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nikhil:Hi.. i m indian student from alabama(USA).... what do you think obama stand on immigration??

Anubha Bhonsle: Hi Nikhil Both candidates have remained silent on immigration. Suprisingly it remains the big issue as far as companies are concerned, they want immigration reform and the undocumented illegal worker to be sourced into the system in a better way, surprisingly mc cain has a better record on this one, but this issue is certainly off the radar as afar as this elec is concerned

Rohan:Hi Anubha, do you think that after 10 years from now, general elections in India will have more significance than U.S. presidential elections? After Nuclear agreement with U.S. will create more jobs and economically Indian market cannot be sidelined......what is your take?

Anubha Bhonsle: I think so. America certainly looks at India very carefully, not just as a regional player and a big democracy but from the economic stand point too. India's large markets are attractive. But am not sure at this stage of a financial crisis, there will be a sp treatment for India

Karnam:Hi Anubha when will the last vote be counted in US poll?

Anubha Bhonsle: Karna, becos of the time difference across coasts, while one state would be counting , another state could still be polling. but by late tonight if all goes well you should have definite trends

manju:obama is not much of an experienced guy

Anubha Bhonsle: His critics often point out that he has the thinnest resume ever for the top job. And they are right that he really doesnt have experience, but he did manage to run a highly effective campaign

OBAIDURREHMAN:obama has any political experience to fac american economic crises?

Anubha Bhonsle: None overtly, but then America is facing a crisis of this nature after teh Great Depression

Gajanan Joshi:Dear Anubha, 1. The economical problem is a sudden development during this entire battle journey to White house. Have you noticed any change in the enthusiasm or interest with in the two main contenders in occupying the White house after this issue? 2. As regards to Americas "Dadagiri" over the entire world, how these two main contenders are standing? 3. As regards to Pakistan and the Kashmir issues, who sounds favorable to India? And, what is the general mood of Americans on these matters? Best luck to you in your studies at USA. May your research find beneficial to society. Thanks Gajanan Joshi

Anubha Bhonsle: Thanks Gajanan. That question was posed to both, Is this job you really wanted. Well both replied rather diplomatically that they never believed it was going to be easy, but its true this American President comes at the top job at a very difficult time

Ambarish Bhand:Hi Anubha, i am really impressed with you the way you read new. I think Obama will come and the way he is handling the issues on Terrorism, it will hepl India to some extent, what's your thought on this?

Anubha Bhonsle: Ambarish, Obama has spoken abt Pakistan crack down on the Taliban, and pursuing Osama at the same time ncouraging dialogue between Pakistan and India This is a bit worrisome for India, because despite repeated pressures Bush refused to interpose himself in the Indo-Pak negotiations and the issue of terrorism

shuvodeep chatterjee:Obama has in the recent past suggested that he emphasizes that more should be spent on research and scientists should be encouraged to come and work in the US and the scientific leadership should be revived... That should be great news for India as well owing to the fact that we have consistently contributed to the American scientific community... 1. would that mean there would be more jobs in the R&D sector (especially in the field of research of non-renewable energy sources) generated in US and budding indian scientists would get more opportunites to immigrate? 2. Would there be any effect on indian students going to the US for studies (more so because we send over 85000 people every year to the US for Grad School).?

Anubha Bhonsle: Shuvodeep, I think he is looking at America when he says that. ..a greater emphasis on areas like science and technology that will define the workforce of the 21st century. "We'll need to invest in the research and innovation necessary to create jobs and industries of the future right here in North Carolina, right here in the US.

Avishek Das:Anubha do you think that Obama might have been better in choosing Hillary as his running mate?Dont you think that would have been a formidable combination ,much better than the current one.

Anubha Bhonsle: I agree Avishek, but every analyst or Democrat that I have spoken to just had on word to say to that combination. " Bill". Bill Clinton in the White House again. Naah

Ankit:Hi Anubha so continuing from last Question, then will it be possible for our country to have 4 party System, because it will certainly will strengthen our goverment because currently with so many parties in 1 government makes every decision so slow. So in your view whats the way by which our country can adopt 4 party system ?? Can Election Commision in India can do something about it?? Thanks for reply again :)

Anubha Bhonsle: Not sure if the EC cand o anything. But we could make a start with that "Neither of the Above" option

jbhatia:The foremost priority of new President- Obama, if opinion polls are to be considered, would be to address economic problems of USA. Another lingering problem of USA is immigration. Do you think Obama will be able to address the problem of immigration, which has been promised to be addressed several times but no president of late has the courage and will to do so.

