What would a win by either candidate say about the USA?

I've been pondering this of late, because I truly believe this election is the most pivotal in the modern era. It's truly a referendum on eight years of catastrophic policy both domestic and foreign.

I've been thinking about how shattering it would be to lose. And how wonderful it would be to win. I've been wondering just what a win for either Barack Obama or John McCain will say about the great country that is the United States of America.

To me, an Obama win shows a country which has come to terms with the notion that much needs to change. That it isn't always right in the way it behaves towards other nations and that, at home, the desire for a better, more prosperous future overwhelms any thought of Obama having a "funny name" or a racial identity different to anyone else who has ever reached this stage in a Presidential election.

It would represent an America which wants to better itself. It would suggest an America which has received and noted the wake-up call of the Bush years and has decided that it's high-time certain barriers are broken down and smashed into tiny little pieces. It would represent an American which once more wants to be seen as a true force of good in the world. It would suggest that people are tired of petty, accusatory tit-for-tat and want a better way. A new way. For the love of the entire planet, the only way.

A McCain win, on the other hand, would represent a ringing endorsement of sorts for the Bush policy. It would suggest that a majority of Americans - despite professing to be unhappy with the current administration - simply do not care about how the country treats the rest of the world, a majority of Americans simply do not care about economic prospects as long as a "black liberal" is not overseeing their well-being. It would suggest that a majority of Americans do not care about being "qualified" for the job, but that Sarah Palin's ersatz "folksy" speaking style is more impressive than anything in the Obama - Biden canon.

Given the abysmal campaign McCain has run and the lack of new ideas presented, it would represent to me an America which celebrates poor workmanship. It would suggest to me that I should think twice about buying US made products etc... because, hey, if sub-mediocre standards are applied to the most important decision of all, how could I trust people to fix my leaking roof or repair a faulty car engine?

I'd be interested to know what people think. Contemplate both men emerging victorious on election night - picture the scenes and the media coverage afterwards - and what a win for either man says to you about the USA on a whole.

Considering the contrast between Barack and McCain, the nature of America's heart would be exposed for all to see.

The patience of the world would be gone. China would swallow us whole, and Iran would get ready for war.

It is unthinkable torture to even think of a McCain win.