'Black Jack'

This is the third consecutive time that I will be writing about the US presidential election – the topic that everyone is talking about simply because whatever happens in the US would inadvertently affect not only this country but the rest of the world. As usual, the Filipino humor is at it again. I received another text message from my prolific humorist friend Jess Paredes who likened Barack Obama to Jack Kennedy, calling Barack the new “Black Jack.”

There have been so many comparisons between Obama and JFK, from their youthful appeal and charisma down to their message of hope and change. Obama is 47 while Kennedy was 43 when he became president of the United States. As early as the Democratic nominations when Barack Obama was battling it out with Hillary Clinton, old Kennedy administration hands have been dubbing Obama as the “JFK heir,” seeing a lot of similarities in the way Obama smiled and even in his manner of talking. Both men have “fantastically winning smiles,” are “very relaxed” before audiences and don’t shout into a microphone, reminisced a former Kennedy speech writer. But the most substantial comparison perhaps comes from the aura of hope and the promise of change projected by both men.

In his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech, Kennedy talked of a “New Frontier” – a campaign slogan that later outlined his domestic and foreign policy programs. “We stand at the edge of a New Frontier – the frontier of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. Beyond the frontier are uncharted areas of science and space, unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered problems of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus,” he said.

In Obama’s acceptance speech, many saw echoes of JFK especially in his opening where he talked of the “American Promise” – one that has “always set this country apart – that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well… We meet at one of those defining moments – a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.”

Just as John F. Kennedy heralded a new era in politics, so did Barack Obama who hammered on the theme of “change” throughout his campaign – definitely striking a chord with Americans feeling weary over the Iraq War and the worsening US economy. As early as 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in the US, Barack Obama was already declared as the president-elect by CNN in their exit polls, winning by a landslide to become the 44th president of the United States.

No doubt Obama’s victory is a confluence of events with the economy a big deciding factor – more than the issue of color, the Iraq War or healthcare. The US financial mess really did the Republican candidate in mainly due to his inability to dissociate himself from George W. Bush, whom majority of Americans think did a bad job of handling the economy. Americans are clearly worried about the direction their lives will take in the next few years as they grapple with rising prices, increasing cost of healthcare, and the thought that they could lose the very roof over their heads.

In Senate and in Congress, Democrats are anticipating a sweep as they look forward to capturing majority of the 35 Senate seats and 435 House seats that are at stake. With his party mates taking control of both houses and even local positions, Obama will obviously become a powerful president who can virtually take control over the whole American political and economic landscape.

This is probably the reason why world leaders – particularly those in Asia – have been especially attentive to Obama’s every pronouncement to American voters especially on trade issues. The Democrat has promised to review free trade agreements, arguing that American workers’ interest must be protected. Early in his campaign, he called for a review of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico – in clear contrast with McCain. Korea has also voiced its concern in light of Obama’s opposition to the 2007 Free Trade Agreement and his call for a review and renegotiation of terms. The same holds true for China with concerns that the Democratic president would push for the expansion of US exports.

Malacañang may be right in its projection that things will be pretty much the same in terms of foreign policy considering that we have long been under the radar of the US State Department, plus the fact that our friend, Ambassador Kristie Kenney, is a career diplomat. But what really concerns businessmen are economic ties with the US given the statements of Obama that he wants to keep “American jobs for Americans” – which could very likely affect not only business prospects but even job opportunities for our OFWs. As things stand, Filipinos should be watchful for any hint of change regarding economic ties between this country and the US.

In 1960, Americans took a gamble when they elected the first Roman Catholic president into office. This time, they are taking another gamble with the first African-American president, betting that he will be able to bring about a new era of “meaningful change.” Only time will tell if they will be busted – or will be given a winning hand of “Black Jack.”

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