What makes this election unique is not because of Obama being black or McCain being the oldest.
This election will change the political world forever for many reasons, said former U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas, Oct. 30, at Bakersfield College’s Fireside Room.
“It will never go back to the way it was,” said Thomas.
Thomas, a former BC faculty member who served as a U.S. representative for 28 years as well as serving five different U.S. presidents as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, said that this is a standout presidential election because this is the first time that two sitting U.S. senators are running for president.
This is also the first time since John F. Kennedy in 1960 that a U.S. senator will win the presidency. Another unique difference in this election is the amount of money available to the candidates. The Democrats spent $319.9 million, and the Republicans $147 million between June 1-Oct. 15.
According to Thomas, the Democrats spent their money more effectively than the Republicans. Obama’s camp used its resources to gather an “unprecedented level” of e-mail addresses. Obama’s camp also put out more TV ads than McCain’s side.
“Money is the means to an end,” Thomas said. “How you regulate it is important.”
Although Thomas concedes that the age difference between Obama and McCain is “the greatest in history,” Obama’s personal charisma was a key element in his campaign.
“A boring nerd couldn’t win,” Thomas said.
Thomas also mentioned the verve and charisma of Sarah Palin, McCain’s running mate, and how she got everyone on the Republican side enthusiastic about the race in apparent full contrast to McCain.
“John McCain is not good at throwing meat to the faithful,” Thomas said. “He’s not comfortable with that.”
Thomas mentioned that in light of all of the nontraditional, unpredictable things currently happening, it won’t be long before a woman becomes president. Kenneth Fahsbender, retired BC music director and lecture attendee, said that he appreciated Thomas’ nonpartisan approach on the description of the election and the process.
“His analysis was great,” he said.
“I learned about the polls, the electoral college and the funding,” said Arthur Charles, 18, BC criminal justice major, about the lecture. “I didn’t know that much before.”