The World's Got a Crush on Obama

Wherever Barack Obama goes, the frenzy isn't far behind.

His supporters pack roadways just to see him speak. They rent billboards. They've even named a drink after him.

But, these supporters won't be voting in November. Actually, they don't even live in the United States.

Last month, Obama-mania hit Berlin when 200,000 Germans turned out to hear his speech.

Driving along Pat Bay Highway outside Victoria, B.C., a red, white and blue billboard proclaims, "Obama for President."

In Kenya, the birthplace of the Illinois Senator's father, East Africa Breweries offers Senator Keg beer. Kenyans nicknamed the lager "Obama beer," which is as big a hit as the man himself.

Yes, it's not just YouTube moviemakers who love him - it seems the whole world's got a crush on Obama.

The Democrats officially nominated Obama as presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention this week in Denver, CO. In November, it will be America's turn to decide. Even though the world doesn't have a vote, they've already cast a symbolic one. They're hoping the change Obama speaks of will resonate outside of the U.S.

"Just imagine if on Nov. 5, the world wakes up and the President is a person of colour named Barack Hussein Obama," says Toby Condliffe, the International Vice-Chair of Democrats Abroad. "That's going to make all the difference in the world right there."

People are definitely attracted to the 47-year-old's charismatic personality. His style is compared to JFK and he attracts screaming fans like the Beatles. But, the young senator's calls for diplomacy are attractive to the international community.

Under the Bush Administration, the American image suffered. The Iraq War created a go-it-alone persona and mustered low opinion ratings around the world.

Obama offers a chance to rebuild that image.

"He's a fresh face, he brings a new approach," says Condliffe. "He understands the world community in a different way."

Obama's foreign policy goals are based around promises of multilateralism and rebuilding alliances. These goals are evident in his platform.

On terrorism, he wants to see stronger support from America's allies. He is also promising to expand diplomatic presence to impoverished countries. On the environment, he has pledged to lead the G-8 countries to a solution on climate change.

"We have long believed that nobody in America is interested in our continent anymore," former German president Richard von Weizsaecker told Germany's Bild newspaper. "The appearance and the speech of Barack Obama are evidence that this preconception is false."

Despite his international endorsements, at home Obama is still perceived as lacking experience. The latest polls show he's leading John McCain by a small margin but Americans are still concerned about his limited time in office.

That's where Obama's international trip has shown his ability to handle global policy. By fostering relationships with international leaders, Obama developed his multilateral policy.

In a globalized world, no country lives in a bubble - including the United States. The country imported a record $31.2 billion worth of foreign oil in May. Europe, Asia and the Middle East own millions of dollars in U.S. treasuries, intricately linked to the dollar and the U.S. economy. The ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are examples of what can happen when armies are spread too thin.

America is so big that the actions of its president affect everyone - not just those who voted for him.

Some have joked the international community should cast 50 percent of the ballots, sharing the vote with Americans. If this were to happen, it's clear the vote would tip in favour of Barack Obama.

It appears the world has symbolically cast its vote. In November, Americans will have the chance to cast theirs.

Comments

[Boikin]

I don't want a President the world has a crush on. I want an effective representative for US interests. There is no country that represents another country's interests, regardless of the fantasy many here would like to entertain. I'll pass on Elmer Gantry, thank you. Got enough snake oil.

[Shemp99]

Yeah, I would like to comment with regard to my observations about the political election as well as the hard feelings that some tend to have towards Obama in general. Let's face it: Obama does have the same charisma that Kennedy, Reagan and Eisenhower have all had. I also believe that these same people don't want anyone to have heroes in this day and age because as soon as that person becomes a hero, these people go into a seek and destroy mission just as the Minnesota media tried to tear down former professional wrestler and ex-governor Jesse Ventura, because he defied the stereotype of what a Minnesotan should be. I don't plan to vote for Obama myself (I'm an independent, i.e. part of the new silent majority that Ms, Huffington likes to discredit but can't because we're here to stay). I do think Obama's critics need to examine their ulterior motives and hidden agendas.

[Singha]

So, who are you going to vote for and why?

[dunno139]

a true ind shemp99 i like your views and you seen to be a true person of real change. I am however voting for obama cause i do not feel we can take a chance with republicans. I know the old voting the lesser of two evils but hey you gotta do what you gotta do.