ON Barack Obama’s first visit to Britain to celebrate the wedding of his
half-sister Auma in 1996, he went on a pub crawl with the bridegroom, but
quietly left when a stripper dressed as a St Trinian’s schoolgirl appeared
at the stag party.
The barman had no doubt the young politician was a man of destiny. “There you
are — you’re standing next to a future United States president on your
wedding night,” he told Obama’s future brother-in-law.
As Obama embarks on his first foreign tour as the Democratic presidential
nominee, the world is inclined to agree. If Britain and Europe could vote,
he would win the White House in a landslide.
A poll in The Guardian last week showed that Obama would trounce John McCain,
his Republican rival, in Britain by a margin of five votes to one. France
and Germany are even more ardent members of Obamaland.
Obama has been called the “black Kennedy” by a Berlin newspaper. Der Spiegel
has run a cover feature on “The Messiah factor . . . and the yearning for a
new America”. Le Monde has proclaimed, “Obamamania has spread to France”.
Timothy Garton Ash, professor of European studies at Oxford, has compared
the phenomenon with Dianamania.
In America, however, Obama is struggling to convince voters that he is The
Chosen One. While he is supported abroad by almost everybody from French
communists to German greens and plenty of British conservatives, his victory
at home is far from assured.
As Angelina Jolie, the Hollywood star and goodwill ambassador for the United
Nations, said recently: “I think people assume I’m a Democrat. But I’m a
registered independent and I’m still undecided. So I’m looking at McCain as
well as Obama.” Could Americans have cold feet about their history-making
candidate?
Lee Hamilton, a senior Obama adviser and co-chairman of the influential Iraq
Study Group, said frankly: “Many people in Europe look upon Senator Obama as
the president-elect, but that’s not correct. It is going to be a very close
election.”
Obama’s visit to Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, France, Germany
and Britain will have plenty of photo-ops and Hello! magazine moments. The
Illinois senator will be meeting Carla Bruni, the chanteuse and first lady
of France, and is travelling with America’s most highly paid, celebrity
television news anchors.
With the world as his stage, Obama, 46, hopes to persuade Americans that he is
ready to become commander-in-chief. His minders are determined there will be
no pictures of him in a flak-jacket or tank looking wimpish — the cause of
Michael Dukakis’s downfall in the 1988 White House race.
A poll in The Washington Post last week showed that 72% of Americans thought
McCain, a Vietnam war hero, would make a good commander-in-chief; only 48%
felt the same way about Obama.
“He has to persuade voters to feel comfortable with him as president and he
has not yet cleared that hurdle,” said Hamilton. “He is a relatively new
figure, a young man and an African-American.
“There isn’t any single button he can push to achieve that comfort level and
that is why this trip is so important. It will show that he can play in the
major leagues.”
Yet the global coming of the Obamessiah is manna for critics who claim the
Illinois senator has embarked on a humourless cult of personality. Exhibit A
last week was his po-faced reaction to a satirical cartoon on the cover of
The New Yorker showing Obama as a turban-wearing Muslim and his wife
Michelle with a black-power Afro, wearing military fatigues.
It was “an insult against Muslim Americans”, he claimed, tweaking a nerve
aroused by the riots over a Danish newspaper’s cartoons of the prophet
Muhammad.
Although Obama has continued to raise money at a breathtaking pace, hauling in
$52m in June, he leads McCain by only 46% to 42%, according to
RealClearPolitics’ poll of polls, at a time when approval ratings for
President George W Bush and the Republicans are in the mire.
Lanny Davis, a prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton during the primary
campaign, said: “Why is he basically in a dead heat? If you are a Democrat
ahead of a Republican by five or six points; and if you are polling under
50% and that stays the same through October, the Republican wins.”
Democrats are torn between the conviction that 2008 is their year and a rising
sense of terror that they could blow yet another election.
The ever-ambitious Clinton has already sensed an opening. It emerged last week
that she is sending hand-written letters to campaign donors asking them to
roll over their contributions to her Senate re-election fund – with “any
amount in excess” of the maximum $2,300 contribution going to the 2012
presidential election.
Lest there be any illusions about the desired target audience for Obama’s
trip, the foreign media, including the BBC, have been left on the Tarmac.
