The Obama Effect: Impressions from London

I gave a speech in London yesterday, and was overwhelmed and delighted by the enthusiasm for the United States as a result of the Obama election. The papers not only devoted their front pages to the election, but multiple pages inside. Many people remarked on "the extra-ordinary capacity of the United States to renew itself." In speaking with a major figure in Gordon Brown's cabinet, he told me that "in one stroke, the election of Obama has changed the American image in the eyes of billions of people." That is soft power!

Comments

[benfrankln]

Obama's victory was a victory for soft power, Joe.

But so was the Munich Agreement.

Conscience, not power, makes the distinction between the two, Joe.

That and a better understanding of power and its limits.

Ben Sutherland
http://benfrankln.blogspot.com/

[MBadragan]

Indeed, Mr. Nye, this is soft power indeed. And with just the force of his appearance he made a cynical like me from overseas to become enthusiastic and share tears together with the other Americans during his acceptance speech. I wished I was American for few minutes to enjoy that moment in its full power.

I feel now like a child that was promised the toy of his dreams, toy that will only arrive by post in few months and the effect of having it will take an even longer time to really show. And I think there are lots like me. And the questions are frustrating. What if the toy will not be as I dreamed it? What if I will not like the color or the sound, what if it will be stolen from me, what if I am not smart enough to take full advantage of its presence in my toy-box?

Well... as everybody else, I have to postpone the fulfillment of my dreams and wait for the "toy" to come and work its "miracle". As Mr. Kissinger said, the last thing Mr. Obama should do is to rush into decisions and actions. Take your time, gather advices, plan strategically and act when you really have it sorted out.

Good luck!

[Artfullyaware]

This is something that I wish more Americans (particularly the panic-stricken sour-grapers on some of the right wing forums I've scanned) would realize. Most haven't a clue about the negative view other countries (even rather large ones with good education systems, even your special friends) have had of America. Just imagine how the announcement of a McCain win would have been received.

The rest of the world is REALLY HAPPY that Obama won.

Righties just have to accept that America is in the world. You can't think it away. (Think?)