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U.S. presidential election, Tuesday Nov. 4
Stephen Randall, director of the U of C’s Institute for United States Policy Research
“One of the biggest questions for Canadians is whether a potential Barack Obama election victory combined with a Democrat-controlled Congress will lead to increased protectionism that would further damage the Canadian economy.”
“Another potential impact for Canada is in foreign and military policy. Both Obama and his rival, John McCain, have indicated a strong commitment to stepping up the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. With Canada committed to withdrawing from Afghanistan by 2011, will a new US administration bring strong pressure on Canada to renew its military commitment?”
Frank Towers, associate professor of history
“With all the talk of 2008 as a 'change election,' I'm especially interested in whether or not this election will re-draw the long-term voting patterns (think red v. blue Electoral College maps.) Such a change would have substantial effects on long-standing federal policies such as entitlements, taxes and wars in the Middle East.”
“For me, the key voters are suburbanites. They don't get much attention, but suburbanites are now more than half of the electorate and they are the true ‘swing voters’ in presidential elections. If one candidate wins them over by a landslide margin, that could be a sign of a fundamental change. On election night, I'll be watching how the suburbs vote as a key indicator of who will win and how much this election differs from recent history.”
Betsy Jameson, history professor and Imperial Oil-Lincoln McKay Chair of American Studies:
“It’s difficult to for me to pick the most important aspect of this election and its aftermath. I think this is a ‘make or break’ election for many critical issues, whether we’re talking the US economy, civil liberties, foreign policy, health care, the environment, race and gender in politics -- you name it.”
“I think this election is pivotal and holds the potential to forge a new political coalition and a political realignment not witnessed since the 1930s.”
Contact:
Media interested in arranging interviews with any of these experts should contact Betty Rice, associate director of the U of C’s School of Policy Studies. Cell: 403-966-0776.
Election Watch 2008: On election night, Tuesday Nov. 4, the U of C’s Rozsa Centre is the place to be in Calgary as the votes are tallied in the race for the White House. The Institute for US Policy Studies will host an election party from 6-10:30 p.m. Speakers include US Consul General Tom Huffaker, along with various students and experts in the area of US politics. Guests will cast their own ballots in a mock election, and a buffet and cash bar will run throughout the evening. Media are welcome to visit during afternoon set-up and attend the full evening of events. Radio and television news outlets can also set up live remotes from the Rozsa Centre. Contact Betty Rice at: 403-966-0776.
The School of Policy Studies at the University of Calgary strives to contribute to a more meaningful and informed public debate on fiscal, social, energy, environmental and international issues to improve Canada’s and Alberta’s economic and social performance. Visit our website at: www.ucalgary.ca/policystudies
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