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Pantomime Politics 

24/9/2015

3 Comments

 
In just over a year's time the citizen's of the United States will be asked to cast their vote or to be strictly correct cast their numerous votes (if their various state voting system allows them) on the various federal and state positions of public office that help oversee American society. Understandably, the main focus will be on who will take over the central role in the latest version of the Oval Office, however, before we can even begin to watch this particular blockbuster, the episodic contest over who will represent the two great political parties in the main feature plays to different audiences in numerous 'theatres' around this vast nation. The cast of players on view remains a little one sided at present since the Democrats seem to have only five possibly six people willing to take a part whereas the Republicans have ended up with seventeen appearing at the initial auditions, two having subsequently decided to spend more time with their family as the part offered no longer seemed that (lucrative) attractive. However, this has not stopped the American public demanding to see and hear more from the latest series of this political Punch and Judy show as chants of 'oh no you can't oh yes I can', ring round the various auditoriums.

As Hilary continues her quest to play the main role in a serious if not lofty manner the main opportunity for 'laughs' are left to the new town clown of Republican politics Donald 'Duck' Trump who has decided either consciously or not - take your pick - to take his part very studiously by besmirching, belittling and ridiculing Women, Immigrants, Muslims, and his own fellow Republican political actors in no particular order. The outcome of these often racial and misogynistic reviews so far has been that the voices of 'professional' actors Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz et al  have largely been drowned out by the continuing laughter from the back rows as Donald continues to suggest that his political understanding is as real as his hair. Moreover, since he is a white self made 'successful' business man he is the true representation of America and not a made up bit player of dubious origins and beginnings.

Some critics suggest that this political pantomime will soon give way to a more serious focus as the clock ticks towards first night and as the financial backers demand a cast that 'guarantees'  them a long run and a healthy return on their investment. However, what does this ever lengthening and often grubby election process tell us about US politics?  Firstly, that this reminds us that this political process is often unseemly but usually this part of the play gets shielded from the audience. Secondly, that neither party is in 'great shape'. It has been assumed for far too long that Hilary will get the Democrat ticket and that in part this has damaged her cause since this condition suggests a 'stitched up deal' that lacks a sense of transparency, democracy and legitimacy that most voters wish for but few actually receive. Since, do we really think that Bernie Sanders an independent and a 'socialist' stands a chance? Finally, that this comedic side of the political process only masks a growing weakness within the US political structure - a lack of genuine ability or facility to deal with the real systemic challenges of inequality, climate change and continual and continuing conflict. None of those issues we should find funny.

KK
                                     
3 Comments
Stéphanie Verbrugghe
24/9/2015 08:33:49 am

Does Bernie Sanders have a chance of becoming the Democratic candidate? Traditional voices might claim he doesn't. Two important (somewhat paradoxical) tendencies seem to nip his ascent in the bud.
First of all, the rhetorics of liberalism, whether they have more power in the imaginative realm than in the 'real' world, are still standing strong in America. The laissez-faire economy remains, at least in the American mind, one of the key characteristics of society. Sander's openly socialistic stance might repel part of the electorate.
Secondly, there exists a very conservative streak in the USA as well, strengthened by the many changes that are moving the society. There is a deep-rooted uncertainty about the position of the States in the world, now that its supremacy seems to be dwindling. In such an insecure state, people tend to try and retain hold of what they have. The Republican discourse, with its refusal to deal with contemporary issues (such as immigration, abortion, the position of homosexuality...) is more likely to resound in the people's minds.

However, the elections that were held eight years ago, already proved that these tendencies do not exclude the possibility that change can happen - Barack Obama as first african-american president being a prime example. It is noteworthy that Bernie Sanders will likely draw off the same electorate as the current president. Contrary to the often middle-aged, well-established classes, the youth and marginalized groups have less need to protect what they already have and seem to be more willing to demand structural change. Their expectations are often met by Sanders' electoral promises, such as the lowering of university tuition. In this way, he certainly offers an attractive alternative for Clinton, whose reputation is no longer irreproachable.

The question for the Democrats, therefore, seems to be the following one: will they stick to a moderate, but no longer faultless candidate who might please a large audience, but attract no real zeal; or will they risk choosing a seemingly radical outsider, who will probably deter part of the total electorate, but gain a large following among marginalized and youthful groups, in the hope of repeating Obama's ascent? Undoubtedly, the political events that will be unfolding in the following months will influence the answer to the question.

Reply
Prof K Kennard
25/9/2015 04:12:55 am

Thank you for your comments Stephanie. What will surely stop Bernie Sanders from really gaining momentum is money. The funding that is needed to campaign effectively throughout the US is enormous and many of the groups such as Wall St that Sander's is railing against are the main suppliers of cash to the Democrats. It is one thing to fight in your 'own backyard' but can Bernie afford to take his message nationwide without large sustained corporate support?

KK


Reply
R Crevits
1/10/2015 09:30:48 am

Well if we can believe opensecrets.org, Sanders is currently at $16.5 million, whereas Clinton is at $47.5 million - i.e. almost three times as much. All things considered, I feel Sanders isn't doing too bad. Worth mentioning as well is that Sanders has raised more money in small contributions (11 million, or 69% of his funds), while Clinton has raised the lion's share of her campaign funds from big donors (only 8 million in small contributions, or 17%). This seems to suggest more support from the '99%'. We may assume, however, that Hillary's potential donors are in no hurry to dust off their cheque books yet. She's secure in her position right now and the nomination is still a long way off. Most likely, the ducats will only start properly pouring in should she start to tag behind in the polls, or once she's in the end-game facing her Republican opponent.

Sanders's finances:
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/candidate.php?id=N00000528

Clinton's finances:
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/candidate.php?id=N00000019




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    Dr J Ken Kennard Professor of Politics and History - Master Program in American Studies - Universiteit Gent

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