More Good than Bad from 2008 Presidential Election

Lost in the typical mudslinging and frenzy of the 2008 presidential campaign there were a number of elements to this election year that should not be lost. Apart from its historical significance, a few underlying themes should not be forgotten.

First, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin represent the political version of a “rags to riches” story which defines this country. Their ascendancy reminds all of us impossible dreams are possible. While they each have detractors believing their “inexperience” should be disqualify them, in some respects that really doesn’t matter. Ultimately, the voters will decide if either of them is qualified for the positions they are pursuing. What does matter is celebrating a country where two relatively unknown individuals can run for the two highest offices in the land.

Second, we are witnessing the end of the influence of the World War Two generation. John McCain is the by-product of a generation which successfully fought to protect this country from despicable evil. In the process, it ushered in this country economic opportunities and prosperity unrivaled in our history at the time. As dubbed by Tom Brokaw as “the greatest generation,” it believed in the principles this country stood for and protected them through sacrifice, service, blood, and in some cases, death. This generation was also defined by a society and culture which viewed the world through narrow eyes. As this generation ages and passes on, its influence is waning as a new more diverse generation takes the mantle less encumbered by racial and social strife and more at ease with its diversity. As the economic prosperity of countries like India and China increase and our enemies are less defined by the Cold War, greater sensitivity to the nuances of diversity can only help the United States internally and on the world stage.

Third, the country missed a great opportunity to address the underlying racial tensions which still exist in this country. I understand Obama’s reluctance to discuss race; however, race has been the 800 pound gorilla referred to but not fully addressed. Each side of the political spectrum has accused the other of race baiting. For me the allegations of elitism (uppity); he’s a rock star (no substance) the ad with Paris Hilton (questioning his intelligence); he is not like us (color of his skin) were doing just enough to brush the embers of racism but not enough to be called racist. I would have preferred an honest discussion about race, get it over with and them move on to the issues. But Obama appears to be a modern version of Jackie Robinson, taking these slights with dignity, keep his cool during various crises and now appears to have earned the trust of the American people.

In spite of this missed opportunity, I believe the country will be stronger because of this election regardless of the outcome; it will be improved and more inclusive. Racism will still be a factor in this country, but an Obama election will leave a huge junk in racism’s armor. It also validates Bobby Kennedy’s 1968 prediction that in 2008 a black American will be elected president of the United States.

Fourth, McCain has mistaken service for leadership. McCain’s service to this country is admirable; however, he appears to believe his service should be rewarded with his election as president. There is a difference between serving your country and leading your country. Being a maverick doesn’t necessarily anoint you as a leader. Everybody I know who can be considered a maverick is also reckless. They tend to be impulsive and sometimes irrational. McCain demonstrated his recklessness with the way he handled the bail out crisis: it appeared impulsive and irrational. It may ultimately cost him the election. McCain is a good man and deserves better than he is receiving in the race from his own party, the media and even the Obama campaign. But while his service should be recognized and valued, it is not a guaranteed ticket to the presidency. Just ask Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

Fifth, Sen. Clinton’s campaign for the Democratic nomination raised the bar for women seeking elected office. She was to women what the Reverend Jesse Jackson was to African Americans when he ran for the nomination in 1984. She forced the electorate to believe it is possible for a woman one day to be president. She will likely never be elected president, but she has paved the way for another woman to hold that office.

Sixth, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin demonstrated there is a large segment of the female population which does not connect with Clinton. Palin clearly connects with women who previously did not have a voice on the national stage.

Seventh, should Obama get elected the pressure on him will be enormous. Like Jackie Robinson in baseball, Obama will have the weight of all African Americans on his shoulders whether he likes it or not. But unlike Jackie, the entire world will be watching.

Finally, this country suffers from a crisis in leadership. There are too many individuals making decisions to satisfy political needs and self-interest, some fueled by demands from the public, versus making decisions advancing our community as a whole. The challenge for the next president is not to unite the country. The country will continue to be divided by ideology, culture and race. The challenge will be forging a future which benefits everyone in spite of the divisions.

CQ Offers Names of Possible HUD Secretaries

The Congressional Quarterly Magazine offers names of individuals - as identified by its beat writers - who might be considered for the position of Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) depending on the candidate who wins November 4. According to CQ writers the names in the McCain circle include J. Kenneth Blackwell, for Secretary of State for the State of Ohio; Stephen Goldsmith, Char of the National and Community Service; and, Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland and current Chair of GOPAC. A few of the names in the Obama circle include Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia; Valerie Jarret, CEO of Habitat Co.; and, Nicholas Retsinas, Director of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.


Interesting Reads

Housing

EDITORIAL: Whitewashing Fannie, Freddie
The Washington Times

HUD Chief Talks Foreclosures
By Donna Kimura
Housing Finance

Busy Season May Not Be Too Busy
By Jerry Ascierto
Housing Finance News

It's the Housing Market, Stupid
By Barbara Kiviat
Time Magazine


Community Development

Takeover by PNC Heralds Fall of a Cleveland Institution
By Michael A. Fletcher
The Washington Post


The High School Dropout's Economic Ripple Effect
Mayors Go Door to Door, Personally Encouraging Students to Stay in the Game for Their Own Good -- and for the Sake of the City
By Gary Fields
The Wall Street Journal


Mayor Bloomberg: Economic crisis already costing New York $1.5 billion in lost taxes
By Erin Einhorn and Adam Lisberg
New York Daily News


Economic turmoil has New Orleans worried
Businesses uneasy in the Big Easy as the national crisis dampens tourism
Associated Press


Campaign 2008

How Would McCain Govern?
The former Navy pilot thrives on risk, sizes up situations quickly, makes decisions from his gut -- and loves to shake things up.
By Kirk Victor
The National Journal

How Would Obama Govern?
Smart but untested, disciplined but low-key, sure of himself but a careful listener, he would bring a measure of calm to the Oval Office.
By Will Englund
The National Journal


SPECIAL SERIES
Swing States
The National Journal Magazine

International

China Aids Home Buyers to Curb Impact of Slump
By Andrew Batson
The Wall Street Journal