Only American reporters are on board “Obama One” as his plane heads from one
country to the next.
He will have a 45-minute meeting on Saturday morning with Gordon Brown
followed by a press conference, which Obama will conduct on his own outside
Downing Street in a blatant departure from the usual protocol.
There will be no Brown at his side to spoil the No 10 backdrop for American
voters, even though it would be unthinkable for a British prime minister to
appear in the White House Rose Garden without the president.
Brown will say a few words later in the day, once Obama has gone.
David Cameron, the Conservative party leader, will also be granted an audience
with the candidate.
On Thursday, Obama is expected to address vast crowds in front of Berlin’s
golden-winged Statue of Victory after his request to speak in front of the
Brandenburg Gate, where John F Kennedy declared, “Ich bin ein Berliner”, was
rejected. However, the gate, which once marked the Cold War boundary between
East and West Berlin, will still be visible in the distance.
McCain could only dream of such publicity and crowds when he visited Iraq,
Jordan, Israel, France and Britain on a similar tour in March after winning
his party’s presidential nomination.
Michael O’Hanlon, an expert on Iraq at the Brookings Institution, said Obama
must beware of a “Tony Blair effect” by appearing more beloved abroad than
at home. The more popular Blair was in America during the Iraq war, the more
ferociously criticised he was in Britain.
“If Obama becomes the world’s poodle in the eyes of some voters and in
Republican attack ads, that’s a downside.
“He mustn’t appear as the world’s psychotherapist, listening to their
complaints about Uncle Sam,” O’Hanlon said. “But he is smart enough to avoid
that.”
Europe can expect to receive some “tough love” from Obama in return for its
adulation. Just as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader,
complained in embarrassing leaked comments that, “Barack, he’s talking down
to black people . . . telling n*****s how to behave,” after Obama urged a
predominantly black audience to take more parental responsibility, so Europe
is in for a bit of a lecture about its contribution to global security.
Obama has already called for Nato to send more troops to Afghanistan and ease
the restrictions on their military use. Susan Rice, his top foreign policy
adviser, warned on the eve of the trip that there could no more “free
riders” taking advantage of Bush’s unpopularity to leave the heavy lifting
to America.
“Younger Germans especially find Obama fascinating as he represents a big
change,” said Corinna Horst from the German Marshall fund. “But people
should be careful what they wish for. As a Democratic candidate, he is
likely to expect much more engagement from Europe on international missions
such as Iraq and Afghanistan.”
As a quid pro quo, Obama is also offering to commit more American troops to
fight the Taliban. “He will challenge other countries to do more, but he’ll
do it in the context of a partnership,” said Hamilton. “We also have to make
a larger contribution.” Hamilton, who co-chaired the bipartisan Iraq Study
Group with James Baker, the Republican elder statesman, only to see its
proposals cast aside by Bush in favour of the US troop surge, believes Obama
will be able to create a national consensus on Iraq.
“We emphasised the idea of a responsible exit from Iraq and he approves of
that. We emphasised the importance of diplomatic initiatives in the region,
including talking to Iran, and he approves of that,” Hamilton said. “He is
in sync with our major recommendations.”
Although Obama has been heavily criticised for sticking to a 16-month
timetable for troop withdrawals, on Friday the White House moved towards his
position by agreeing to negotiate a “general time horizon” — a euphemism for
a timetable — for American troop reductions, with Nouri al-Maliki, the
increasingly assertive Iraqi prime minister.
At the same time, Obama has been finessing his own policy. “He has a very
clear sense of direction on Iraq, which is ‘out’,” said Hamilton, “but he is
not going to withdraw troops precipitously. He has also said he will make
‘tactical adjustments’ and they would surely include the timetable for
withdrawal.”
In Iraq he is expected to listen attentively to General David Petraeus, the
Middle East commander, about the pace of reductions. “Obama has decided
views — you would not expect otherwise from a politician of his maturity —
but he genuinely does listen and understands what he hears,” Hamilton said.
Defence sources in Washington suggested that McCain and Obama will ultimately
arrive at a similar position on Iraq, despite coming from different
directions.
