(VOVworld) – For the American people, whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney won the Presidential election, their aspiration is a brighter future for the US. They hope, in the next 4 years, that the US will have a productive economy which employs more people and makes them earn more with better social welfare. Barack Obama won the voters’ confidence as they trust his commitment to change. His landslide victory by more than 100 electoral votes reveals the people’s high expectations.
Although the American people were not totally happy with what the country achieved last year, they have nurtured a hope and placed it on Barack Obama.
Obama did not secure a certain victory during the election campaign, and sometimes Mitt Romney led in the polls. But in the end, the voters didn’t want to bet their fate on Romney’s vague promises. Many times, the voters were reminded of the weak economy and Wall Street demonstrations remained fresh in their memories when they cast their ballots.
Although Obama’s leadership did not create a breakthrough last year, it did push the economy slowly along a recovery path. The President’s stance is on the side of the labor force, health care reform, gender equality, and improving public education.
President Obama pushed through a massive economic stimulus. His biggest achievement was rescuing the automobile industry in Ohio, which generates one eighth of the state’s employment. He got Congress to raise taxes for the richest 1% of Americans, so the government has more money for investment and social welfare. In late 2012, the US Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate had dropped to 7.7%, the lowest point in the past 4 years.
4 years ago, before Obama entered the White House, he promised to unite and heal a nation which was becoming increasingly polarized through “change”. 4 years later, the US has seen some real changes. In foreign policy, Obama has often succeeded in avoiding military escalation. His decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Iraq won voter support. The US showed a more moderate attitude toward Russia and China. In addition to exhibiting the tough stance of a world power in the international political arena, Obama has introduced cooperative views which benefit all sides. Washington’s relations with Islamic countries have improved.
A highlight of US foreign policy last year was shifting its focus to the Asia – Pacific region. The US has held joint military drills several Southeast Asian nations. Obama’s visit to Southeast Asia after his reelection was evidence of his strong determination to influence this region.
Obama has made economics his focus and has urged Republican congressmen in the US House of Representatives to narrow their differences to resolve urgent issues. He has promised to generate millions of new jobs, double exports, develop green energy to halve America’s energy imports by 2020, reduce the budget deficit, raise taxes on upper incomes, reduce income taxes for the middle class and low income families, and create tax incentives for companies which will bring jobs back to the US.
American voters have once again placed their faith in President Obama to steer the US to success and confirm its top position in the world.
Anh Huyen