our tongues as we say “Makes no great difference one way or the other.” Ultimately, Barack Obama would sing the song that pleases his people, his local audience – caring little whether we enjoy the tune or the melody.

Mitt Romney

Contrary to the expectations of the excited, expectant onlookers in the world and the exultant, exuberant supporters of Obama in the US, we do not believe that it is the end of all troubles – any troubles, for that matter – for the US, its people, the World or its populace. The majority that the Republicans enjoy in the House of Representatives is most unlikely to make the second term any more of a cakewalk for Obama than the first has been –  supposing, of course, that Obama does indeed have miraculous solutions up his sleeve. Destinies of nations, as of individuals, are not made in a day; nor are they changed in a day.

Many leaders have come and gone; many more will; but nothing much is likely to change anywhere anytime soon. For one thing, it is often impossible to exorcise the past; one cannot make a clean break with the past or veer away from the course set by the past incumbents and override their compulsions, promises, commitments and obligations; the ‘half-life’, to borrow an idea from Nuclear Physics,  of any past incumbent is several years, if not several decades. Secondly, the world today is bereft of  statesmanlike leaders with the vision and conviction necessary to change the world order.

Obama is no visionary; nor is Mitt Romney. America really has not had much of a choice  in this election – as in the last several elections. Do they have any more Washingtons, Jeffersons, Lincolns and the like in America? That’s the plight of every country today. Do we have any more Gandhis, Nehrus, Boses, Tilaks, Patels, and the like in India? The dearth of such leaders is a world-wide phenomenon. It speaks so much for the quality of our times.

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!