One defence official predicted that McCain and Obama would both end up with
about 60,000 troops in Iraq — “easily enough to cope” if conditions on the
ground continue to improve.
Once Obama arrives home, he should stop focusing on foreign affairs, seasoned
advisers warn. In 1992, one of the few occasions when a Democrat was elected
president in the past 40 years, Bill Clinton’s slogan was: “It’s the
economy, stupid.”
The world may love Obama, but Americans love a president who focuses like a
laser on their greatest concerns.
Video: Obama's speech on
Iraq
Obama'a
official campaign site
1. Europe: abandonment of Judeo-Christian religion, declining birth rates, socialism, huge tax burdens, and a burgeoning Islamic population which is hostile to democratic values such as free speech. 2. Europeans in ecstasy over BO. 3. I’ll take McCain, warts and all.
Ann, Warrenton, USA
Isn't this amazing when opinions like this..Sure, we Europeans are anti-war. Two of the bloodiest wars in history were fought in Europe, Paul, Japan. Japan attacked the USA, not the other way around & was a Democrat in office. Europe begged us to help them with their wars. Try reading history.
Marsha, Washington, USA
Obama makes me nervous. His following is to cult like, and at times his words sound like he wants to start a new religion. Plus, his attitude towards small town America. Obama has no experience either. I don't like McCain. I hated Bush and voted Kerry. But I don't know if I can vote Obama.
becca, Chicago, Illinois
I fear that Europe has actually just lost the elections for Obama, which is a shame as if he had just stopped short....
brum, Montreal, Canada
i'd take an actual poodle over George Bush. I couldnt care it if fur is black, white or polka dot colour. please get him out! he is dangerous to world peace and incredibly StUpID
LB, Aberdeen, Scotland
To Nathan:
Obama is a specialist in Constitutional Law. I reckon he knows better than most people the value of the American Constitution.
And what does it mean to say he wants to turn America into Europe? How do you see Europe as opposite to America, or vice versa?
Rose, Singapore,
The fact that the Europeans are so overwhelmingly behind Obama is more proof that he isn't the best choice for America. Our founders left Europe behind for a reason. I like Europe but definitely do NOT want to become European.
Lori, Okinawa,
You expect to much. After all, he is just the Paris Hilton of Politics (famous for being famous). And as far as his Excellent Adventure - he's just trying to get his Forrest Gump on (associate himself with someone else's history/ accomplishment).
lucky, Copenhagen, Denmark
Bush never was open to listening to others. Obama is willing to listen to many others' points of view-he is travelling overseas to learn more about others' points of view. He listens to his advisors & then he evaluates all of this information so he can makes his best decisions in the future.
Mary, Lakewood, USA
George 'W' is many things and not all of them good.
However to allude that he somehow is on the wave length of a body as evil as the KKK is improbable to say the least.
Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK
The USA has historically wanted to turn inward. Europeans understand that we exist on one planet and that we are all interdependent. They see McCain as a continuation of the Bush policies of "go it alone" and damn the consequences. They see Obama as intelligent and collaborative.
Saxxon Domela, Seattle, USA
Obama can try move to the middle on Iraq to try to neutralize the issue from a political standpoint, because his cult following of 18 year old non tax payer voters know he'll forfeit over all US efforts over to the terrorists as soon as he gets in.
Chuck, St. Paul, United States
Obama represents the very best of America. The fact that the right is vilifying him for partisan reasons just shows how demented some have become in pursuit of power at any cost.
Bill Thompson, Nashville,
I quess one of the more implicit reasons for why Obama is so popular in Europe is that we are starting not to expect anything from the US, Obama gives us hope. Personally I think our western societies have become too trapped in our own institutions. We have two camps, but no right and wrong.
Peter, Copenhagen, Denmark
To bill: You asked what would happen to a White Politician if he attended the KKK church for 20 years and the Church leader was his mentor.
I reckon he would make President. White Americans loved Bush's "Axis of Evil" hate speech so much they voted him in again.
