Regardless of
Who Wins, the American Exception is Eternal
"A Democratic victory in
November would undoubtedly open the door to a more left-wing America. But it
would be a kind of American left … The change ahead will not mean the end of
the American exception, but the end of American triumphalism."
All countries are
exceptional. But the United States gladly considers itself exceptionally
exceptional, different from all other developed countries in its social organization
and its fundamental values. The State is less extensive and the distribution of
wealth more unequal. The United States is also more strongly committed to what
Margaret Thatcher called the "Victorian values:" individualism,
voluntarism, patriotism.
Thus the Bush government,
which supports conservative values domestically and demonstrates an unlimited
self confidence externally, is the most "exceptional" known in recent
years. But at the end of Bush's mandate, isn't the United States entering a new
cycle, characterized by the rejection of conservatism and a convergence with
European standards?
In reality, three quarters of
Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and for example,
vigorously support a system of universal health care. Hillary Clinton and
Barack Obama both have promised to address that. They also want to improve
their image in the world. The next government will certainly initiate
significant reforms, such as closing Guantanamo or
adopting a more rigorous environmental policy in order to address some of the
country's more aberrant characteristics.
Yet in view of the ongoing
presidential campaign, the American exception seems as strong as ever. Where
else but in America would a primary race go on for more than a year? Where else
would candidates obtain tens of millions of dollars a month from their
supporters? Where else would party foot soldiers have the chance to select the
candidate for the highest post? John McCain won the nomination of his party
despite strong internal opposition. Barack Obama is the leader of an uprising
against the Democratic old guard.
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
All three preach a patriotism
specific to the United States. John McCain boasts of his service in Vietnam.
Barack Obama claims that there is no red or blue, but only one America united
by common values. The three candidates take lyrical flight in discussing the
American dream. Above all, none will hesitate to resort to force. John McCain
sings, "Bomb, bomb [bomb, bomb bomb]
Iran."
MCCAIN SINGS …
Barack Obama speaks of
authorizing a mission to Pakistan without the approval of the government there.
Hillary Clinton said this week that if elected, she wouldn't hesitate to
"obliterate" Iran if it used nuclear weapons against Israel.
Clearly, a Democratic victory
in November would undoubtedly open the door to a more left-wing America. But it
would be a kind of American left, certainly not modeled on Europe. Both
candidates have rejected a "single payer" system for health insurance,
like the Canadian and European models. The change ahead will not mean the end
of the American exception, but the end of American triumphalism.
Even Bill Clinton boasted of America as "the indispensable nation," a
country that saw farther than its rivals. The mood is very different today.
