By Nasihin Masha
On Tuesday (November 6), when United States citizens were getting ready towards the voting booth, Barack Obama on his @BarackObama account sent message to his 22.700.736 followers. His message was short: four more years. But, it was not the essence. He attached a picture of himself holding his wife, Michelle.
Obama's body faced the camera and his wife stood backward. That hug was so tight. Obama's eyes were closed, showed tenderness and affection. Obama's message was clear: wife-loving. That tweet quickly re-tweeted and until November 8 there were 777.574 retweets then retweeted again in sequence. A webpage recorded that the number has reached more than 500 million retweets.
This number was recorded as the highest retweet of all time, even break the record if Justin Beiber's tweet. Lady voters were one of the key factors of Obama's victory. A women's activist, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, was one of his biggest supporter. "President Obama has stood for women, mothers and their families. Now it is time for us to stand for him," said MomRising's executive director.
Obama and Michelle truly care on women and families' issues. For example, reproduction rights and access to health care. Different policy was shown on Mitt Romney. Another Obama's victory factor was because he received support from the young voters and immigrants.
Obama was very persistent on working on beginner voters through twitter. He once stood on the same stage with Beiber as well as had close relationship with famous artists. His pro-immigrant policy, especially to the Hispanic, made him received support from them. Hispanic citizen who owned right to vote was estimated to reach 24 million people.
Economic breakdown left by George W Bush, former president prior to Obama, also became another advantage for him. Bush was on the same party as Romney. Not just that, Bush's aggressive policy on spread of war also gave part on Obama's victory. All of Bush's policy still could not be forgiven by America's public.
Syria and Iran's issue also gave advantage to Obama. America's public imagined if Romney wins he would send troops and waged war with those two countries. That means wasting money and America's youngsters’ death in the battlefield. In recovering domestic economy, Obama clearly impose high taxes to the riches.
They were the supporters to Republican Party. On the other hand, he gave service facilities and privileges’ to the poor’s. Have to be admitted Obama was a friendly, warm, energise, and blessed with honest and trustworthy expression individual. When he made his speech, he never raised his hands above his head. He always gave small runs on his way to the podium.
Such body language reflected patience and alacrity; protecting ones afflicted by crisis and ready to work hard. His family background also portrayed the same. He was born from an immigrant father who died young, a mother who was a social worker and came from Hawaii far in Pacific. His life journey showed systematic steps.
He came from an ordinary family. Studied in the most prestigious school, Harvard Law School, and built his existence. Then he became a shyster lawyer to earn sympathy and popularity. Immediately he ran for senator. Less than one period and on his peak of popularity, he straight ran for presidency.
On the other hand, Romney came from a rich family, just like Bush. His career started as a governor, just as his father. His face was too sleek to dip in the sweaty mud of America's economy breakdown. But we must not ignore the other factor: Obama's campaign fund abundance.
His campaign fund was estimated to reach one billion US dollar, while Romney's approximately 'just' spent 750 million US dollar. The same amount spent by Obama on his 2008 election. Although he had tremendous amount of campaign fund, he has yet not forgotten Indonesia. His campaign tagline was "Forward", if you translate it into Bahasa it would be "Lanjutkan". Exactly the same as SBY campaign theme on 2009 election.
On 2008 election was no difference. His theme was "Yes, We Can". Almost the same as SBY theme campaign on 2004 election, "Bersama Kita Bisa". But, emotional bond between Obama and Indonesia was still underutilized. We have given a lot of oil and gas concession to America, but their investment in Indonesia was still far lower than their investment in Malaysia.
Not just it, during his presidency, Indonesia's CPO was blocked to enter US market. Obama's policy which quite socialist tends to be protective towards his local market. They are also not afraid to stop exporting fruits such as apple, just because Indonesia reduced inflows its imported fruits.
To America, Indonesia was just a market. Not an important economic partner. Obama's humane face was part of Americans answer to overcome economic and social problems. We have to spruce our domestic issues. We have to consolidate our laws, bureaucracy, party system, and economic patriotism.
After that, we are ready to make business with America. Let's tweet Forward Indonesia to the world.
Translating: Indira Amaranti
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