Well the US electorate has spoken, and "democracy" has been duly exercised for another 4 yrs, with the result that Barack Obama is the 44th President of the USA, after a mere 4 years as a Senator.
So what does it mean? Hard to say because the US system means that Obama has never been in Government, never run anything, and only his 'voting record' to show what his Presidency might mean.
In the UK model, Obama would very likely have been a Minister before getting to the top job, although not necessarily as Tony Blair showed. But even then, they would have had a "Shadow Cabinet" job in which to show their mettle. This difference between a "Republican" or "Monarchical" democratic model reflects across the globe.
These are mostly based upon the "Westminster" or French "republican" models, and their imposition is where the two countries held sway or influence. So mainland and central Europe largely reflect French influence, as does its ex colonies (especially in Africa), with a Presidential system, whereas Northern Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well as ex colonies such as India , and many African states, still have the monarchical systems.
The US was aided by the French during the rebellion and after briefly flirting with the idea of a king (they offered the crown to George Washington who had 'royal' connections), they ended up as a republican system.
A woman at work was discussing the US results with her friend and said "Yeah its all well and good but the Americans keep voting for the wrong people!" .... her friend asked her what she meant, "well she said there was a serial sex addict and adulterer, and an (ex) alcoholic for the last 16yrs, and now him...a gob shite" she said pointing at Obama's picture.
I laughed at this summary of US politics, but given what we know, she may prove to be right.
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