Obama vs. McCain: What do the Brits Think?

LONDON, ENGLAND.

The morning after the final Democratic Primary, I took to the streets of London to see what our friends across the pond thought about the elections....

Here is what the Brits had to say:

Related:
Read more from Huffington Post bloggers on Barack Obama clinching the Democratic nomination for president

Follow Eric Kuhn on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kuhn

Comments

[Doofus]

If you want to read what the world thinks about
such matters, go visit Talking Points at the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/default.stm

[Doofus]

Also, visit The Guardian...

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/gary_younge/2008/06/game_over_game_on.html

[cynara]

What amazes me is how much more people in the UK are aware of our politics than we are, in America, of the UK's politics. You couldn't make this video in the US, asking about British politics, since no one would have a clue. But in the UK it seems most people have been following our election as closely as we have been in the US.

[ksjohnso]

Moral of the story comes at the end--"I don't really care. The U.S. runs the world and we just try to live in it." While some had definite opinions, many had none at all or had only a vague idea about what was going on. Imagine if there was a hotly contested election for the PM of England and you were to ask Americans about who they preferred. We probably would not even know half as much about the election as England knew about ours. Many more people who know who Princes Harry and William were dating, which has no real baring on our foreign policy.

[flashlight]

Why do I love it so much when Brits sound as dumb and apathetic as Americans?

[PaulLee]

That was pretty embarassing. I had hoped that my fellow countrymen would have a broader world view and would have not only shown an interest in what is going on but also articulate a more considered opinion. Alas. Anyhow for what its worth here is my opinion:
Hillary for all her attributes, displayed a lack of managerial skills. The people she chose for her campaign did not serve her well but they were her choice and she must take the blame for the consequences of their failures. Furthermore such failings did not bode well for her ability to govern.

McCain, has a very narrow skill set; a commander in chief in a time of war, but Americans need more. They need to correct a faltering economy and be reassured that they will get through the tough economic times ahead. He has not demonstrated the ability to do this.

Obama is or was an unknown quantity and at any other time he probably would not have even been able to raise the required funds for one primary let alone the 50+ causes and primaries that he did. He has managed to defeat the Clinton machine - no mean feat and has garnered support from a whole cross section of the electorate. Perhaps more importantly his very candidacy has inspired millions to become active in politics. Both Republicans and Democrats should be grateful for that.

[jhamm1]

Blimey.

I would have the votes against McCain to be less equivocal.

[Yohomegirl]

Summation: 3 out of 5 Brittish men in nooses are idiots!

[KMan1]

He likes Bush? Who the hell in their right mind likes Bush?

Oh look he likes the "colored fella?" Maybe someone should tell him this is 2008? Oh lord

What did he call Clinton?

[TedB]

Thanks for the post, Eric. It was fascinating to listen to their surprisingly informed opinions. It was also comforting to see that Americans are not the only ones ignorant of what is going on beyond their borders.

[Bagger]

"I liked the colored fellow."

I'm not sure if that's an insult or a compliment.