In Obama, Many Overseas See Chance For New Direction And New Attitude

Washington Post:

For much of the world, Sen. Barack Obama's victory in the Democratic primaries was a moment to admire the United States at a time when the nation's image abroad has been seriously damaged.

From hundreds of supporters crowded around televisions in rural Kenya, Obama's ancestral homeland, to jubilant Britons writing "WE DID IT!" on the Brits for Barack discussion board on Facebook, people celebrated what they called an important racial and generational milestone for the United States.

"This is close to a miracle. I was certain that some things will not happen in my lifetime," said Sunila Patel, 62, a widow encountered on the streets of New Delhi. "A black president of the U.S. will mean that there will be more American tolerance for people around the world who are different."

The primary race generated unprecedented interest outside the United States, much of it a reflection of a desire for change from the policies of President Bush, who surveys show is deeply unpopular around the globe. At the same time, many people abroad seemed impressed -- sometimes even shocked -- by the wide-open nature of U.S. democracy, and the history-making race between a woman and a black man.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[w&cheneysuck]

Does anyone see the irony in the "Million Dollar Dinosaur" title in the above paper, The Independent?

[Jazzcomedian]

With the assassinations of both JFK and RFK in my youth, I've always felt cheated out of the experience of living through an intellectual, idealistic, and inspirational presidency. Both Kennedys demanded more of the American people than "go shopping", and more sacrifice from them than giving up golf. Though to be fair, Reagan did inspire people who loved guns, and didn't want to pay any taxes.

I love how Obama inspires young voters, and challenges them to think of more than blindly pursuing materialism. They have an opportunity to experience intelligence, excellence, and idealism in the White House, if Obama is elected. And an old cat like me, will finally get to experience it as well.

[mybelovedcountry]

Obama is foreign policy personifie­d...whilst McCain has some foreign policy experience.
Obama lived in the rest of the world whilst McCain visited the rest of the world
Obama is accepted by the rest of the world McCain has to work to be accepted by the rest of the world...don't believe the hype McCain has nothing on Obama when it comes to foreign policy

[zoozey]

Oh, how I hope we can prove to the world that we are still worth emulating. But we must realize that there are actually Americans who are glad when other nations hate us. They think it's funny and their nationalism (as opposed to patriotism) just fuels some of the hate against us.

Why is it that Americans can somehow manage to not realize how lucky they are to have the candidate that others in the world envy, but still vote for an arrogant, ignorant, frat=boy like Bush? I am sorry that I have lost hope in thinking we can have someone like Obama as our leader. But after the last election and the one in 2000, I just don't feel very secure in that. I can forgive 2000, since we didn't know Bush yet. But it is unforgivable that John Kerry got beat by him in 2004, after people actually fell for the swift-boating AND after Kerry showing Bush for his true self in every single debate and every aspect of leadership. I will not get over that until we redeem ourselves.

[Riemann]

censorship?

[Riemann]

Most of what I heard about Obama in the french news are negative (and racially charged) comments regarding him. Some journalists compared him to Flavor Flave and some others are pointing out that he will lose to McCain because McCain has better policies and offers a better coverage for health care( i don't know where the y got this news but it seems completely false...).

This is not surprising that french news are saying lots of negative things about Obama considering the level of racism and discrimination that plagues France...

[VotingMom]

I had no idea how badly our image had been effected (even our allies are excited). What really touched me though, is how much the respect for our Democracy has increased by the mere prospect of Obama as President. If McCain is elected, will it continue??

[WireDolly]

I honestly hope that the "world is the street where I live" people do manage to get out a little more.

Having two citizenships (EU and US) and having lived in and travelled to various places, I recognise that this is what can turn a god-addicted, bigoted, bedroom issues voter into someone with a more reality-based live-and-let-live attitude. When you see how nice the living is in some countries overseas (Holland, Spain, Australia), you begin to both understand--and to question--why the "America is #1" crowd cannot (and under Republican "leadership": WILL not) do better. It is simple: for their agenda, ignorance pays... and pays well.

