events 2008

Susan Spencer and Thomas Oliphant

US Journalists Susan Spencer and Thomas Oliphant Discusses 2008 US Presidential Elections with Czech Audiences

March 20, 2008

Two American journalists came to the Czech Republic on March 17-18 to discuss various topics of the elections with Czech audiences. Susan Spencer and Thomas Oliphant spent two days conducting a series of lectures at Czech universities, NGOs, the American Center in Pilsen and the Prague Journalists Syndicate, among others.

Interview with Susan Spencer

Why are these elections called "historical"?

For the first time in history, either an African American man or a woman will be the nominee of a major political party. This seems to me a transforming event, regardless of whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama goes on to the White House.  It can´t help  but affect  social attitudes overall. And it sends a message of openness and diversity the Americans can be proud of, regardless of party.
 
The candidates often talk about a "change". What changes can we expect after the elections?

Americans are interested in righting the economy, which is  in so much trouble; in resolving the situation in Iraq, where  war without end is not an option for most Americans;  and in being sure that security at home is all it sould be. In those three areas, people seem to want real change.


What  about Transatlantic relations? How is that likely to change?

Americans are very aware that our reputation abroad is not what it once was. No one likes to be disliked;  I think most people hope that new leadership will inprove our standing. So called ,,cowboy“ diplomacy may have run its course. But other countries should be aware that – assuming  we move to a more uninclusive foreign policy – the U.S. may demand more active involvement from them.
 

Interview with Thomas Oliphant

Why are these elections called "historical"?

The most obvious reason is that for the first time in American history there is a chance that an African American man can be elected president and for the first time there is a chance that a woman can be elected president and there is a chance we will elect our oldest president - John McCain, who is 72.
But there´s even more than that. It is the first election in 80 yrs - since 1928 - when there is no sitting president or sitting vicepresident running. It is what we call a totally open election. So it is not just the end of president´s 8 years term, history is all around us.

The candidates often talk about a "change". What changes can we expect after the elections?

It´s almost a requirement if you run for president this year, you have to say „I am for change“. Some people don´t even bother to say what kind of change.
But I have a general idea. First of all, the next president – and it doesn´t matter who it is - will bring America back into the Kyoto process on climate change and global warming. The U.S. has been apart from all of this for more than 7 years. Next year we are going to come back. And that will change environmental policy making all over the world.
It is less clear what will happen on the other major security question, and that is the war in Iraq. It´s hard to believe that Americans will support four more years of war. I think it´s quite likely that during the next four years America will gradually end the fighting in Iraq or it´s part in the fighting there.
In addition we are learning every week about problems of the American economy. They may get much worse between now and next year. The next president, whoever it is, will have to change U.S. economic policies, because we can be facing a period of almost no growth or even a negative growth combined with serious increases in prices.
So you can see the change coming in environment, security issues and economic policy and that is a lot of change to happen.

What about Transatlantic relations? How is that likely to change?

I think there is a very big difference between the Democrats and the Republicans here. At the moment, John McCain is really George Bush´s natural successor. He has supported many of the president´s security policies, diplomatic initiatives, even if when America has tended to go off on its own as a result.
Everybody who runs for president in America says „I will protect America“, we assume that. But I think the least amount of change in translantic relations would come under president McCain. Because he would emphasize continuing the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan and possibly getting close to (if not into) conflict with Iran.
With Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton you almost need a magnifying glass to tell them apart. I think you have the prospect of a return of more of an alliance that works together. They believe that American security can be protected but that America can be more partner of the world  whether dealing with energy problems, terrorism, travel or visas, whatever it is. The impulse in Democratic party is to begin with emphasis on alliances and diplomacy, on the theory that almost every major problem cannot be solved by U.S. alone but only by countries who act together.
So if Democrats win, there is a likelihood you will see a return to a more traditional American emphasis on diplomacy and alliances and much less on unilateral action.