Rose, Singapore,
Having read your article twice I still do not know who Hamilton is,please enlighten my ignorance>
John Robertson, Snettisham, UK
i think its funny how Obama supporters think hes gonna bring down the national debt. he actually plans on spending more than Mccain does. Obama will still have the war on terror and the government will be paying for health care and other services. the debt will only rise.
mike, dallas, usa
To Paul: America fought one of the bloodiest wars of the 19th century against herself. It's important to remember that we're simply much larger, with a population well over three times the size of Europe's most populous nation, Germany. We're not all koolaid drinkers over here, so let's be proactive
luke, Harlem, USA
The ever ambitious Clinton?? Excuse me, but I'd say that Senator Obama, who has decided that "we are the ones we've been waiting for" with very little experience behind him, and who changes his positions more rapidly than his slogan for "change" could ever promise -- now that's ambition.
Ann, Honolulu, USA
Referencing Obama as the messiah is complete and utterly blasphemy! I am sick of hearing it! This guy is far from anything close! It would literally be the beginning of the end of America if this guy gets the keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It is truly amazing that a slim majority of America is thinking about putting him in. How sad it is. Socialism is taking over and those who see it can only watch as people blunder and make terrible choices like this.
nate, Washington, USA
You know I thought we won our independence from Europe and here they are telling us how to run our own government still. The main flaw with Barack is he wants to turn American into Europe instead of embracing what makes America great, which is not the charisma of its politicians,but its Constitution
Nathan, Eclectic, USA
Sure, we Europeans are anti-war. Two of the bloodiest wars in history were fought in Europe, but then you Yanks can count yourselves lucky that the States has never been the theatre of a major war.
That's because you export it everywhere else.
Paul, Osaka, Japan
Not to be cynical or anything:
Short of bleaching his skin pale white, there is nothing Obama can do to convince a not insignificant portion of white America to vote for him. Never mind that his mother was white. I believe this segment - which undoubtedly exists - will prove crucial in the Fall.
Martha Stainherger, Houston, USA
JFK spoke at the Rathaus Schoneberg when he made the "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech.
It was Ronald Reagen who spoke at the Brandenburg Gate and made the "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." speech.
Flint, Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan
To all who disregard the views of Europeans about American politics, I make this bet: Europeans know more about us, our candidates and our candidate's positions than we do. So much of the American electorate is just plain brain dead. There is no other logic for supporting McSame after Bush!
Vgirl1, Tampa,
If Obama ruly ants to give "tough love" statements in Europe, he should announce that upon becoming POTUS, he will withdraw all American troops from Europe and close the bases. that will go over realy big at home.
Ansel, Orlando,
It's unbelievable the inner hatred that's expressed on these boards. You can disagree with his politics, faith or views but to attack this man's being is unprecendented in presidential elections. He has to prove he is American enough,he's not too Black, he's not too White, he's not an elitist.lol
David, Philly,
Why is Obama even able to fill a huge stadium? He has done absolutely nothing and yet the voters still love him. He is completely inexperienced and has shown no good judgement. The only reason Obama even won against Hillary is because the media painted him as the Messiah.
Jordan, Key West,
What would happen to an White Politician if he attended the KKK church of rate for 20 years with his wife, and children and the Church leader was his Friend and Mentor?
bill, Norman, usa
Go Barack! I can't wait to vote for him, as a registered republican who voted for W twice; I'm pi$$ed by the lies and the entering of two wars. Part of the job of a president is personal foreign relations with other governments, heads of state, etc.; and it is my hope that Barack will excel at this
dan coe, belington, uas
I cannot believe the ignorance of the people posting here that McCain would be a better president, or better for America than Obama. Or ignorance of the people posting about how good Bush is. Are you people awake? The dollar is worth ~40% less, and gas is about double since Bush took office.
Dave, Michigan, USA
If I may use another posters words.... McCain is Bush with brains... and that is dangerous. You people calling Obama an empty suit that can't speak without teleprompters must not have noticed that Bush cannot even speak intelligently WITH teleprompters. What has Bush done for America??
Dave, Michigan, USA
Obama reminds me of Bush in certain ways. Very ideological, inexperienced, and a surprisingly good politician. The Americans supposedly like new and glitzy while the Europeans supposedly like tried and true. So why is it that Europe loves this guy? A: He's not Bush. Beware what you ask for.
Matt, Fort Collins, USA
To the EU who tells US to vote Obama because of his fresh face, tell that to your queen. This is a presidential race, not a beauty baby contest.
