Maverick

It is surprising to note that up to this date, there is a family that goes by the surname Maverick. Nowadays, the term maverick connotes an individual who does not conform to the norms. The term connotes a politician who strayed from the policies and instruction of a political party. This definition was even expanded to non-conformity to the established mores and tradition.

Historically, the term was derived from an actual person, American lawyer Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803 – 1870). He is a signatory to the Texas Declaration of Independence and a former mayor of San Antonio (1839).

The evolution of the use of his name started when in the course of settling a debt, he accepted a herd of cattle instead of cash. These cattle roamed freely, unbranded, and over time - all unbranded animals were tagged as “mavericks”.
Eventually, the term was applied to unbranded cattle or livestock. In time, the term was also used in describing politicians who do not subscribe to the opinion of the majority, a person who exhibits independence and is not appreciated by the majority.

Republican candidates Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin are always projecting themselves as “mavericks” or to put it bluntly, politicians who do not subscribe to the dictates of their party.

And since Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joe Biden are projecting themselves as candidates of change, the battle lines are drawn between “rebels” (for the Republican) and “change” (for the Democrats) and all against the status quo. The status quo of course is the present occupant of Whitehouse in the person of President George Bush.

Between the two philosophical packaging of candidates, the candidacy of change of Senator Barack Obama is more favored to prevail. Barring any military episode (a terrorist attack or a military adventurism somewhere in the globe) that would favor Senator McCain, calling the next presidency as the era of Barack Obama is fair and more accurate in the realm of US politics.

This would mean a shift in American policy from waging war as opposed to diplomatic solutions in advancing its disparate and varied interest. A definite exit from the military adventure of Iraq and Afghanistan – to diplomacy and intrinsic attention to parochial concerns.

Reference:
1. 2003 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia