Thread: Poll: An outsiders view of the American presidential election

I'm just curious to find out what non-American citizens think of the results of the US election.

Just wanted to see the poll results since I'm an American bloke.

I originally wanted Hilary Clinton to get the Democrat nomination because I thought that the Yanks would never elect a black man to the White House. Then he got the nomination & I heard Obama's speech in Berlin & was massively impressed. I said then that I would have voted for him in a flash. I am very happy that most Americans agreed

OK enough of the 'black man' talk. can we focus on himself and not the fact that he is black, and that people might or might not have voted for or against him because of that?
I know you mean nothing special by it, but this issue has been discussed enough in other threads, and has caused nothing but problems.

I think his appointment will have a hugely positive effect on international relations between the US and other countries. I dont just mean with war efforts eg Iraq, Iran. More specifically I refer to the newfound feeling respect for the US which has been a common vibe i've been getting from people I speak to and posts on this forum that i've read. Its interesting to see that so far not a single non-US citizen has said they were backing McCain. And Bruno this isnt a comment on race, merely a comment on the difference between US political views and political views of other nations.

Then again i'll probably offend someone else by saying that.

Thats your cue to pipe up JMS....

I certainly think foreign relations will improve. After the last 4 years, nothing short of open warfare could make them worse.
That is also why I rooted for Obama.

I also have an opinion about how he regards internal issues like e.g gun control (to be honest, I don't have a clue about his position on that. this was an example) and other things. But that is different because they don't directly affect me. I may have opinions, and think that some things are good or not good, but ultimately I don't really care.
Foreign relations otoh do affect me, so that is what I care about.

I think it is premature to be making calls about what might, or will, be. I am glad everyone's crystal balls are working so well, but mine is on the fritz. So I'll just let the data talk for itself when it happens.

James.

I think Obama is overrated. I mean here in Europe and Sweden especially thinks Obama will change everything for the better and that he is more of a "European style" statesman. However Obama will stille be the president of the US and will see to american interests first naturally, and this will of couse go against some European and world intrests.
Besides I don't for a moment think Obama believed he would be able to reform the american system and the world order in the sence he has said he would. Even if he really wanted to do it he can't do it and there are going to be a lot of dissapointment both inside america and from the rest of the world.
According to the beliefs in Sweden he will stop the "war" in Iraq and pull back the troops..not going to happen. And if he does he will be a great fool and responsible for another failed state, just like in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawl. If the Americans would leave Iraq would end up in civil war and mass murder. If the Americans are planning to leave then they should at least partition Iraq first into Kurdistan, a sunni-arab state and a shia-arab state..if not more.
But anyway to sum this up: Don't expect too much from Obama and don't wait for any miracles.

Boy do I sound pessimistic!

Originally Posted by Rawaz

I think Obama is overrated. I mean here in Europe and Sweden especially thinks Obama will change everything for the better and that he is more of a "European style" statesman. However Obama will stille be the president of the US and will see to american interests first naturally, and this will of couse go against some European and world intrests.
Besides I don't for a moment think Obama believed he would be able to reform the american system and the world order in the sence he has said he would. Even if he really wanted to do it he can't do it and there are going to be a lot of dissapointment both inside america and from the rest of the world.
According to the beliefs in Sweden he will stop the "war" in Iraq and pull back the troops..not going to happen. And if he does he will be a great fool and responsible for another failed state, just like in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawl. If the Americans would leave Iraq would end up in civil war and mass murder. If the Americans are planning to leave then they should at least partition Iraq first into Kurdistan, a sunni-arab state and a shia-arab state..if not more.
But anyway to sum this up: Don't expect too much from Obama and don't wait for any miracles.

Boy do I sound pessimistic!

Maybe pessimistic, but at least you are considering all the possible ramifications, unlike much of the unquestioning masses who swallowed his bait, hook, line and sinker!

Originally Posted by JMS

Maybe pessimistic, but at least you are considering all the possible ramifications, unlike much of the unquestioning masses who swallowed his bait, hook, line and sinker!

That's not what he's saying. He's saying easier said than done, not that Obama is lying to people. I think everyone realizes that Obama now has to deal with the rather grim realities left by his predecessor and that he won't be able to do everything he wants, at least not right away.

Am I one of your "unquestioning masses?" Care to elaborate?

j