Obama or McCain?

The US presidential campaign comes to an end today, with either Barack Obama (Democrat) or John McCain (Republican) will go to the White House.

Americans who tuned in to the last round of campaign rallies yesterday will cast their votes with some false notes ringing in their ears along with the hurrahs.

McCain and running mate Sarah Palin, right down to the wire, persisted in distortions that were discredited long ago. Obama, who has been more responsive lately to being called out on his misstatements, did a rhetorical dance that avoided some of the bogus claims of the past. Even so, not all of his words bore up to scrutiny.

Altogether, facts took a beating in the campaign. McCain and Obama produced enduring myths that their running mates and supporters amplified and distorted even more.

However, its much awaited result gains world attention. US allies are pondering as to whether the new president will still adopt Bush’ anti-terrorism war or to make the country more friendlier.

While bombings and killings seemed to be out of control in Afghanistan and Iraq, most Americans are said to be against ‘terrorising other countries’, which was meant for Iran and Sudan. Luckily, Bush’ era is coming to a close.

Malaysia, too, will wait for the result although many Malaysians would prefer Obama to win, hence creating history as the US first non-white president.

"Having a black president does not necessarily change US foreign policy, with regards to protecting its interest worldwide,” said an analyst.