This could be a political question but indeed is United States better now than it is four years ago? What was the pageantry scene in the Bush era compared to the Obama administration?

A quick look at Miss Universe, the Bush era produced Shandi Finnessey, the highest ranking American from 2000-2008. In contrast, no American beauty made it past the Top 10 since 2008 and in 2010 disaster struck when Rima Fakih failed to be in the semis. But the Bush era has its own failings too. Shauntay Hinton failed in 2002.

At Miss International, not a single American beauty made it to the semis! United States is in decline at Miss International. The Bush era fared slightly better when in 2004 Amy Lynne Holbrook finished as first runner-up.

Miss Earth is okay-ish. Under the Obama administration, United States made it in the semis in 2008 and in 2010. Since the pageant started only in 2001, there are not enough data to make a clear contrast.

But here's the game changer. While United States appear to be in decline at Miss Universe and Miss International, Miss World changed all that. The victory in 2010 re-affirmed America's dominance in the world of pageantry. Alexandria Mills is the feather in the cap of the Obama administration.

Well, the November presidential elections in America is just around the corner. The question that this article posed is very political but does it matter whether a Democrat or Republican sits in the office? Does that even influence the results or how will American beauties eventually fare? 

In many aspects yes. If America is in decline economically, it could negatively impact its performance at beauty pageants. For example, the way a candidate will be supported will be hampered by economic realities. Miss Universe, an American organization, would be more focused on markets outside its home country out of financial considerations. That could, in limited ways, explain, the poor showing of Miss USA since 2008.

But as the Miss World 2010 victory implies, America is not in decline in general and broader terms. United States remains as number one in the Big4 ranking. And yes, America is better off now than 4 years ago - economically, politically and well, beauty pageant-wise.

Yes we can!