U.S.Polls: Work for Psephologists, and all.

There is enough statistical data that is available to Democratic Party at the week end after Super Tuesday to understand the trend and strength of candidate’s chances for getting nominated to the coming US Presidential Elections. Yet, till its convention is over, the official nominee would not be known. There may or may not be deals. But the contest has created enormous interest like a suspense thriller. The participation by the delegates is praiseworthy. They want to choose an able leader, and looking for a “Change”. That is for sure.

With Mitt Romney, opting out of the race from Republican Party’s nomination, John McCain would be that Party’s candidate, who would be facing either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Permutations and combinations are already on for that crucial election, and the psephologists have to burn midnight oil to come up with predictions. How fantastic the whole show is turning out to be!

There is an English idiom - Birds of a feather flock together. Its applicability is visible whenever elections are held across states and country, anywhere in the world.

The contesting candidates also aim at garnering those votes with rhetoric’s appropriate to the situation. It is a fact of life that a candidate’s root in terms of race flashes in the mind of voters, though it ought not to be the factor at all. The thought is a despicable one in my view. But then reality is different and truth is bitter.

The voters’ preference and choice would change if the contest is between Obama and McCain, as also if the contest is between Hillary Clinton and McCain. There would be cross voting. That would lead to splits in the voting pattern within states and across the United States. The hitherto weak and strong states of Clinton, as also that of Obama would undergo a change that could prove decisive against McCain.

With Mitt Romney out of the race, those remaining delegates of the Democratic Party would have to rethink as to who would be a strong candidate from their party to fight McCain. So, the priorities would shift.

Barack Obama is the youngest of the three in the fray now, and a new face for the American’s to decide. Why and Why not? History of that country has precedence in electing JFK, and his leadership is an example. His words “Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country” should ring aloud in the ears of Americans. This is the time to show what you can do for your country.

Hillary Clinton is different than the other two by gender. That should not matter. Women have that sixth sense to play safe and put forth their views strongly to make others fall in line through emotional appeals. Why not? Former Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher is a classic example, whose leadership earned her the nickname “Iron Lady”; Before her, Prime Minister of Israel Late Golda Meir got that nickname too; and India’s erstwhile Prime minister late Smt. Indira Gandhi, whose decision to impose emergency, though jolted the then opposition, proved a point that a woman is capable of taking tough decisions, and can withstand in a male dominated game, when it comes to the question of governance.

John McCain is a seasoned senator, well admired for his forthright views on several issues. But sometimes, his experience could work against him. The world is fast changing with peoples’ expectations soaring high; the economic reforms the world over is bringing about a shift in Power base; could the traditional views hold high under the circumstances? There is a generation gap in viewing the perspectives.

The voter is in a dilemma. But a decision has to be made, keeping aside personal emotions, passions and blind faith. Pragmatism and wisdom could be among the factors to cast a vote. It is very interesting to observe that loyalties and opinions are divided amongst families, amongst friends, amongst countries not only in USA, but outside too.

My wife thinks that the post of President of USA should go to a male that would be befitting in the present conditions. Women should be behind the scenes. Age old thinking?

As for my opinion- I tossed a coin in the air, and it is still hanging there, defying laws of gravity.