Anubha Bhonsle: To be fair to Mc Cain he did try and get bi partisan support for an immigration reform bill which would look at the large number of undocumented population that is currently in America illegally, many of them from Mexico. The truth is that as far as the farmers are concerned immigration is their one big concern, but neither the democrats nor the republicans have taken up the issue and tried to resolve it

newworld:Hi Anubha,Thanks for joining us today,What will be the impact on Outsourcing sectors( IT services and IT enabling services like BPO ) will there be more lay offs here due to his protectionist policy ! I beleive the Outsourcing growth rate will be certainly on a down side.Please comment on that

Anubha Bhonsle: I think it would to some extent. We are not going to see jobs being shipped out of america aseasily as they were in the past. having said that companies admit that many of these jobs were shipped out bcos there was simply no american talent to do that at the cost that they could have been done lets say in India and China

sunny:Hi Anubha, how are Obama's general views about outsourcing? I mean, if he is elected, which seems most probable now, how will the things change in terms of outsourced jobs?

Anubha Bhonsle: Sunny,Obama says Free trade is a cause he believes in but says it would be no good when we pass trade agreements that hand out jobs to other countries. and American workers have to see their factories close downor jobs being shipped abroad. There is nothing protectionist about demanding that trade spread the benefits of globalisation as broadly as possible he argues. having said that he does believe that many of these changes maybe irreversible in a sense

Ankit:Hi Anubha Ankit again, May be this question not concerned directly with US Elections. But can you put some light or your views that this Two Party System is the best way for the country rather than having so many parties here in India. And will it be possible for India to have Two Party System?? Thanks for your earlier reply. Take care. God Bless !!

Anubha Bhonsle: Ankit, In fact one of my colleagues at the fellowship who is from America did a paper on the 2 Party system and how it limits choice and how there would be Americans who consider themselves neither D nor R. there are choices of the green party adn the libertarians, but the political process is so polarised by the two she argued that anyone who votes for the others...feel stheir vote goes waste. When the Indian experience was conveyed to her, we all agreed that perhaps 4 was a good number :0

Avishek Das:So u think being a black is an advantage for Obama???

Anubha Bhonsle: I think Avishek Obama has been careful not to run his campaign purely on race. The fact that he is an african american mmost def means that he has a majority if not all of the black vote. Having said that I must add that he just doesnt have AA as support bases, In fact he has been able to get more people under the umbrella if i can call it that

N K Bhoopesh: hello victory of Obama seems to be a forgone conclusion, if one go by the international media. My question is has the campaign trail effected any change in the so called racial prejudicies of the US people, if there is any. will the social structure vis-a vis the race and identity hegemony of the white will have any change after this election

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Bhoopesh, To think that if Obama is elected President today, racial relations in this country would be at their prime, would be a fallacy. Whether America votes its racial prejudices or whether it votes for what is good for America most people do believe an Obama victory would be an emotional crescendo for the African Americans, but at the end of the day his biggest challenge would be not just to be a black Presid or an AA President but President of the entire United States of America

ryes:I feel that media has done a terrible job in this year's US Presidential election. They are totally biased in favour of Obama. If Obama turns out to be a disaster, how do we hold media responsible for that?

Anubha Bhonsle: Hi, You are right. The mainstream media has come under severe criticism for what many are seeing has been a blanket coverage. American newspapers often put out endorsements saying they endorse a particular candidate. Not quiet the best of practice I would say. Obama has also used the media very effectively in this campaign. At the end of it when an American citizen stands to vote at the booth today, the various messg would have had some kind of impact

Prashant:I think the Mccain campaign along with most Republicans have run the most vicious campaign of Lies and Hatred against Senator Barrack Obama.Do u agree?

Anubha Bhonsle: Prashant, This campaign has had a fair share of negativity. I think at both stages the campaigns did stop to think and reckon. The pastor issue as far as Obama is concerned and after an initial spurt the Muslim lineage story also stopped. Obama campaign on the other hand also did well to stop the attack on Palin based on her family and her daughter being pregnant

chshanthan:Anubha , Isn't there any rule in US like in India where you need to stop election campaign before certain time the polls begin ??

