Comment

Nelson Cunningham (left in photo) was part of the Clinton administration and is now an advisor to the Barack Obama campaign. Richard Burt (right in photo),former US ambassador to Germany under president Ronald Reagan, is involved in Republican politics as an advisor to John McCain. As representatives of McLarty Associates, an international strategic advisory firm, they have visited nine countries discussing how their candidates will impact the world. In Mumbai for a debate organised by the Asia Society at the Oberoi hotels, they defend their opposing positions with Ranjona Banerji

Has the economic situation taken this presidential election away from issues like gender and race?
Cunningham: There is no doubt about it. Until now, the election had been like the TV comedy, Seinfeld — famous for being a show about nothing at all. Now we need to see which man has the leadership and guidance to steer us through this crisis.
Burt: I don’t deny that the economy has changed the focus of this election but I don’t think that it was just about race prior to this. Race wasn’t a real.There was an expectation that the campaign was going to focus on the US and the world and the war in Iraq.

How will the economic crisis affect this election?
Cunningham: Obama plays into historic memory — that in tough times the Democrats have helped. Obama has advisors like Bob Rubin, Paul Volcker and Warren Buffett and has argued for years that we need more regulation. The Republicans want less regulation. Americans want to know that the government cares.
Burt: I understand why Democrats would make a case that there’s an instinctive feeling that when times are tough, the country turns to the Democrats — the Depression and FDR. But there are few alive who remember the Depression. Rather, they remember how Reagan beat the stagflation of the 1970s. Obama’s plans will involve tremendous increase in government expenditure. McCain understands what needs be done.

Does McCain now have a twin problem of Bush’s legacy and his running mate, Sarah Palin?
Burt: McCain has said that the last eight years have not been wonderful for the US. He ran against Bush in 2000. He did have a problem energising the conservative Republicans — he didn’t excite the shock troops, the volunteers who do the work, but Palin has.

Did Obama go through his main baptism by fire in the nomination battle with Hillary Clinton?
Cunningham: When you go up against powerful machinery like the Clintons’ and win, that means you have staying power. Although McCain ran against Bush in 2000, he supported him in 2004. He changed his maverick stance and became conservative and picked Sarah Palin to suit them.

What about the Iraq war?
Cunningham: There are three things to be considered here. One, this is the worst foreign policy disaster of the last century. Two, every month that this war goes on, it heightens the anti-American feelings in the Islamic world. Three, the real goal was to
democratise Iraq and for that, Obama has a plan. The Iraqi adventure has created serious problems and we do not want to exacerbate those.
Burt: I disagree with Obama’s strategy to take advantage of the unpopularity of the war and the US to push for withdrawal of troops in 16 months. We must maintain stability. There is a likelihood of a flare-up between Shias and Sunnis and the Kurds. The US is an essential part of the glue. The US will leave but at the best possible time.

How do both stand on India and the nuke deal?
Cunningham: There was strong bipartisan agreement for stronger relations with India, although Democrats have had concerns about non-proliferation issues. The deal was passed with broad Democratic approval.
Burt: Both the Republicans and McCain have long been keen on India. The Democrats have come late to the party. They preached to India and punished India because it wanted to be a great power. The Republicans realised that India’s appearance on the world stage was to be welcomed. George W Bush has made significant progress with India on trade and investment. The Democrats would be under protectionist pressure (if they come to power).

What about the new president’s relationship with Pakistan?
Burt: Not sure if there is a fundamental difference on Pakistan — it presents a real challenge. But on the use of US forces in Pakistan territory, McCain objects to Obama’s comments. That’s not the way you talk in public.

Cunningham: This is a political game of ‘gotcha’. The Republicans call Obama weak. When he says he wants to use force, they call it naïve. In any case, the Bush administration has already done in Pakistan what Obama has said he will do.