The United States presidential election of 2008 is over and Senator Barack Obama emerged as the winner. The political contest was not easy to both parties, it was a hard-fought one. The two candidates relentlessly traded cutting political remarks while the whole world closely watch the entire process. Americans were divided as they intensely scrutinize every program each candidate offers to them. In this difficult time, who would not?
Then yesterday, November 4, 2008, the American people finally decided who will be their next president, who will be their next leader. Their decision was quick and clear: Barack Obama will lead the United States of America through 2012.
I’m posting this not because I support somebody but because of how Americans successfully managed the whole process of electing their new leader. It was accomplished in a very orderly manner considering the complexity of American society and its political system. I can say that the recent election is another feather in the cap of American democracy. Amazing.
But what I find most interesting and admirable is the demeanor of the candidates after the election. The losing candidate, Senator John McCain, graciously and honorably conceded defeat at around 8PM (Pacific Time) right on election day! He even called and congratulated President-elect Obama.
Is this particular act of Senator McCain significant? Yes! It is a very remarkable act of a losing politician especially in present-day politics. Senator McCain showed something Filipino politicians is lacking - character in the face of defeat.
Then yesterday, November 4, 2008, the American people finally decided who will be their next president, who will be their next leader. Their decision was quick and clear: Barack Obama will lead the United States of America through 2012.
I’m posting this not because I support somebody but because of how Americans successfully managed the whole process of electing their new leader. It was accomplished in a very orderly manner considering the complexity of American society and its political system. I can say that the recent election is another feather in the cap of American democracy. Amazing.
But what I find most interesting and admirable is the demeanor of the candidates after the election. The losing candidate, Senator John McCain, graciously and honorably conceded defeat at around 8PM (Pacific Time) right on election day! He even called and congratulated President-elect Obama.
Is this particular act of Senator McCain significant? Yes! It is a very remarkable act of a losing politician especially in present-day politics. Senator McCain showed something Filipino politicians is lacking - character in the face of defeat.
Can we think of a Filipino politician congratulating and decently conceding defeat to his opponent in order not to prolong the division of the citizenry? Can we cite a losing Filipino candidate calling for unity and asking his supporters to work with and support the winning candidate for the good of the community? Can we possibly have a clean and orderly Philippine election someday? As a people, are we capable of electing into public office political leaders of character?
I hope we, as one nation, can also shout aloud "YES WE CAN!" with conviction someday and truly put "COUNTRY FIRST" before partisan interest.
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