The world says: "YES, THEY CAN!" (celebrates Obama victory)

[npincus]

In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined America might produce a leader so suited to repair America's reputation in the world, to represent the best of America, the goodness and decency that we are capable of... in the person of Barack Obama. The excitement and anticipation of the rest of the world, who have also suffered for the last 7 1/2 years under a rogue American president who defied all norms of civilized behavior, international law, etc., who broke Iraq and destabilized the entire Middle East... my feeling is they very badly WANT an American restoration and are starting to BELIEVE it can happen-- because the American people (Democrats) have chosen Barack Obama.

Other countries are starting to believe this about America: YES, THEY CAN!



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/04/AR2008060402360.html?nav=rss_email/components

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."

[Windy]

1. I was just in Germany, Switzerland and Austria...

everyone who found out we were Americans told us that they were hoping for an Obama victory...

Again, people are looking to our country for leadership and the general election has not even taken place.

[npincus]

4. I'm so deeply ashamed of what that shitstain has done

it has seriously cramped my desire to travel abroad... if Obama is elected I'll renew my passport.

[NightWatcher]

11. maybe we can stop wearing our "Canadian Pride" shirts when we travel to Europe

[gateley]

12. Exactly.

Had to do that in the 70's, too, because of Viet Nam. Canadian flags on backpacks.

[npincus]

13. LOL

I wonder how many Americans in costume are lurking abroad! But the accent is a give-away. I'm pegged as a New Yorker wherever I go! (currently reside in NJ)

[gateley]

2. The reactions make me feel a part of the world again --

similar to the feeling after 9-11. :grouphug:

[npincus]

6. I know...

I got a lump in my throat when i read this... these past 7 1/2 years have been so painful. We all have to work our asses off to get Obama elected.

[flor de jasmim]

3. It's our vindication - that we are not as bad as our govt has made us appear

I live in Europe, and ever since Bush was first elected there have been people asking, "How could you?! How could you have elected that man?!" His presidency has put such a black cloud over the country--over our hopes and dreams, but also over our reputation.

I feel as though I can begin to breathe again.

[npincus]

7. LOL- I know how you feel (sort of)

I lived in Kyoto, Japan for a few years, and everyone you meet sees you as a representative of all things US, fairly or unfairly. I never realized how much anti-Americanism there was out there until I lived abroad- and that was the late 80's! Not from the Japanese, but from other Westerners (fellow ex-pat's). I feel your pain- and your RELIEF!

But he hasn't been elected yet!!! We all must work hard-- and give what we can! :hi:

[babylonsister]

5. I heard a talking head from Europe yesterday informing us how

closely the Brits have been watching our primary. I was impressed to hear how Europeans are so interested. We all have something invested in the outcome in November.

[npincus]

8. I can say the Japanese are...

my husband watches Japan satellite TV, so I can see the coverage... though I can't understand it! :)

I love this... Obamna HAS to win, and not the crazy old man.

[babylonsister]

9. I was in Belize last week; the Belizeans are pulling for him, too!

Central America heard from! :toast:

[TornadoTN]

10. Friends and Business Contacts in London have been ringing my phone nonstop

Not only during the campaign, but especially after he clinched. They are once again eager to see the U.S.A. take up a position of strength and leadership in the world without the burden of war and terror.

I love getting those phone calls.

[K Gardner]

14. Italy loves him, too.. my family/friends were rooting for him last spring and no

matter where I went, the talk was about Obama even over a year ago. Now, they're just elated !

[polichick]

15. Wow, were our headlines as good as those outside the country??