Flora, Orlando, USA
I love how Europeans with little insight into the candidates, their campaigns, or regional dynamics, opine about our presidential elections.
The barman thought Obama was presidential material because he didn't want to watch naked girls? Well, that's all you need to know, isn't it? (shakes head)
Lisa, Dallas, US
Obama has 300 foreign policy advisers in Chicago sending him daily emails telling him what to say. Otherwise, he wouldn't have a clue. He's an empty suit who is in WAAAYYY over his head. If he is the eventual nominee (he's only the 'presumptuous' one now), this PUMA will be voting for McCain.
Sojourner, Atlanta, USA
Obama will lose in a landslide. The man has no sense of humor or (humour for you folks). His need to speak in a sports stadium is frightening Hitler-like.
American patriot, Baltimore,
Without a teleprompter, he can't complete a sentence. He's an empty suit with an empty head and a resume that could fit on an index card. The man has no experience, no intelligence, no wisdom, no character, no sense of humor and no ability. He's a chicken who has come home to roost!
NOBAMA!
PUMA
Lisa, Lancaster, PA, USA
I have never seen a candidate whose ego and vanity is so utterly out of step with his lack of accomplishments as Obama. Beneath his words, smile, and cult of fans there simply is no substance. If Europe wants Senator Gilderoy Lockhart, they can have him; my vote will be for McCain.
pj, Logan, UT, USA
Middle-aged Europeans demonstrated against Ronald Reagan ind in favor of the Soviet Union. Their children endorsed Saddam Hussein and have done little or nothing to aid us against Milosevic, al Qaeda and the Taliban. America listens to its friends and allies. These are neither.
Robert Piepenbrink, Herndon, VA, United States
Thinking that all Americans feel the Bush Presidency has been a failure is assumptive and ignorant. Plejnty of us are very happy and thankful for this Presidency. We pray everyday that the Naive Obamaholics stay in Europe with you. We'll save you later.
dave, Davie, USA
I find it interesting that a trip abroad with 200 reporters making campaign speeches and doing photo ops, somehow makes Obama now qualified to be commander in chief.
Please come back Hillary!
robin, wilmington, usa
How can allegedly-intelligent people can ignore these facts:
a. Bin Laden is still at-large; Taliban dominates Afghanistan
b. The US Gov't debt has grown by 3 TRILLION
c. The USD is worth half of what it was worth in '02
d. Home foreclosures abound
Say NO! to Bush/McCain
Andrew Mark, New York, NY
The same Europeans and latte sipping liberals worshipping BHO were those complaining that Bush had "alienated" our "allies" and calling for the sublimation of our foreign policy to the UN. If those socialist Europeans (and Muslim despots) love him much, he must be the wrong answer for the US.
Chris, Atlanta, USA
Americans must acknowledge that too much of the world despises your foreign policies and gung ho aggression.
While doing zilch about Palestine, Darfur, Zimbabwe, Burma.
Obama could be your healer. We see McCain as Bush-with-brain-and-cunning. Potentially, a disaster.
Leigh Vernier, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Most Americans will not be impressed with Obama getting adoring crowds and whipping Europeans into a frenzy. It will make it seem as if he would make a better UN Secy General than President of the US.
Perhaps Mrs. Clinton can push for that should she wrest the nomination from Obama in Denver.
Pete Kent, Union, KY USA
I live in Colorado, a state deemed critical in this election. In the city where I live, I have seen hundreds of Obama election signs, but not a single McCain sign. I think that might be somewhat indicative of the mood of many people here in the United States. I hope Obama wins.
Christy, Pueblo, CO, USA
It is a good thing that Britain and Europe cannot vote who will be our president. They don't have an ounce of understanding about America and what it needs.
KBB, Vienna,
Seldom has an empty suit been so successful. There could be problems ahead for him if the media gets tired of inflated this anatomically correct man-shaped balloon. I hope for change and hope, this phony just offers platitudes and empty symbols.
dean foxsmith, boutoful,
The funniest thing I've read today about this unvetted empty suit: "Ich bin ein Beginner."
