I once heard someone say that people from other countries should have the right to vote in US elections, because our president affects the lives of men, women, and children in every corner of the globe. While I'm not about to advocate a change in the voting laws of my tierra, I do think it's important to consider the impact of any candidate on the global stage.
Here in Nicaragua, the press is following this historic US election year with unprecedented interest, and various journalists and analysts in Latin America are already showing a special enthusiasm for one candidate in particular--Barack Obama.
What are they saying, and why does it matter?
An opinion piece earlier this month in El Nuevo Diario a Nicaraguan daily, argued:
"La reconciliación de los Estados Unidos consigo mismos y con el mundo debe ser la doble prioridad para el próximo presidente de los Estados Unidos. Si hay un candidato que puede hacerlo, que puede contribuir, en una fracción de segundo, a restablecer la reputación internacional de los Estados Unidos, es Barack Obama." [The reconciliation of the U.S. with itself and the world should be a double priority for the next president of the United States. If there is one candidate who can do it, who can contribute, in a fraction of a second, to the reestablishment of the international reputation of the U.S., it's Barack Obama.]
It's no secret that our relations with most of the world are in shambles. They know it and we know it. And they see something in Obama--rooted in who he is--that could change all that.
"Piénsese en la impresión que su elección causaría no sólo en África, sino también en Asia, Oriente Medio e incluso Europa. Con su ascenso a la supremacía mundial, los Estados Unidos habían llegado a ser la encarnación de Occidente, al que se veía "blanco". [Think about the impression his election would cause not just in Africa, but also in Asia, the middle east, and even Europe. With its ascent to world leadership, the US had become the incarnation of the West, which people saw as 'white'."
Okay, so people are impressed that we might actually elect someone who is not a WASP. But it goes beyond race or color.
"Pero ésa es otra razón por la que Obama es excepcional: la complejidad de su identidad hace que sea universal, un candidato mundial para una era mundial. [But there is another reason Obama is exceptional--the complexity of his identity that makes him universal, a global candidate for a global era.]
For all the knocking of identity politics, what makes Obama so compelling here is his personal story--his biracial heritage, his international education, and his experiences on the streets, not just in the halls of power.
In the history of Latin America, personalities often trump policies--charismatic leaders (one need look no further than Daniel Ortega for evidence of this) with the right rhetoric often win votes--and keep winning them--even when it seems that the country is going in the wrong direction. And so, while there has been little close examination of the specific proposals Obama has made that might affect this country, his basic message has already struck a chord here. And my guess is that it will continue to, because it is a message that is as universal as he is.
"Para que los Estados Unidos puedan pasar de una mentalidad de miedo a otra de esperanza –y volver a encarnar la esperanza para el mundo-, necesitarán a un dirigente que encarne el sueño americano: moderno y armado con un mensaje religioso humanista... [In order for the U.S. to move from a fear mentality to one of hope, and again embody the hope of the world, they will need a leader who embodies the American Dream--modern and armed with a humanistic religious message]
In my line of work, we have a mantra: "it's all about relationships." Tasks are secondary, because if you can't connect with someone, if you can't find some common ground, nothing truly lasting will be accomplished. You might win the argument, or find the right strong arm tactic, but if you don't actually change someone's mind, the policy solutions and programs are really only temporary and will never yield the long-term results you want.
One of the great responsibilities of the next U.S. president will be to restore relationships with recently elected leaders (12 since Nov. 2005) throughout Latin America. To rebuild trust with long disillusioned governments throughout the region, to reshape policies on trade, immigration, and aid in a way that promotes justice and actually encourages democracy. To show that America can lead in a way that actually inspires and promotes the global common good.
Can Obama actually do those things? Judging from the goodwill and enthusiasm just his mere serious candidacy is generating around here, I'm inclined to believe.