Mexico

John McCain’s visit to Mexico in July 2nd and 3rd came as a surprise. The media in Mexico and the United States only reported McCain’s travel plans to Colombia and Mexico just a few days before the trip was to take place. During the trip to Mexico, McCain met with captains of industry, politicians, diplomats, and even visited the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The visit to the Basilica produced some sarcastic comments in the media, as McCain is not Catholic and the Basilica is one of the most important Catholic temples of one of the most conservative countries on the planet. Regardless of the visit to the temple, the visit to the country does suggest that McCain wants to “build alliances” in Mexico as soon as possible. If the right alliances are built with the right groups, McCain will get some extra votes in the United States and, if elected President, will get some support in his policies towards Mexico.

However, it seems that McCain is not building the right alliances in Mexico when it comes to immigration. McCain’s position on border security caused more controversy than his visit to the Catholic temple because he suggested that it was necessary to secure the border between Mexico and the United States before attempting immigration reform. This realistic, yet unpopular position—at least in Mexico and some liberal circles in the United States—was particularly highlighted by the media. This is only normal, as there are more than 8 millions Mexicans living—legally or illegally—in the United States.

Overall, McCain’s visit to Mexico was surprising. However, it was a good surprise, as the trip suggests that Mexico is more important in his platform than previously announced. Although Barack Obama has addressed the issue of Mexico before, he has not suggested that Mexico is in his itinerary. Although a visit to Mexico can only bring limited votes—which is what matters in an election—there is nothing wrong with paying a visit to one the most important allies of the United States in the Americas.

Barack Obama’s official position—at least according to his campaign website—is limited to promoting further economic development in Mexico to decrease illegal immigration. This is a reductionist position on one of the most important financial and political relationships in the world. Nevertheless, this does not mean that Obama does not have a more detailed platform in regard to US-Mexico relations. It is just that this platform is not on Obama’s website. This is unfortunate, as the website is the most obvious place to find about Obama’s position in regard to Mexico.

In February 2008, Obama proposed to “repair the relationship with Mexico”. This renovation is divided in three main issues: immigration, drug trafficking, and NAFTA. Obama’s proposals in these areas are more politically correct than innovative, but at least there is an acknowledgement that US-Mexico relations need to be renovated in order to solve common problems. John McCain’s proposal is limited to “building alliances in Mexico” in order to secure the border and solve the immigration problem in the US.

Obama’s campaign is far from being over. Hopefully, by the time his campaign has come to an end, he will have a clear, detailed, innovative, and realistic policy towards Mexico. If he wins the Presidency, such a platform will be a good starting point in the renovation of relations between the US and Mexico.