US presidential polls
Photo: AFP
Senator Obama is leading by more than 8 points. The battleground states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida are still in favour of Obama. Nevertheless, the margin in Pennsylvania is more comfortable than Ohio and Florida, where there is close to a tie, considering the independent and undecided voters. If the election were held today, Senator Obama would win the Presidency, one can predict safely. In the backdrop of this scenario, the campaign of Senator McCain and Governor Palin is continuously launching personal attack on Obama and very intelligently playing the race and religion card. It might appear that Governor Palin has been picked up for this purpose to boost the conservative base of the GOP (Grand Old Party) i.e. Republican Party. The mud slinging is very common in the election campaign. However, Obama is maintaining a very cool temperament except that his campaign is responding in extreme cases to dispel lies. It appears that Senator McCain has realised that negative and personal attack on the opposition is hurting, rather than helping him. Governor Palin is speaking on American current issues in a balanced way, although she is hitting her opponent hard on social issues like pro-life and pro-choice and asking for a more clear answer. This is a move to regenerate the conservative base of the GOP. The strategy of the GOP is to create doubt and confusion regarding Obama's leadership at the time of crisis. The target group is independent voters. This would continue till the election day. Perhaps, they would not miss the opportunity to refer to race and religion issues which, at least, have appeal to some voters. At this point the McCain campaign is desperate, but senator McCain and Gov. Palin are shifting the tone and message which have more acceptability to the American people. They do not like negative campaign. Senator Obama has just finished consulting his top aides to present a concrete and clear plan for recovery from the current critical economic crisis. It is also very important to keep in mind that Senator Joe Biden, running mate of Obama, is very articulate and experienced. He is a big asset for Senator Obama. When he speaks, he speaks with clarity and facts and figures. Frankly speaking, Governor Palin is yet to come to his stature. The final result looks favourable for Obama, but unforeseen events like race and wrong notion of religion might create some hesitation in the minds of some voters. I must admit that I am a novice with regard to American political culture and choice. My viewpoint is based on my common sense about a political necessity, and from the perspective of peace and prosperity everywhere in the world.
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