Amidst all the euphoria, and all the talk of the dawning of a new American age, a pessimistic part of me is wondering whether this level of grass-roots interest and enthusiasm can be maintained. Whether it really will re-kindle the spirit of voluntarism and service which Americans feared had been lost. And whether it will be possible for an Obama presidency to be as different from the previous status quo as people seem to want it to be.
I am also fascinated to see how this man is transformed from a cult figure, an icon of hope, to the ultimate authority figure: the President of the United States. Will it still be cool to wear Obama t-shirts and badges in February 2009? Or 2010?
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I don't think it would be reasonable to expect that the level of participation we have just seen could be sustained. Voting for Obama is a short-term action with a clear outcome that makes a difference. Maintaining enthusiasm for his actions in areas of complex policy where his options are heavily constrained by the fiscal and economic problems facing America will be challenging for even the most arch rationalist.
However, even if people don't live up to all the aspirations that his campaign has stirred, I believe there will still be real and permanent change. Even if his substantive achievements are small, the symbolic representative effect of a young, black man as president should not be discounted. Despite his avowed desire to be judged on "what he does", I believe that "who he is" will play a powerful role in maintaining his appeal among young and black voters (and other, previously disengaged groups). Furthermore, the role-model effect will, I believe, lead to more diverse representation in government, business and civic organisations in the future, and hence greater efficiency and equity at all levels.
I am optimistic for the substantive too. He certainly can't do a worse job than Bush, many of whose policies were failures and whose ideology is now widely seen as bankrupt. Even if the Democrats don't get 60 seats in the Senate, they'll still have a majority in both houses meaning that his plans for more progressive taxation will go through. I also think that America has a good chance of regaining a sense of moral authority in the world and that, under his leadership, American people will see that the world's problems are their problems too.
So not quite Jerusalem, but I do think that there will be lasting change in American society and politics, in both cases for the better.
I am wondering who Jon Stewart will make fun of for the next 4 (maybe 8?) years!
Regarding what he can actually accomplish, I think the symbolism of his accomplishment (and the accomplishments of the American people) will not quickly be forgotten. So many people here have been saying "I already feel like the world is a better place." His election has just lifted the mood of the entire nation, and, provided the media is supportive in general and does not immediately start trying to tear him down, I think public opinion will remain positive.
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