With the American election less than two weeks away, the world, rightfully, is on edge.  We find ourselves, nowadays, sinking ever deeper into recession, depression, oppression, etc.  What's a young American to do, if not hope?  If not hope for something better, hope for something different than the tired, bipartisan, corporate-fueled mumbo-jumbo of days past and present?

Since before the start of the Presidential race we have known that this election would be different. This is about more than foreign or domestic policy.  From the perspective of young Americans, it's about what we really need to carry on – inspiration.  When you watch a drama on television, the images depicted of the fictional American president are of someone deeply inspiring, able to unite people and countries and seemingly move mountains of despair to allow the people to carry on.  Most of us haven't experienced a President like this in our lifetimes.  We see these fictional images and learn about real-life inspirational Presidents like FDR and wonder, is this possible?

This is what we yearn for.  This is why young Americans cling so desperately to the idea of Barack Obama.

The truth is, our supposedly "bipartisan" political arena in the United States has merged into a sort of gray area.  I personally believe that no matter who is elected, the choices made will be largely similar.  (I will admit, though, that the presence of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her extremely right-wing ideas frightens many of us.)

McCain's campaign has criticized younger generations, whom he says band together with Obama for superficial reasons:  He's young.  Charismatic.  Seemingly spot-free.   So?  Perhaps these are the reasons.  But who's to say that these things are not as vital to America right now as anything that might lie underneath?  America has a terribly tarnished image these days, both to her citizens and those outside.  As an American expatriate, I find I often hesitate to tell others that I'm from America; it's not the point of pride it once was, and this constantly saddens me.

In the end, the reason Obama's catch-phrase "Change We Can Believe In" is so effective is that change and belief are what the world needs right now, more than anything.  And yes – not just America, but the world.  There will always be trying times, tragedies, and things we can't expect.  But we need someone to assure us that we can get through it.  Someone we at least believe that we can trust in the midst of everything. If someone just inspires us, comforts us, we will believe them.  We need to believe them. We need someone who says things like, "Yes, we can."

Now – if only we can win this battle.  In the meantime, we can hope… yes, we can.  

Anjee DeSanto

Washington, DC.

United States

(Anjee DeSanto teaches English in Korea. The views expressed here are solely the opinion of the author. Kaowao Editor)