Anubha Bhonsle: It stopped last night and now both Senators are in their home states, unlike India where we stop much before

abhishek ranjan:America is at present reeling under severe economic conditions which in turn is negatively impacting the other growing economies, who do u think is capable enough to bring about the smart changes in the US economy so as to bounce back to healthy economic state, Obama or Mc Cain????

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Abhishek, I would say Mc Cain, but its ironic that the current crisis has actually helped Obama consolidate his position. American companies and small businesses are split down the middle on the bail out package and whether it would work. However they are deeply suspicious of Obams comments on free trade and renegotiating NAFTA as well as tilt towards Labour

shiva:I think beyond what's good for India, Obama - a man from multi-cultural background, a black muslim father, a white catholic mother, spent his childhood growing up in a third world country and therefore grounded in the realities of the world..I think Obama in the most powerful seat in the world is good for the world. btw ms.anubha you look very beautiful :)

Anubha Bhonsle: Thanks. And thats a fair assessment

Ankit:Hi Anubha, If Obama becomes next President , will it have any effect on Indo-US Nuclear Deal ??

Anubha Bhonsle: Ankit, I dont think so. In the public statements so far Obama has said that he was for the Deal. Any reopening of the terms of the nuclear deal under a Democratic administration will inevitably focus on getting India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and accept a moratorium on the production of nuclear materials for weapons, things New delhi would def be wary of

samrat:Hi. My question is about the choice of deputies. Biden may be an India ally but he does not have much defence expertise. Palin, on the other hand, has zilch foreign affairs knowledge. And she has been ridiculed enough by the US and world media. Why such weak choices? What is the buzz there?

Anubha Bhonsle: Samrat, Thats a good question. I think both VP choices reflect what the candidates lack in a sense. Mc cain the maverick has often been seen leaning far away from the Republican base. so palins choice (and btw it worked initially) renergised the base. Biden's choice was really aimed at handling the criticism of Obama's lack of forein policy experience when compared to Mc Cain

Suresh Murali:Irrespective of it be Obama or Mccain, Keeping in mind the current Global Economic Crisis and subtle stock Markets, we really dont see both of them making a concrete stand on coming up with a probable solution or steps to convert this particular situation. What strategy do they have?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Suresh, Obama has said his strategy would be to tax the rich, make sure college and health care is available for the middle clas.. His Presidency would bring more regulation as far as companies is concerned, would be protectionist, does believe free trade cannot be at the cost of the American worker. These are the steps he believes would help kickstart the economy

arunima:Hi Anubha. Remember Bradley in 1984? Do you think there is any possibility of deja vu for Obama? What is the feeling on the ground there? Can he be the change that he claims to be?

Anubha Bhonsle: Hi Arunima, well here in America they are talking about a reverse Bradley effect or an Obama effect, thereby implying that many registered republicans would have told pollssters they would vote for Mc Cain when they in fact want to vote for Obama. having said that I dont think there would be a Bradley or a reverse Bradley bcos a voter today would also have a whole host of reasons for not agreeing with the other candidate. Having said this would be no indication of a racial prejudice in this country

DEEPAK JETLEY:Is there a party election manifasto in US like in India? To what an extent is a nominee permitted to deviate from the party's line of thinking on a particular issue irrespective of his personal opinion in the matter?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Deepak, The democrats and republicans pretty much have their ideology clear. However like al parties they try to go back to their bases. many believe Mc Cains choice of Sarah Palin as VP was to actually re energise the base, bcos she is considered far more socially conservative inher views related to abortion etc

S.Meenakshi:It is not the question of black or white will Obama support the muslims or others.

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear meenakshi, Many in America and I dont mean all, but many here believe that Obama is an open-minded man with an expansive outlook and intellectual growth . He has a truly distinctive about the way he looks at the world and many believe he would have a unifying effect on foreign policy of America.

mohit:Hi Anubha! I think it's a great initiative by IBNLive. Congratulations. Can you tell me, how important is race in this elections. I mean after all, will the US finally get a coloured head, who also has Muslim lineage. Coming of age of the world's largest democracy, would you say?

