What did I learn from my recent trip to the US? I realised that the country is not such a perfect melting pot after all.

On the outside, the society looks like a flawless piece of mosaic. A closer look at the surface exposes its cracks and rough edges.

The US faces difficult racial and religious polarisation due to the complexity and diversity of its people. To a certain extent, the US presidential election results mirror this polarisation. Only about 34 percent of white Protestants and 26 percent of Evangelicals voted for Barack Hussein Obama.

democrat american election obama 070108 01 On the other hand, almost 78 percent of Jewish, 73 percent of other faiths and 75 percent unaffiliated (including non-religious) people voted for him.

Those who originally argued for the Bradley effect were accurate to the extent that the effect was negative – more African Americans and lower middle class voters came out to vote in unprecedented numbers for Obama.

The first African American president-elect obtained 43 percent of support from all-white voters, primarily from those below the age of 40. Many still voted according to their racial and religious beliefs.

But unlike other similar societies including ours, there is a healthy check-and-balance in American society. Tired of being pushed to the far right by the fundamentalists and religious conservatives during the eight years of Bush administration, the moderates fought back to take control of their lives.

Some may argue that it took failed wars, a crumbling economy and race to bring out the best in Americans. Yes, the candidacy of an articulate and intelligent African American did inspire many young Americans to transcend race.

However, it is inaccurate to say that Obama won because of a growing economic crisis and the colour of his skin alone.

Obama magic

Obama’s positive campaign has inspired many Americans to stand up and fight for the change they wanted. He provided hope and leadership when the country was craving for both. Obama is charismatic but not to the point of being eccentric.

At the time I left the country, more job cuts were going to be announced. So far, 1.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008. Retail shops around Boston, Washington DC and other major cities are half empty despite it being sale season.

My host, a lecturer, at Colorado Springs told me that even going out for a burger now makes her think twice. She is a middle income earner. Soon, such attitude will spread, especially among those trying to keep up with their mortgage payments.

american presidential election barack obama 051108 04 What does the economic meltdown mean to normal Americans? Many are now beginning to question the surging cost of war. The US government is spending close to US$10 billion a month to fund its war in Iraq.

At home, the financial sector does not look steady despite the recent US$250 billion direct capital injections into several large financial institutions to ease the credit crunch.

Now, the automotive sector is running out of cash, especially General Motors and Chrysler. Thousands of employees have been laid off. Pink slips are pilling up. The government is expected to announce another US$50 billion to rescue the automotive industry.

With pressure surging to create more jobs, the new president-elect has promised to invest US$15 billion into initiatives to develop renewable and green technology. He has promised tax cuts and rebates for 95 percent of the population.

However, with its national debt hovering at the highest percentage to GDP since 1800, the government will be constrained in many ways. Obama and his economic team may have to find innovative ways to improve the economy because there is little room left to fund big projects without enlarging the country’s already huge debt of almost US$10 trillion.

Era of meaningful life

Over the last eight years, the US suffered the "old China syndrome", thinking that it was the centre of the universe. It took several unpopular and divisive measures back home and abroad. George Bush’s unilateral approach has left the US with very few admirers. Bush is also the most unpopular president in the modern history of his country.

american presidential election barack obama 051108 01 Finally, the Americans have awakened from their slumber only to realise how nervous their society has become since the financial crisis started last year. Almost 81 percent think that things aren’t going well for them. More than 63 percent say economy is the most important issue.

Predictably, Americans are worried about a deteriorating quality of life, jobs moving abroad, rising inflation and public safety. These uncertainties bred a steely consensus – send the Republicans out of Washington DC.

According to US Repubican party media strategist, Alex Castellanos, the era of big power projection and frantic federal spending is going to be replaced by an ‘era of meaningful life’. This era appeals to Americans who want to do something meaningful like saving the country.

Perhaps Nov 4 was only the end of the beginning of a reform movement but most importantly, many Americans who dared to dream, had lived their dream to see the election of the first African American as president.

We too can dream the American dream of a better future, more equitable society, end of institutionalised racism and bigotry and a more dynamic Malaysia.

KHOO KAY PENG is a corporate consultant and an independent political analyst.