THE SKEPTIC

Kalash eyes the incoming administration with considerable skepticism. Not trusting of the establishment, he has always had his qualms about US politics, and has never felt at home in either of the dominant parties, both of which he eyes with suspicion. Though he has followed politics intently for years as a journalist and an informed citizen, he has never been moved enough to come off the sidelines and jump on a bandwagon.

Of Lebanese-Palestinian descent, Kalash is a first generation American who lived abroad in his youth.  The election of Barack Obama as the nation's 44th president moved him deeply, re-affirming much of what he admired about the American people and their political system. However, his cynicism about politicians runs deep, and he has deep doubts about Obama's ability to bring about the substantive changes that the American people need. While he hopes for the best, he won't hesitate to speak out when he thinks the emperor has no clothes.

Key posts:

• The meaning behind it all
  
• First forecast
  
• On 'post-racialism'
  
• First impression
  

THE OPTIMIST

Although Junius has followed American politics ever since he was old enough to be aware of it, Barack Obama's candidacy pushed his enthusiasm to new levels. While he may have had some doubts towards the beginning of the campaign, his faith never faltered. By the time Obama's victory in the primaries became apparent, he was confidently predicting that he would win it all.

Junius is currently finishing up law school after a thorough education that sparked his interest in government and US history. His father lived the American Dream, coming to the US in the 80's from a war-torn country and working hard to become a success. His mother, born in the US to a family with American roots stretching back to the Plymouth Colony, raised him while continuing her own career. He's an American through and through, but he knows what its like to feel 'different' too. In Barack Obama, he sees both a kindred spirit and a potentially great leader.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS...

Why are we doing this?
History was made on November 4th 2008. We were both there to witness it - one in Washington, the other in Chicago. Realizing the significance of what had happened, we decided then and there to follow up on it over the internet. Over the course of the campaign, the two of us corresponded in lengthy email exchanges - sometimes discussing, sometimes debating. We had perviously spoken about continuing our political assessments in an open forum for others to see. That's exactly why we're here.

What do we expect?
That depends on who you ask. We both think there are considerable limits on a president's ability to bring about change, and do not share the absurdly high expectations of some Obama supporters. Much of the change we expect to see immediately will be somewhat symbolic - the closing of Guantanamo, the end of institutionally sanctioned torture, and improvement in America's image abroad. Though Kalash has lower hopes for some of the most pressing issues, including productive American involvement in a Middle East peace initiative, Junius expects that earnest efforts in this area and others will lead to considerable improvements in several areas over the next four years, chief among them health care.

What can our readers expect?

They can expect to read two different perspectives on issues pertaining to the change Obama's election brings - or the lack thereof. As often as we can, we will report on major developments and provide thorough analysis when warranted. Although we agree on many of the fundamental issues, we often find ourselves on different sides of the fence.

Are we Republicans or Democrats?
Kalash, whose dissatisfaction with the two-party system has made him reluctant to "pick a side" in American politics, is an Independent. Junius, on the other hand, is a lifelong Democrat.

Did we vote for Obama?
Yes and no... Although he was born in the USA, Kalash has never voted. For starters, he is opposed to the two-party system. He was contemplating voting for Obama early on, but quickly became disillusioned. He is still waiting for someone to earn his vote... hopefully from another party.

Junius has voted ever since he's been eligible to do so - it's a right he doesn't take lightly, and one he feels is his duty to take advantage of. Not only did he vote for Obama, he followed his campaign intently and was one of many who helped it succeed.

HAVE YOUR SAY

We encourage and appreciate your comments. However, if something we write makes you want to express your own views at length or if you'd like to share your thoughts on a subject you think we've overlooked, we'd be eager to hear what you have to say. Please email us any such writings. If your contribution is well written and within our scope, we will add it to the blog as a "Guest Post" with appropriate credit.