Overseas, Excitement Over Obama - WaPO

[Eurobabe]

Overseas, Excitement Over Obama
In Presumptive Nominee, Many See Chance for New Direction and New Attitude>

LONDON, June 4 -- For much of the world, Sen. Barack Obama's victory in the Democratic primaries was a moment to admire the United States at a time when the nation's image abroad has been seriously damaged.

From hundreds of supporters crowded around televisions in rural Kenya, Obama's ancestral homeland, to jubilant Britons writing "WE DID IT!" on the Brits for Barack discussion board on Facebook, people celebrated what they called an important racial and generational milestone for the United States.

"This is close to a miracle. I was certain that some things will not happen in my lifetime," said Sunila Patel, 62, a widow encountered on the streets of New Delhi. "A black president of the U.S. will mean that there will be more American tolerance for people around the world who are different."

The primary race generated unprecedented interest outside the United States, much of it a reflection of a desire for change from the policies of President Bush, who surveys show is deeply unpopular around the globe. At the same time, many people abroad seemed impressed -- sometimes even shocked -- by the wide-open nature of U.S. democracy, and the history-making race between a woman and a black man.

"The primaries showed that the U.S. is actually the nation we had believed it to be, a place that is open-minded enough to have a woman or an African American as its president," said Minoru Morita, a Tokyo political analyst.

While Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has admirers, especially from her days as first lady, interviews on four continents suggested that Obama is the candidate who has most captured the world's imagination.

"Obama is the exciting image of what we always hoped America was," said Robin Niblett, director of Chatham House, a British foreign policy institute. "We have immensely enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the next phase."

[AtomicKitten]

1. His nomination fairly rocked the planet.

I only wish his moment wasn't stolen here in the U.S. by you-know-who.

[loudsue]

2. It does show the best side of America (usually the Democratic side, as opposed

to the republican side). I hope & pray for Obama's safety and success.

[Franco72]

9. he truly does

we realy love him over here in Europe. Time for change, not only in America!

[Laelth]

13. Welcome to DU!

:)

-Laelth

[LordJFT]

3. great post!

Nice to see how they view the race from other countries, I was in Ireland around NH time so I got a small taste of it while I was there. One thing I noticed was that columnists there get right to the point.

[Eurobabe]

4. I've had many people in my German school ask me for Obama T-shirts

I might have to make room in my suitcase for a dozen or so. :hi:

[kentuck]

5. Some folks are not able to see this impact...

Or the significance of an Obama presidency and the possible influence for good around the world. The live in their own small bubbles and don't give a crap about the rest of the world and don't think much about it.

[myrna minx]

6. The world has a reason to be hopeful too.

From Bush to Obama: It's a complete pendulum swing.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

10. It's a third of a pendulum swing.

I'll gladly take it.

[Shakespeare]

7. That puts a great big smile on my face.

It'll be so nice to be liked again by the rest of the world.

[Glimmer of Hope]

8. I just back from Kenya and I went to a night club in Nairobi where

they were selling Obama T-shirts and buttons. Everyone knows where his grandmother lives.

[uponit7771]

11. My generations man on the moon

[Arugula Latte]

12. When Obama wins in November, there will be a World Party.

:toast: :party: :bounce:

[Withywindle]

14. My mom's in Finland right now, going to Norway next.

Just got an email. The dollar is so weak she's traveling like a college student--backpacking, hostels--and she felt bad she couldn't get me a pricy present.

I just told her all I wanted was newspapers with Obama-related front pages. She's a big fan so she'll be buying them anyway. :hi: