Washington DC Preparation for Battleground

Yesterday, I was taken on a short city tour by our host and the guide was Dr Charles Spencer. Clarles was attached to the US foreign office and worked many years in South America. This lanky American gentleman is also a political scientist who had lectured in several American universities.

Outside the White House, I asked Charles who would win the election. He said Obama but the margin would be slim. Obama is leading by 8% point on the national poll but Clarles is more cautious about polls. He said we should minus at least 3-5% from Obama's lead because of race issue.

At another CNN poll, almost 70% of respondents said that race is not an issue in their candidate choice. Only a tiny 3% said it is the single most important issue. Behind these figures, what is the real mood of the American people. Change is definitely in the air but the voters be able to vote across racial lines?

Obama is expected to win almost 70% of African American votes. But he is facing a tough fight in several battleground states such as Missouri (John McCain and Barrack Obama are tied at 47% each), Colorado (Obama is leading by nearly 7%), Ohio, Florida and others.

Yesterday, the two candidates touched on the economy. It is obvious that these two candidates are determined to keep jobs in America. With unemployment hovering around 8%, job security and job creation become the two most important issues among the average Joes.

Next, Obama sees education as the most important contribution to the youths. He told a huge gathering in Colorado that the government will invest in the youths if they invest in America. Youths who are involved in NGOs, public services and community services will be given financial assistance to finish their education. He rallied parents to be responsible for their children upbringing.

McCain wants to lower corporate taxes for companies which operate in the country. He said if these companies are contributing to the American economy and provide employment for the average Joes they should be given tax incentive to stay in the country.

Both are expected to give China a tough time when elected.

In the next hour, I am heading off to the US State Department at Washington DC to talk to several election experts. Some of the people we are meeting include Mr Brad Minnick, Director at Office of International Visitors and Mr James K. Glassman, Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

I am looking forward to meet Mr Mark Penn on Wednesday. He is best known for serving as President Bill Clinton's political adviser in 1996 re-election campaign and has worked with Al Gore, Tony Blair and Hillary Clinton as her chief strategist.

Just found out that I will be going to Colorado for the election day campaign.