As an Asian Indian settled here in the US, this election provided me with many an insight into the Indian thought process at election time. This is especially significant due to the "explosion" of Indians who have come to the US in the last 8 years and have become citizens. The following diary is a small compilation of my random thoughts and opinions formed from interacting with many of my Indian friends here in Arizona.
An interesting group is getting more active in American politics, a group with financial clout, political astuteness, and a high degree of education. This group is the Asian Indian population. While their population may not be much in percentage, their influence is being felt in many areas in the country.
The major trend among the Asian Indians is to vote democratic, mainly because of their distaste for religious fundamentalism practiced by the right. Most Indians also maintain tight relationships with their extended family back in India via annual visits, etc. India, being a democracy with socialistic tendencies does influence the thought processes of many of the visitors. One of the most important developments in recent times is President Clinton’s embrace of India and all things Indian. He helped the Democratic Party make great inroads into the Indian community in the US
It must be noted that even though a majority of Indians tend to favor there is a divide among the Asian Indians, along the income line. Many Indians are doctors whose income levels put them in the "rich" category and they are notorious for their penchant for safeguarding their wealth. These people tend to go to the Republican side solely for tax reasons. However with the deficit looming large, the economy in shambles, many are rethinking their positions. And this rethinking has another reason, President Bush. Bush has single handedly turned many intelligent people away from the Republican Party.
However, even though many Indians do call themselves liberals, they are liberals only for certain things. They are mostly for legalizing abortion, do not mind paying taxes if it helps the country, are usually against government coddling of religious groups, are usually for gun control, etc. However when it comes to Gay/lesbian issues, many Indians (especially the older generation) take very conservative views and generally side with the religious right. An encouraging trend is that the younger generation does not really follow their elders in this respect. There is a lot of work to do in this regard with the Indian Community.
As far as McCain goes, not many Indians supported him strongly. In fact, many Indians looked at Indian McCain supporters with disbelief and annoyance, more so after McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin. True to an Indian stereotype, Indians do worship education, intellect, commonsense and general knowledge and were appalled at the intellectual vacuum represented by Palin. She became a focal point for extreme mockery of McCain’s campaign.
Bottom line is that the Indian community is growing in political clout in this country and is a group that should be effectively tapped by the Democratic Party to increase fund raising.