The 2008 U.S. Presidential Election Panel Discussion

Summary by Frances Cation, CIC Head Office

November 4, 2008

On Tuesday, November 4th 2008, approximately forty CIC Toronto Branch Members and University of Toronto Alumni and Staff gathered in a private room at Alice Fazooli’s for a special evening dedicated to the American election. Keith Martin, President of the Toronto Branch, paused watching the vote count in order to introduce Mark Bysfield, US Deputy Consul General. Since Bysfield’s position is non-partisan, he could not comment upon the political parties; rather, he emphasized the popular enthusiasm surrounding this election as well as the disparate political predictions. Martin, then, briefly introduced the expert panel, all Professors from the University of Toronto.

Professor Stephen Clarkson discussed the possible popular sentiments for both party wins. If the Democrats win, Clarkson stated, there will be extreme excitement in the short term. Conversely, if the Republicans were to win, there will be gloom. Also, if the Democrats win, Clarkson affirmed that there will be significant differences in foreign policy, with an altered approach to Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Clarkson believed that the hopes of worldwide transformation with an Obama-led US Administration will be disappointed, as he faces so many challenges.

Next, Professor Richard Iton continued to discuss the implications of the American election. Iton noted that the American voters have grown accustomed to non-Whites in positions of power thanks to the last two Administration’s appointments to federal positions, including the appointment, for instance, of Condoleezza Rice. He further noted that popular culture, because of shows such as 24, LOST, the West Wing and Oprah, has made the American populace feel comfortable with a non-White President. Unlike Bysfield, Iton predicted that the Democrats would win: he only questioned the margin of Obama’s victory. Iton concluded by stating that Healthcare, Guantanamo Bay and the Iraq War will be the tests of success for the future Democratic party’s leadership.

Lastly, Professor Linda White took the floor. Similar to Iton, she predicted a Democratic win. This win, White stated, will challenge Prime Minister Harper’s lack of attachment to Bay Street and his negative approach to Ontario as he faces political isolation with a Democratic South. Harper would also have “to avoid looking quaint and like an ideological throwback” to the former American Administration. White also questioned if Harper is prepared to address the difficult issues that an Obama election will bring up, such as the financial crisis.

With the brief predictions and commentaries from the expert panel, Martin turned on the televisions so that the audience could continue to watch the vote count of the American elections, and the success of the Democratic Party.

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