It also that our work force is adaptable and flexible

Specialist of us politics, Norman Ornstein is a researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, a "think tank" curator in Washington. Seen as centrist, he is known for writing a substantial part of the Act on the reform of election campaigns in 2002 and sponsored by Senators John McCain and Russ Feingold. He has written several books, including the noted "The Broken Branch", on the failure of the Congress with Thomas Mann, the Brookings Institution.

The next presidential term will begin very difficult auspices. That concern you most

From a "normal" assumption of the Presidency, where usually there is little pressing to resolve business this time challenges are immediate and in all areas. The two candidates have recognized that we walk through the worst financial crisis since the great depression. The impact on our economy are numerous and spectacular: the financial system crisis, collapse of the real estate... and a global depression. This will undoubtedly bring us deflation that could be followed by hyperinflation. One of the ways to manage these issues will be a stimulus program that will still increase the deficit. It does not say enough, but the deficit of the budget of the United States will explode over the next ten years. It already represents 3.2 of GDP and could reach 5 soon. Think! It may represent 1,000 billion next year!

This context will help reform the country

It takes well yet! Our health care system costs soaring and our population is aging. Most people cannot pay for the care of long term required for the elderly. Gold age group which increases the more is that more than 85 years! It is essential to reform programs like Medicaid for people with very limited resources and Medicare, for medicine of more than 65 years so that they continue to benefit those who have the most need. This means that the next President must demonstrate a spirit of bipartisan, to obtain the necessary reforms.

Why the next President must at all costs show a concern for compromise

Because otherwise he would arrive at nothing. Bill Clinton had 260 members of the House of representatives and 58 Senators during his first term. It has been disappointing years notwithstanding this strong support. It even could not pass his reform of the health care system. When the issues are complex, such as health for example, one party can only lead one reform. Even with a tidal wave and the bar of the 60 senators crossed by the Democrats, must be there among them "conservative" from a budgetary point of view that there will be no blank check, and that need persuading.

What should be, in your opinion, the priorities of the next administration

There is a real question about the competitiveness of the United States. It is imperative that we invest in the science, research and development. It also that our work force is adaptable and flexible. Finally, we are engaged in two wars and we are under the constant threat of terrorists. How to handle the Iraq and the Afghanistan That this may mean for our relations with countries such as the Syria and Pakistan It will have to persuade a weak Pakistani Government to help us in the fight against corruption and the Taliban.

There will be other hot issues on the international scene.

Of course. There will be elections in February next in Israel, the Iran who seeks to become a nuclear power and the evolution of our relations with countries such as the Russia or the Venezuela. Do not forget more long-term challenges such as combating climate change. If gasoline falls to $ 2 per gallon, going to have to be very persuasive to lose their bad habits to the Americans! One thing however is positive. The new President, especially if it is Barack Obama, will be allowed with good will and give new credibility to us policy. This will give him the leverage and build confidence around the idea that changes will be possible.