Obama’s re-election seems to mark a turning point in American politics. A new coalition of empowered minorities (Latinos, blacks, gays and others usually regarded as “liberal-oriented”) defeated the old “white-anglo-man” dominance epitomized by the Tea Party conservatives. “No U.S. presidential candidate in coming years will be able to turn his back on Hispanics” writes The Miami Herald’s Oppenheimer.
But I don’t think that Rush Limbaugh and his ilk should be so demoralized. Their traditional way of living will not be swept by a liberal tsunami tomorrow.
Obama will continue to be a moderate Democrat anxious to be seen as “reasonable” and “responsibly” by the traditional Establishment. But, more important than that, those minorities doesn’t want to dissemble their society; they just want to be a recognized part of it and are eager to show that they can be so “patriotic” as anyone. If this is a good perspective for the Rest of the World is a complete different story.
GLORIA MUNDI 
bennythomas
November 11, 2012
Average Hispanic families are as conservative hardworking and family oriented. People who have known them in their neighborhood in Orange County or elsewhere attest to this. Yet they have been unfairly called ‘lazy’ and’ free loaders’ etc; this kind of mindset in future shall loosen and the whites will have to accept them as they have accepted the Afro-Americans. These empowered non-whites and whites shall force the old rhetorics change its tune. This election was a wake up call.
Bob Row
November 11, 2012
Of course they are “conservative, hard working and family oriented”. And because of their catholic values they aren’t prone to liberal stances like the “pro-choice” support or the “anti-corporative” activism. So, this new alliance will hardly be stable in the long run. Cultural diversity doesn’t necessarily mean “progressiveness”. I see a slipping towards the right among those benefited by the “Dream act” in the future, when they got good, well rewarded jobs.
SB
November 12, 2012
I think that this victory is important for the reasons posted above and many more, among them: the Supreme Court could obtain a liberal majority during the Obama administration (after decades of conservative dominance); if the Republican Party starts moving to the center, even though it is hard to foresee, the Democratic Party will have more wiggle room to move a little bit towards the left (we have only a socialist senator from Vermont as the “checks and balances member)”; the achievements of the first term could be solidified and new goals could be secured.
Bob Row
November 12, 2012
I think you’re right on the Supreme Court issue but I’m not so optimistic as you about future developments. Perhaps, if the SC reviews Citizen United and impose limits to the influence of Big Money in politics, we can expect a slow change from the individualistic common sense towards solidarity; from gadget consumption towards a “green” economy. Because the USA cannot keep being the most efficient with the old scheme of massive production of goods and high salaries; so a lot of jobs should find other branches. In the meantime, such a long-run change usually brings pain to many people who turn to become defensive, even reactionary. Times like these need of brave leaders, not just charismatic but ready to take the risks involved. I don’t think Obama is made of this stuff; but maybe others inspired by his promises will raise the flags to turn the words into realities.
SB
November 12, 2012
I agree. Financial campaign reform is the first thing that you should be taken up , otherwisw the whole democratic process is rotten from the start.
Thank you for acknowledging my message!!
Bob Row
November 13, 2012
Thank you for spending your time commenting here! You’re welcome.