US Elections: Is there a winner!
By Girija Pande, Chairman, Apex Avalon Consulting Pte Ltd, Singapore.
After talking to friends and contacts in the US in the last two months of my stay, my take on State of the US elections which I wanted to share with you.
#Its lesser of the two evils now (of the two Presidential candidates). (Donald) Trump is an embarrassment for most but Clintons (Hillary & Bill seen as one) are seen as untrustworthy. Two for the price of one ain’t working for Clintons.
#Trumps tent is unrelenting and loyal in its virulent opposition to Hillary Clinton – she called them deplorable! He is a pied piper who can lead them where he likes & has energised them as no one else in the Republican Party – which by the way has effectively divided into two camps- anyone but Trump and only Trump.
#No candidate discusses any real issues of the day – HC has at least a published plan, T just wings it. Both have two or three “downing points” which they throw at each other in hate. Divisions are deep between “town & gown” i.e. non college educated whites vs the rest.
#Luckily for both, the economy is the best it’s been with low unemployment (rate), growing middle class incomes & impressive impact of innovation which US excels in. (President Barrack) Obama’s stock remains high & will be missed as a decent intellectual Prez who reversed America’s image abroad. Many wished for his 3rd term.
#In this bizarre state it’s possible that there may be many who may not vote or vote alternatives in frustration. This lesser of the two evils means this race will be difficult to call. HC leads in polls but so did “Remain lot” in Brexit. Western democracies are at an inflection point. The rest of the world will ignore them at their peril!
Footnote: For India, usually Republican Presidents are better vs Democrats – witness George Bush’s unusual pushing of the Nuclear Deal with India.
However, events have moved on since then & the US today has a very bipartisan approach in befriending India.
Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State has visited India often & has a very good idea of where this strategic relationship can go.
Trump, of course, has some business dealings in India but his anti-trade rhetoric may impact India adversely-especially the booming IT sector. fii-news.com