Obama is a healer in this regard, after all, he IS someone who's lived elsewhere, who has excelled in school and valued his education in the way it deserves to be, who holds mixed parentage and has surely gotten hit from all sides, but has gracefully risen above it. His reputation as a listener is no surprise to me, and is sorely what the US needs now. The rest of the world will rightly benefit, they have suffered "under Bush" as well.

[wbramh]

Pop Quiz:

What young Presidential candidate is attached to the following platform?
1. Universal Healthcare through a National Health Insurance Plan.
2. Mega-Corporations should pay their share back to society.
3. Progressive Reform (Liberal).
4. Protect the Environment.
5. Safe food and drugs.
6. Better job and educational opportunities for the average citizen.
7. Always maintain strength but always be willing to negotiate with your enemies

If you answered Republican Teddy Roosevelt, go to the head of the class.
If we could only find a candidate with such noble values, today.
If only, if only, if only…

[Sixtwo]

The American people have found him!--Obama!! And he will be President of the United States of America!

[MaeScott]

Hell, just read the paper. You can read I assume...if only you would.
Dems 08

[MalamuteMan]

The US had been a respected world leader for decades until Bush completely trashed our reputation. Many people overseas gave us the benefit of the doubt, figuring that in the 2000 election a) we were just tricked and b) Bush stole the election. They were completely baffled and disillusioned when we didn’t throw him out in 2004. Now they are relieved to see us coming to our senses.

[the964kid]

As someone who has spent a lot of extensive time overseas., mostly in europe, I can say that the years under Bush have been a constant embarrassment. I personally have been insulted and dragged into unsolicited political conversations in countries the UK, Germany, France and Holland. In each case it's the same: the native cannot understand how we voted Bush into office. Luckily for me I am quick to point out that I hate Bush as much, or more, then they do. Then I go on to explain that half the voters in both 2000 and 2004 didn't want Bush, so, in other words, only about 50% of the USA are idiots.

I look forward to being in europe later this summer and holding my head up high as an American (probably wearing one of my Obama 2008 t-shirts!), proud that this country has made such a historic and symbolic change. The world has been watching us much closer then many of us knew, and they are hoping we do the right thing and move forward with real change. Obama not only offers America a chance for greatness, but, from what I have seen overseas already, he's actually inspiring people all over the world. Maybe there's a chance for Obama-like leaders world wide - I'm sure young would-be political minds are studying closely. Stay-tuned.

[Raymondf]

There will never be change, never.

[allheart72]

Don't be a hater.

[SeriousBlack]

Wow, you would have fit right in prior to the Emancipation Proclamation.

[Raymondf]

Boy are they in for a rude awakening.

[wm1066]

Methinks You are the one having a rude awakening.

[blueskybigstar]

Americans have to consider more than just themselves, but what is good for the world.

[redstateirate]

I was in Australia studying from early November 2007 through the end of March 2008, and I can personally attest to the high level of interest, excitement and (yes) skepticism regarding Barack Obama's campaign. Many of my fellow students were non-Australians (Zimbabwe, Malaysia, China, and Russia). All were very impressed with Obama's intellect, eloquence and his capturing the notion of changing the fundamentals of American politics; all believed that his election would be a huge boost to America's image abroad; and nearly all believed that Americans would never elect a black man to be President. The same opinions were held by the international students/residents in my apartment house.

As low as America's stock has sunk with Bush/Cheney/the neo-con neo-imperialists, it could rise again with Obama. His election would truly set the stage to shift a number of global paradigms in a way that probably hasn't been seen since the days of JFK. Whether his policies would provide a basis for encouraging that enthusiasm remains to be seen but make no mistake: Obama's election would excite a huge portion of the planet's people in ways, and on a scale, that very few Americans can imagine.