Sunday Roundup

In Strasbourg yesterday, the president was asked about American exceptionalism. "I believe in American exceptionalism," he began, "just as I suspect the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism." Leaving aside that we Greeks believe our exceptionalism to be exceptional and exceptionally old, the president's answer was masterful as he went on to talk about America's core set of values, quickly pivoting to the need to recognize "that we're not always going to be right" and "that other people may have good ideas." So basically, yes, we are exceptional -- when we live up to our exceptional values. It's going to take a while to repair America's reputation -- and thus its ability to lead in the world -- but in Europe this week, Obama made an exceptional start.

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Comments

[FrankKalder]

It's been an outstanding success for the Obamas at G20 in London http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/04/g20-agreed-economy-boosting-package-in.html and at NATO's 60th Anniversary http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/04/nato-summit-backed-obamas-afghanistan.html in German Baden-Baden and French Strasbourg.

[Damianna]

A sight for sore eyes, really. During the last part of the former administration, during the campaign, the vision that inspired me was the sight that occurred during President Obama's visit overseas. Seeing him with world leaders, engaging in true diplomacy, makes me proud to be a citizen of the United States once again.

[dhinds]

BO is saying that America has a tradition of looking for a better way (i.e JFK's statement "This is an Experiment in Democracy" - IOW, we don't have all the answers but we're striving to improve); vs. the

"Might Makes Right", "Our Country Right or Wrong" mentality of RR, GWB, JS McC & Republicans in general.

This makes BO a human being first and PoTUS second, which is as it should be - anything less would deny the rest of us of our own humanity, as well as our own equality. (And this is also why, Michelle can touch the Queen).

[MelRoy]

Since we can't yet post comments about North Korea's overnight missile launch, can I just ask what kind of satellite they are supposed to have launched? If it's a TV satellite, will North Koreans now be able to pick up HBO? I would like to know their opinion of Sex And The City.

[alison22]

He is so darn smart.... he was sooo expecting that! I really enjoy they way he answered the question. Spot on!

[appacom]

Excellent Post - Now, I remembeer why I was so excited to find this site.

[MelRoy]

I hate the word "exceptionalism". It's so definitive. Why not just say some people do some things better than others do. Let me give you an example.

I am American. My husband is not.

I drive better than my husband and he cooks better than me. Yet...my husband's father is a better driver than my father, and my mother is a better cook than my mother-in-law.

Where's the exceptionalism?

[Pandu-]

Well put!

[iblogleft]

The reporter was really asking about our arrogance. Now Europe understands we will not lead from a position of arrogance anymore, but a position of shared responsibility and common goals.

Brits have been known for their arrogance throughout history, and so have the Americans. There is something about pitting one person against another that relieves pressures on societies leadership. Anytime people are focused on attacking -anything, other than focusing on issues that should be addressed to leadership, it is a win for the party in power.

In my opinion, It is a direct measure of leadership ability as to how much of a political crutch exceptionalism or arrogance is pronounced in leadership style. We have an exceptional man as our leader. Far from perfect, and he is making mistakes already, but exceptional by any measure.

[Jamchinadian]

I confess I shuddered a bit when I heard the question. It reminded me of the age old "gotcha" question, "do you still beat your wife?". But I was blown clear out of my seat by his instant on-the-spot spot-on riposte!

[Wildspirit]

Good answer. Not just a 'stuffed shirt' President. I think the Repugnicans' labeling him a 'Communist' and worse just don't recognize intelligence; they're still caught up in W's former 'evil empire.' Let's get on wih the world and leave the Radical Right Repugnicans out.

[CabaretArtist]

How can the reTHUGs recognize anything? THey're too busy tinkering around the edges and not getting involved to help this country. Hell, the reTHUGs are still dealing with the fact that THEY LOST THE ELECTION!!!

[impik]

The amount of damage this gutsy man needs to repair, is incomprehensible. The mess Bush left is much worse than we imagined. I don't have enough words to express my admiration for the work Obama is doing, and even more, for the way he's doing it. I'm sure that it gets pretty lonely when he goes to sleep and the weight on his shoulders is mind blowing - But if anyone can fix what is so broken, it's Barack Obama. And if he can't, well, god save us all.

[ChiEg]

Seriously Arianna, you've got to run for office-

When we wish for women in high office, we really mean smart, insightful, well-educated and savvy types like Arianna Huffington;

So why are we constantly bombarded with and force-fed the exact opposite..­.you know the sort that make you weep for womankind-

[EnjoyBanking]

Completely agree with Arianna, the answer was very masterful and with merit.
No other country now or in the history of the world has as much of influence on the rest of the world as does United States. Exceptionalism all the way.

EnjoyBanking.com

[fredjernig]

Living in Europe I have the distinct impression that Obama has ALREADY restored America's image. It is in fact miraculous, and it practically happened overnight. The reservoir of goodwill towards America was not gone, but it was put on hold by Bush. And now it's BACK!
And indeed Obama is incredibly popular here. It is not rare to see Obama08 bumper stickers on cars (I see about 1 a week in Brussels -- excluding mine).

[urweatherman]

Maybe BO should have run for UN President instead...­...here its the Obama 08 bumper stickers that employers are using to decide which employees to lay off when they can't decide...!

[ljc]

Thank you for your comment. I believe that Most of the World finally was able to Exhale on November 4th 2008.

[AbrahamSadegh]

I have still not been able to free my soul of the nightmare that was the last administration. I have still not been able to convince my soul that a new and promising day has dawned for our nation and the world.

[Christian]

It's OK, you can relax, you're in good hands, it's time to rock again.

[berkawoo]

I have a similar feeling. It comes from the reality that the Nefarious Neocon thugs lead by Cheney have not gone away. They have recently re constituted the PNAC with a primary goal to destroy the Obama/Biden administration. These are dangerous people that thrive on causing damage to gain more power and wealth than they already have. Be very afraid of Cheney and his toxic Neocon cadre.

[urweatherman]

Get a grip berkawoo, and get back to reality! It was the dems that purposely sabotaged this economy for the exact same reasons you mentioned mentioned above...we­alth and political power. Look at Frank, and Dodd, and Pelosi....­.etc.

[ljc]

Agreed. Cheney's Shadow Government rises out of the ashes. Moles at the Pentagon. These are evil people.

[Christian]

He is going to make America great in a new and powerful way, a way that will makes countries proud to be friends of the United States of America!