News Release

Heard on campus   election reflections

November 11, 2008

America has spoken – definitively.

Barack Obama will be the nation’s 44 th President.

In a storied election, the American public voted overwhelmingly for change as the nation struggles with serious problems – both at home and abroad.

But what are the impacts of the election? And what are the futures for both major political parties? The day after the election, a panel of government and academic experts gathered on campus to reflect on the historic campaign and even look down the road.

The final installment of the college’s series entitled “Academic Perspectives on the Election Season” featured Pennsylvania House GOP Whip David Argall, former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Matthew Woessner, and Professor of Public Administration Jeremy Plant. The panel discussion was moderated by Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Carol Nechemias and broadcast live throughout the Commonwealth by the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN).

Featuring faculty scholars from a variety of disciplines, the entire series was broadcast by PCN and featured pertinent election topics including political communication, Republican vs. Democratic viewpoints, economic policies, and immigration issues.

Singel, a Democrat, began the Nov. 5 discussion by pointing out he saw potential early for Obama to be “a transitional leader. His speech in Philadelphia on race and his speech at the end of the Iowa Caucus convinced me he was the real deal. An appropriate comparison is JFK’s victory. Obama has brought a transformation change in the way America thinks of itself and how the world thinks of us.”

Commenting on John McCain’s defeat, Argall added “he may have survived the wars (in Afghanistan in Iraq), but not the economic turmoil.” And Plant added that the choice of Sarah Palin as the vice presidential running mate “turned out to be a stunt … an indication of some sort of panic by the GOP.”

“It was a perfect Obama campaign,” Dr. Plant pointed out. “First he beat Clinton, then McCain and the campaign never lost focus.” Countering, Dr. Woessner said, “America decided to move in a totally new direction. The Democrats are now in control, in power, and in two to four years we’ll see how it works.”

Dr. Woessner added, “Obama’s victory proves the system works. This is not a day for sadness or sorrow (on the Republican side). The country chose. It’s a celebration of democracy and a demonstration of our best principles.”

As for lessons to be learned by the GOP in the wake of its defeat, Dr. Plant surmised that “the Republican Party can’t win an election by going to its solid right wing base. It will be a permanent minority party if it does not change.” Singel advised, “It’s always a mistake to write a party off. They (GOP) will find their footing again. The Democratic Party has achieved a much larger tent. Now the GOP must appeal to that large cross section of America” to make a comeback.

And looking to the first 100 days of the Obama Administration, the panelists seemed unanimous in their feelings that solving the financial crisis in the nation is paramount. But that it must be done in a bipartisan manner. Dr. Plant says, “Obama’s already formulating an economic plan and he should also reach out quickly to the European Union for help in resolving the Israel/Palestinian problem and the growing threat from Russia.” Singel said, “You won’t see Obama overreach (in his agenda), but rather take a pragmatic approach to serious problems.”

Bipartisanship may also be vital in solving Pennsylvania’s looming budget woes. Rep. Argall predicts “a rough couple years in the Pennsylvania Legislature” and Singel forecasts “budget time will dictate serious give and take” among Democrats and Republicans.

In summation of the Obama victory, Dr. Plant said, “The election brought the nation closer to a post-racial era and the gender in politics issue is going away” with the candidacy of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.