Younghusband’s presidential endorsement

Curzon and Chirol — the American contributors to Coming Anarchy — have both endorsed John McCain for US president. Today I would like to publish my endorsement.

Earlier this year I presented my Voter typology. Under that framework I tend to be an issues-based voter, thinking of who would benefit the country as a whole in terms of the international arena. My thinking is that if the country prospers, the potential for the people to prosper is increased. Thus I understand and support Curzon’s erudite call for a Kissinger-like adviser to help the next president reposition America in the world.

Foreign policy is definitely a priority for America — it always has been. John McCain has a strong background in the field which originally encouraged me to support him. However, recent developments have caused me to question McCain’s judgement, and in fact have caused me to change my own voter typology. Since McCain became the Republican presidential candidate it seems he has not been able to stand up to the party beaucracracy. McCain seems to be under the influence of the incumbent campaign machine, an anachronistic apparatus which insists that electoral victory lies in energizing the Christian Right. I think the general American public — and the world at large — are tired of this minority. I am disappointed that McCain has cast aside his “maverick” principles and pandered to those he has denounced in the past. My confidence that McCain can provide moderate leadership once he gains the presidency has been shaken. Can he choose the right advisers to execute sound policy? The choice of Sarah Palin as VP says no. That was a deal-breaker for me. Christopher Hitchens recently wrote Vote for Obama – McCain lacks the character and temperament to be president. And Palin is simply a disgrace. Disgrace, absolutely. I can only imagine what would happen if McCain died and Palin became president.

I think the McCain of the past could have chosen the Kissinger that Curzon wishes for, but I think the McCain of the present cannot. Admittedly, Obama does have less FP experience, but he knows this, and I think he recognizes that he must choose well-qualified advisers.

As a non-American my vote does not count, however I am supporting Obama and have already voted for him in the The Economist’s Global Electoral college where Obama is currently winning 8,897 to 38. I think the actual result in America will be much closer.

FYI: The Economist will be publishing their endorsement in November.