Clinton or TrumpIJ Answer only a few days away
The US presidential election is scheduled to be held on November 8. Going by the current trend and mood of the voters, it is difficult to presume an outcome. Although the winning side may have the name of Hillary Clinton on its placard, Donald Trump, the maverick Republican candidate, has been one of a kind in recent elections. Trump is not a politician per se; he is a businessman who began to dabble in conservative politics about two decades ago, secretly harbouring to run for presidency. He was fortunate to win the Republican nomination this time. Although his support within the Republican circles is suspect, his populist demagoguery chimes with the disenfranchised American voters tired of the economic crisis that has engulfed the generally economically vibrant Western nations.
Clinton, on the other hand, has almost inexhaustible experience of serving as the US's First lady, Senator from New York and Secretary of State. Although in American political circles she is often denigrated as being too ambitious, ambition and politics often go hand in hand. Thus, to accuse a politician of ambition is not just plain wrong but even supercilious. If Clinton wins Tuesday's battle, she must keep her promise to formulate a fair tax system that works for everyone and not just the wealthy, work for the disabled and minority rights, not to repeal Obamacare as her Republican opponent has been zealously calling for, bring about immigration reforms and, most importantly, have an active foreign policy that is not irresponsibly interventionist but does not take isolationism as its guiding principle either. The US’s military and economic might will remain unmatched for decades to come. It, therefore, needs a President that can lead the nation towards economic well-being and garner support internationally towards its humanitarian and strategic interventions.
Clearly, the US will remain the unchallenged leader of the West and a world power. Thus, it ought to mould its leadership style that does not alienate other nations. However, it should not be internationally escapist as some presidencies had unfortunately become. In case, Trump wins the election, which seems improbable going by the latest polls, it would not be too farfetched to assume that the Republican establishment would sooner than later control and rein Trump on his electoral populism. Conservatism and populism do not go hand in hand. Being a conservative candidate, Trump ought to have espoused conservative values and discussed public policies rather than turn the US election scene into a deliberate and futile showcase of his past behaviour, which, to say the least, is morally repugnant and awfully inappropriate for a person who wants to be the leader of the world's oldest democracy. As far as India is concerned, the new US President should further strengthen India-US strategic partnership and continue the good work of aligning cultural, economic and military objectives.