Anubha Bhonsle: Mohit, I think there is nothing to prove the Muslim llineage, but as Colin Powell said in one of his interviews even if Obama was a Muslim, whats wrong with that. Race is an issue this election and no one dies, I have spoken to a cross section of African Americans and others as I have gone about the country. They do realise the racial biases and prejudices that still exist in American society against African Americans. Have said that many in this country are truly hoping that this prejudice would not be the sole determining factor when America polls tday

Navneet Mediratta:I just want to ask is there any party statement like in india is issued before election in america which you called the party annoncement letter

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Navneet, The Democrats and Republicans have pretty much their stands on various issues very clear, whether its trade, taxes, church, anti abortion, immigration etc. The economic crisis has meant that trade, taxes, jobs and the wall street meltodwn are in focus and these are the issues that you see candidates focus on in their camapaign trails.

shuvodeep:who do you think would relax immigration laws for indians coming into the US ? Will Obama getting elected make it tougher for indians to get a visa to the US ?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear shuvodeep. I think he has made his stance on H1 B visas etc very clear. Am not sure whether Indians in particular will find it tough to get Visas to the US. But you are right in infering that as he goes about trying to solve the challenges of the US economy he would not be able to do the same by building "protectionist walls"

Ruchit:Is the Indian support for Barack Obama not racially motivated? Just because he is a man of color ?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Ruchit, Race is a factor in this election. No one can deny it and in fact no one is denying it. Am not sure we could say that about the support of the Indian American community on that front. I d just like to quote the Mayor of Cleveland who spoke to us today and summed up the race factor perfectly. He said if Obama was a white Male democrat, John Mc Cain would have well done not to show up today. The fact that there is a race is because Obama is an African American

Navneet Mediratta:So that the policy and forecast of the party can be studied.

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Navneet, Can you send the full question. I think I may have missed a part of it

Sanjeev Patra:Obama, the most likely next President of US, has ruled out any concession or tax breaks for the US companies that establish their shops outside US. Reports say those companies will be heavily taxed. All the major US MNCs like Microsoft, Google, Accenture, Oracle, CA etc. have set up their offices in India and other developing countries for a long time. I have two questions to ask you: What will be the impact of Obama's presidency on those MNC companies' strategies and future expansion plans, Obama being a strong anti-outsourcing proponent? What will be its impact on world business if US companies are not allowed to expand naturally on their own?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear sanjeev, Thanks for the question. As I have gone about studying various aspects, and outsourcing and immigration in particular, I have to say that America Inc is waiting with baited breath about what America does. The truth is most companies realise that in this current global order they have been outsmarted by the Indians and the Chinese. American companies in a sense are going back to basics, talking about more maths and science graduates. Having said that they are taking faith in the fact that Obama has made statements which seem to indicate that he does realise that outsourcing to some extent maybe irreversible

j bhatia:i think Obama should be good for India despite his few statements about Kashmir problem and restraint on outsourcing. Democrat President should not have any problem with India. Moreover, India has changed a lot and in this scenario, no government can afford to have luke warm relations with india.

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Mr Bhatia, Thanks for the ques. I think your assesment is perfect. Indo US relations are not going to be seen now within the spectrum of individual administrations. It is now widely acknowledged both in Washington and New Delhi that the two countries have gone beyond party- or individual-based foreign policy

niKk:Who's good for India? McCain or Obama ?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear Nik, Thanks for the ques. Wish it was a one word answer. The Bush administration may have not been the best for the world, it certainly was good for India. But we have always had good ties with Democrat Presidents (Clinton). Having said that Obama's Presidency is being looked at by the world in a very different spectre. India needs to perhaps now get ready to do its business with Barack

Avishek Das:We all know what is Obama's stand as far as outsourching is concerned.....then why do u think still Indian Americans are rooting for Obama. Do you think being a Black is an advantage for him in this elections ?

Anubha Bhonsle: Dear AVishek, Thanks for the question. Its true Obama has a protectionist policy towards trade. We have seen the tough tenor through his campaign. I do believe in the days ahead as a possible Obama presidency goes about handing the US economy it would realize the pressures of a global order. There seems to be a slight rethink if I can call it when he compared Bangalore and Boston in terms of jobs. That statement at North Carolina is a realization of the fact that in a competitive global world, you would not be able to reverse everything and that includes outsurcing to some extent