It was impossible today not to come to work with a smile after hearing of Barack Obama's stunning landslide victory in America. I've been here before with Tony Blair in 1997 and only hope that the vast expectations placed on Obama's shoulders do not end in similar disappointment.
What can we learn from the triumph here? Firstly, any politician worth their salt must embrace the opportunities thrown up by the world of Web 2.0 in their campaigning. Obama's unprecedented use of the internet to garner and energise support from all sectors of the community should be an object lesson for Brown, Cameron, Clegg et al. It is no longer an option to ignore the speed and reach of communication that the digital age brings.
Secondly, the ascendancy of America's first African-American President should focus attention on the woeful under-representation of ethnic minorities in British politics. Why is it, that in the Mother of Parliaments, there are only a handful of non-white MPs and peers? Are the British electoral system and wider society ready to be truly representative?
Finally, can our Government realise that in aligning itself so closely to America it runs the risk of ridicule on the international stage? The resounding defeat for the Republicanism of George W. Bush, so avidly backed by a star-struck Blair, should serve as a reminder that sometimes it is better to keep a healthy distance. The so-called "Special Relationship" is a two-way street and we must reserve our right to independent judgement. By all means, let's cherish the momentous victory of Obama but not follow blindly in his wake.
I agree with the tone of your article. The end of Bush will be mirrored by the end of Brown, only with a delayed reaction. Hopefully we can then start the process of putting flawed foreign policy behind us and starting the process of going as far as possible to make ammends.
Posted by: paul wolfenden | November 05, 2008 at 10:41 PM