Dulcy Simmons, Portland, USA
"Obama for President? He comes with ... perhaps a lack of experience. This can only be good for America. A fresh face, a fresh voice with fresh ideas." (Spike - France)
Well, then, everybody should vote for me! I have a fresh face, a fresh voice, and ideas so fresh I wont have any yet until...soon.
hl, Houston, USA
I just read an article where a Brit said, "If America elects another Republican, what does that say to the rest of the world?" It says, "We know more about our own affairs than you do!" Obama is weak and wimpy, so no doubt our "allies" prefer him to a legitimate politician like McCain.
Brett Pedersen, San Francisco, USA
America needs Obama after the "compassionate conservative" wilderness. Right wing Yahoos--you've had your chance: trillions in debt, 2 disastrously managed wars, the US economy, alienation of allies, Ziltch foreign policy--Sit back and enjoy the greatness that America can really be. You'll be proud.
joel, dallas, us
Recently Bush/McCain were heavily criticizing Obama for entertaining talks with Hamas etc. Then, Israel confirmed it was doing the same. Again on troop withdrawal - now Bush moves towards Obamas position (Iraq's Maliki thinks it is a good idea). Now McCain flips, on reinforcements in Afghanistan
Greg Nelson, Bristol, UK
All you haters must do is take a look at America and its condition under the silly Bush Administration! Its truely a SAD day! McCain offers nothing new! He is just a Follower of the crowd and wiil say or do anything to get into the Whitehouse. Take a good look at there history. OBAMA SHINES BRIGHT
Ronald , Highland Park , USA Mi
Joe, New Orleans, USA
Unfortunately for you and people like you, your vote not gonna help McCain: in January he will be where he is right now in Senate not in WH. Obama will win in LANDSLIDE, I vcan guarantee you that
Alex Den, boston, USA
Does GEORGE BUSH show any kind of experience? I think not! Wheres McCain so called experience? Being a prisoner of war does not qualify you to be President! What is this; some kind of Pitty Party for McCain! This man was one of the keaton 5! SCANDAL! Obamas Wisdom smashes McCain or Bushs experie
Ronald , Highland Park , USA Mi
An employee who skipped work 40% of the time would be fired. Instead Barak Obama thinks that 60% attendance rate qualifies him to be president. He is an empty shirt with easy words and a charismatic voice. He is unqualified, inexperienced naive sophmore.
Nona, New york City, USA
Spike of France mentions that Obama is in experienced and that he'll make some mistakes. Jimmy Carter was Prez for 4 years and his "mistakes" include turning Iran over to the mullahs, putting Mugabe in power in Zimbabwe and turning the Panana Canal over so that the Communist Chinese now control it.
Jarbo, Cool, CA, USA
Barack ( The middle name that shall not be named) Obama is an inexperienced, unqualified candidate for President. He attended a racist church, went to fund raisers with terrorists and has flip flopped on many, many issues. I will cast my vote for the only true patriot, John MCCain.
I
Joe, New Orleans, USA
Obama's victory will be Osama's victory.
A.Yeshuratnam, Trivandrum, India
A.Yeshuratnam, Trivandrum,
If Obama is the answer, it must be a stupid question.
Matt, toledo, USA
"a politician of his maturity"? The man has hardly any political experience and has flip flopped on EVERY single issue, including Iraq.
Viv, London, England
Obama for President? I think so. He comes with very little baggage and perhaps a lack of experience. This can only be good for America. A fresh face, a fresh voice with fresh ideas. Perhaps some mistakes will be made along his path as President, but look at the condition of America today!
Spike, St Valery Sur Somme, France
Why do people have a problem with ones who have a solution. We've had these so-called experinced people in office for years and out of all of them we've had a hand ful that really cared about America. Now we have a candidate that do and you can't see him. Just so you know, he's Barack Obama.
Lucas, LA, USA
I remember Neil Kinnock anticipated his Prime Ministership before the results were announced.
He lost to John Majors.
Could Obama's anticipation of winning become an own goal?
His arrogance is undeniable.
Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK
Obama has no qualifications at all and is entirely a media creation for the counter culture in the country. The silent majority in the US who actually make the country work gets no voice in the mainstream media so it turns to the internet and talk radio. Obama would also slash our military.
Jacob, Delmar, USA