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The Epic Election: What It Means for India

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The World  is watching the election for the most powerful job in the World more closely than ever before, and as the two key candidates former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party candidate and Billionaire businessman Donald Trump, her Republican challenger slug it out on the last lap it has the making of an epic election. Epic, as it may change the way the world will look at the US and US will look at the world, under a new US President.

The Cliffhanger Campaign

From Trump’s locker room tales and a gaffe ridden campaign to Hillary Clinton’s FBI woes related to her emails,  for American voters these are real issues that matter in the elections and besides the concerns on outsourcing of jobs, rising unemployment, the health care worries and a world of geopolitical uncertainties the outcome of the election will not be dependent on a single issue.

ALSO READ: US Elections: Polls show Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump in dead heat

I had the opportunity to cover the election from close quarters, was one of the few international journalists who managed to scoop the interview with the Republican Presidential contender Donald Trump, and did ask him to apologize if he was a real man for his inappropriate comments towards women.  The Trump campaign was not well oiled, he did speak out strongly on issues like terrorism and has a plan to take the terror Ayatollahs head on, but he came across as impulsive and brash. In contrast, Hillary’s campaign was better organized, she came across as better prepared which helped her in scoring over her rival in the debates. However, she also suffered the trappings of arrogance of winning too early, refusing media interviews (for the record I did chase her campaign for an interview)  and even planning celebratory fireworks too early .

Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Democratic party, republican, India, US, relations, US Elections, LIVE,

As FBI closed in on one of her closest aides Huma Abedin, her former Chief of staff and reports coming in that the noos may tighten around her, the gains of a tight elector focused campaign has been considerably reduced.

ALSO READ: The US Elections Explained: All You Need to Know

On the cusp of the election week, a election which many were calling for Hillary is no longer a home run for her.  Republicans will also use the email tangle to walk away with some tight senate races.  Most young voters still root for Hillary as a preferred option and a polarization amongst minorities and immigrants is expected for Hillary, but Trump’s strong drive for a powerful America, a strong pitch against Islamic terror does have a loyal fan base of supporters across the US.  And with the FBI knocking on the doors Trump supporters do see a swing away from Hillary, but is it too little too late we will see on November 8.

Who is good for India?

From wooing Indian Americans with their Diwali messages to campaigning extensively in the Indian dominated areas, this election has underscored the importance of Indian voters for the Democratic and the Republican party.

Strong ties with India has been a focus of both campaigns, and the India relationship has gone beyond the narrow prism of domestic politics. There is a growing bipartisan support as was evident in the aftermath of surgical strikes by India.  The issuance of a Diwali stamp, the UN building being lit for Diwali are all signals of India’s growing importance in the US.

ALSO READ: NewsMobile EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump ‘locker room’ conversations, Trump speaks out

While Trump’s strong anti-terrorism pitch and a line that he will hit terror sanctuaries  in Pakistan and elsewhere is good for India, given the fact that usual US approach has been to advise restraint to India. That approach may change if Trump becomes the President. While Hillary shares India’s concerns on terrorism, she is an advocate of a slow paced diplomatic approach which does not work with a country like Pakistan.

On trade, both advocate stronger trade ties only the approaches will differ.  Diplomacy is about chemistry, and Trump may strike a better chemistry with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, than Hillary, who may be more businesslike. However, given India’s increasing influence in the global arena and multiple layers of engagement, the new boss at the oval office will ensure that India will be high on the agenda of the new US President.

Here’s what Donald Trump said in Exclusive interiew with NewsMobile Editor-in-Chief Saurabh Shukla:

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