Changing America

History is in the making in America which according to all predictions is on the verge of electing the first black to the White House.

Never has there been an American Presidential race that has evinced such keen interest across the globe. This is chiefly due to one of the contenders Barack Obama being a black while his opponent John McCain a former prisoner- of- war epitomising white supremacy.

McCain an ultra conservative widely portrayed as a hawk had projected himself as a messiah who could stand up to the enemies of the US, while Obama an Afro- American carries the message of change which has had ready resonance with young Americans.

If Obama triumphs- as all forecasts indicate- it is no doubt going to be a momentous event not only for America but also world history. Its reverberations are bound to have a catalytic effect on the general world view and particulary elevate the status of minorities across the board.

On the other hand if McCain prevails it will only go to reinforce the old guard. Whatever the compelling factors confronting the people of America the race issue has never been below the surface as any keen observer absorbed in the campaign blitzkrieg that is unfolding over satellite TV is bound to realise.

There have been subtle and not so subtle attempts to raise the race issue and there are powerful evangelical groups and ultra conservative interests who are pulling all stops to get McCain elected. Hence the election of Obama would be all the more significant as this would underline American resolve to dismantle all race and sectarian barriers that had blighted its landscape from time to time.

Today's poll will be the culmination of feverish and frenzied election campaigning the likes of which had never been seen in the annals of a US Presidential race.

Also never in the history of a Presidential race has the American public been so polarised on the personality of the candidates with compelling issues such as the economy, war etc. almost relegated to the background. This election will also go down in the annals as a defining moment in race relations if as expected Barak Obama emerges victor.

According to all pollsters Obama is in front with a seemingly unassailable lead his message of 'change' going down well with the American public.

He of course is not unaware of what is known as the 'Bradley' effect where voters who were may plump for Obama in polls interviews merely to conceal race bias, but in actual fact vote for McCain.

For Sri Lankans who are unfamiliar with the American Electoral system, the popular vote does not necessarily bring victory for a candidate. Rather it is swing states which carry huge electoral college votes that decide the issue.

Hence the crucial states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida are being fiercely vied for by the candidates in this winner takes it call contest. Both candidates were concentrating on these swing states with campaign fever rising to a crescendo.

The propaganda gimmicks also reflected some familiar features of Sri Lankan elections with many an artiste and dignitary appearing on stage to beef up support for the candidates. There were also switch in allegiance on both sides with Obama swinging the biggest coup by bagging the former Secretary of State in the Bush Adminstration Colin Powell.

But by and large the campaign although having all the bombast, rhetoric and barbs of Sri Lankan election was always kept within the accepted norms as befits a mature democracy. There is a lot that Sri Lanka could learn from American electioneering where although hot air is let off it never descends to the abysmal.

Whoever the victor the new incumbent of the White House will have a lot on his plate. There are two wars raging in Iraq and Afghanistan with the coalition forces too gradually shrinking. Both candidates have offered their own remedies.

McCain has taken a hardline stance and has projected himself the saviour of America from impending perils. Obama on the other hand has been more conciliatory as befitting his liberal standpoint and promised a phased withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

But the most compelling challenge confronting them would be the meltdown in the economy - a situation akin to the great depression of the 30s.

There is also the large scale closure of American industries and labour lay offs in crucial states. How these will impact on the voting is anyone's guess. But from all appearances, the American public is focused on change - and a change of the old order at that. And this change may well change the course of world history.