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

[Texas4Obama]

I heard the reporter ask that question this morning and I thought "uh oh, how is the President going to answer that without sounding arrogant...." and he pulled it off perfectly! Love am so amazed each and every day by our President and our First Lady. I am really proud to be an American these days.

[Lisa Plettinck]

I could not agree more with all of you. It might be cool to be American again. I don't ever remember French girls wrestling with the secret service to kiss George Bush on the cheek!!!!! His conservative critics here in the U.S. can go to hell. If all Obama accomplishes is scouring away 8 years of a heavily tarnished image, then his trip abroad was a RESOUNDING SUCCESS!!!!!

I know it's early, but my instincts tell me Obama may be our finest President yet.

[Annette truth teller08]

Agreed!!

[idealisticNM]

Agreed also !

[dugum]

Obama is giving America a chance to revamp our image. President Obama represents the diversity of the American population and providing the world a set of values that provides a tangible goal for the citizens of the United States and the entire human race to strive for. It will still take a while to undress the american image of being spoiled and, hate to say this, stupid. It's never too late to get dressed in a new light and mend one's own image.

[sshaler]

Just a note to mention that some of us out in the world have our own "set of values" that we consider beyond anything we've ever seen emanate from the US. No criticism of US values but not everyone would ascribe to them.

[Briarcircle]

I'm rooting for all forms of exceptionalism, ancient, new, national. May we all find the path together. So much wow in this world and I'm grateful to you Arianna for providing a platform.

[Cowboylove]

For the first time in a very, very long time, I was genuinely proud of my President's overseas performance. After George W Bush, the bar was set very low, it's true, but Obama and his wife shone brightly on the world stage. He restored our image in the world in ways I feared may no longer have been possible. One felt the majesty and promise of this country once more, and it was clear the world watched in awe of our nation's promise and possibilities. It felt good to see the American Dream embodied in such a great leader.

I am not sure how this term will go, what successes or crisis may affect it, but one thing I already know for certain - Barack has brought American back from the brink. For that he will always have my respect.

[Christian]

Well said, I'm with that.

[Wildspirit]

One recognizes greatness of a nation by it's leader...certainly the Bush administration did not begin to shine for love, peace, and understanding throughout the world as Obama does; indeed, George W. Bush's administration put us back into the Dark Ages. The sun shines again in Obama!

[berkawoo]

George "W"reckage Bush is more concerned about his revisionist legacy, the he and Cheney are covertly attempting to destroy the Obama/Biden administration. It probably kills W.Bush that Obama's
European visit has gone so well and that he is beloved in the EU more than Bush could imagine.
Bush is such a destructive narcissist, that he will seek to undermine an Obama administration.
With W.Bush its legacy 1st, Texas and family 2nd, and what is best for this country dead last.

[StopGlobalWarmingBeVegan]

Indeed so. A+ beginning. :)

[CabaretArtist]

Hope you get to say this on Morning Joe on Monday Arianna. Seems like you never get booked to say positive things about POTUS. Or, when you get ready to talk you're cut off by Scaborough. At any rate, well put and I hope you get to say this on-air, somewhere...it's spot on.

[marthlois]

Cosigned in a very big way! POSITIVE Airtime for Arianna!!