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WHY WE WANT BIDEN TO WIN?
India, along with the rest of the world, is eagerly waiting for the early hours of 4th November. Not only the policy makers, industrialists, lobbyists & politicians, but also common people like you & me. All of us have managed to invest ourselves
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India, along with the rest of the world, is eagerly waiting for the early hours of 4th November. Not only the policy makers, industrialists, lobbyists & politicians, but also common people like you & me. All of us have managed to invest ourselves
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in the final outcome. Truth be told, whether it's Trump or Biden, hardly makes any difference to the daily lives of 90% of Indians. Yet, we're glued to @CNN & other media outlets. There are debates in WhatsApp & Facebook groups. There are daily updates on Twitter.
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Even a bit of "Chai Pe Charcha".
There are a few reasons. The main one being the "Trump Phenomenon". We've conveniently labelled 2016 as an aberration, a fluke. 2020 would prove if it was really so. So that curiosity is there.
Secondly, the Indian authorities have invested
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There are a few reasons. The main one being the "Trump Phenomenon". We've conveniently labelled 2016 as an aberration, a fluke. 2020 would prove if it was really so. So that curiosity is there.
Secondly, the Indian authorities have invested
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heavily in Trump. So much so that a sitting PM openly campaigned for him while being on an official visit. Whatever might be the reason behind such lopsided investment, it defies logic.
So what's in it for India?
Historically, it's always been a bit of a mixed bag at the
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So what's in it for India?
Historically, it's always been a bit of a mixed bag at the
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govt level. With GOP, the biggest grouse has been their covert or often open backing of Pakistan. Even after 9-11. There has been the Israel policy. With the Dems, their stand against outsourcing has always been problematic. We've found them "interfering" in our internal
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affairs. But by and large, the relationship has been transactional, more so in the last 4 years.
What about us, the common Indian?
The Dems have almost always had our support. We see them occupying the LIBERAL PROGRESSIVE space, a more inclusive ideology. GOP on the other hand
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What about us, the common Indian?
The Dems have almost always had our support. We see them occupying the LIBERAL PROGRESSIVE space, a more inclusive ideology. GOP on the other hand
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stands on the other side of the spectrum. Mind you, this is how the average Indian sees things.
But there has been a shift, lately. Both India & US have seen the rise of the RW. Trump rode the wave to power, accompanied with xenophobia, racial & religious tension.
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But there has been a shift, lately. Both India & US have seen the rise of the RW. Trump rode the wave to power, accompanied with xenophobia, racial & religious tension.
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Modi's rise can also be attributed to this Neo Nationalism. The supporters of both are also identical in their utter disregard for facts & history & a willingness to embrace whataboutery & alt truths. But that's where the similarities end. US still has a media that functions.
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They not only question Trump, some border on being hostile. The judiciary there was also fairly non partisan, at least till the other day.
In US dissent is met with ridicule, here, it's met with retribution.
Biden's campaign has been helped by the above. He has been heard.
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In US dissent is met with ridicule, here, it's met with retribution.
Biden's campaign has been helped by the above. He has been heard.
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Not blanked out. If he wins, India & US will still do business. Modi will have a new white friend. But it'll also send a strong message. A message, I dare say, of hope against bigotry & hate. A message to the fence sitters, that no victory is permanent. Demagogues can be beaten.
