The American presidential election race of 2008 is shaping up to be the most exciting one in recent memory. The AP bills “Super Tuesday” a political day like no other, and it truly is: record numbers of Republican and Democrat voters - with a stunning number, as well, of independents - are turning out to choose the presidential candidates who will duke it out in November 2008.

I’ve followed the US elections since 1988, when Michael Dukakis lost to George Bush the Elder. I was eleven, and that year, I decided I was Democrat, and supported - at least in my mind, since I am not American - Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and John Kerry. This year particularly excites me because of the history that stands to be made by a Democrat candidate, and regardless of who is chosen - Senator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barack Obama - I stand to be a happy little camper.

What makes this race even more interesting is that the likely Republican candidate - Senator John McCain - is strongly supported by independents, and his focus on national security and economic growth will probably make his working with Democrats a little easier. I’ve never been happier for the possibility of a Republican win.

So what does this bode for the USA in light of the impending economic recession? Regardless of what happens come the end of 2008, America will have a president who will do her/his darndest to bring Republicans and Democrats together to forge an alliance of hope. President Barack Obama, President Hillary Rodham Clinton, or President John McCain will usher in an era of change and hope, undoing most of the damage wrought by the years of sheer lunacy under the leadership of George Bush the Younger.

(Personally, it’s important to me that a candidate shares my values, especially on the environment and abortion. Both Clinton and Obama have seesawed on those issues, as have McCain and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. In this sense, it makes me kinda wish Republican Mike Huckabee had a ghost of a chance; at least he’s consistent in how his values affect his decisions.)

I actually think Barack Obama did the United States a favor by running for president. Regardless of whether or not he wins, he - and Hillary - have galvanized the United States primaries, sending waves through America that this is going to be a whole new ball game, a brand new road, something historic is in the making here. Obama’s agenda of hope, his meteoric rise to the top of American politics, and his feel-good rhetoric may not be the most practical in the world, but it speaks to America. He’s made Hillary work doubly hard for her victories; he’s challenged Washington’s stuffy closed-door image; he’s a breath of fresh air. I don’t doubt his sincerity for making America a better place; I wish I could say the same for Filipino politicians.

I wish I could paint a rosier picture for Philippine politics. After former House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s unusual display of remorse repentance emotion two days ago, the Jester-in-Exile paints a doomsday picture of how Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may be working behind the scenes to effect Charter Change by 2010. After JDV was unceremoniously ejected (my QC representative voted ‘Yes,’ my Paranaque representative abstained. Hay!), he thinks that Senator Manny Villar is next on the chopping board.

(While I’m no fan of the Constitution in its current state, I do respect where he’s coming from. I think, however, if done properly - and who, pray tell, is going to oversee it if not the current people in power, so useless din! - a shift to the parliamentary system can be very good for the Philippines.)

I have had it up to here with local politicians. Where are the statesmen? Where are the leaders who can actually inspire me to go out and vote? Where is the agenda of hope and renewal? In a country that prides itself with being the only democratic Christian country in Asia, where are the representatives who actually care about representing the people, who think about them in their decision-making processes, and place the Filipino first?

Paula Cole once sang, Where have all the cowboys gone? Me, I sing, Where has our Obama gone?

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