(PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
“The world is waiting to love America again.” That is a quote from a recent editorial in a British newspaper, and many Europeans are hoping Barack Obama will provide them with just that chance. When Obama travels to Europe later this week, it's expected he'll be treated like a rock star – mobbed by cheering fans in Berlin, Paris and London.
A recent poll from England found 70% of Italians, 67% of Germans, 65% of the French and 49% of Britons would vote for Obama. Compare that to Republican John McCain, who gets support from 15% of Italians, 6% of Germans, 8% of the French and 14% in Britain.
Books about Obama are hot sellers in France, and some European newspapers describe him as a "John Kennedy of our times." After eight years of unilateral "my way or the highway" George Bush, Europeans are hungry for the change Obama is offering, especially when it comes to America's role on the world stage.
It's been a long time since the visit by an American politician has been so highly anticipated in Europe. Some European supporters are mindful that too much swooning over Obama could actually hurt the candidate back here in the states. The Illinois senator could be seen as elitist among some working-class voters if he's perceived as being too chummy with the Europeans.
The other caution flag for Obama is his relative inexperience in foreign affairs, which might explain why Obama was careful to point out that this trip was going to mostly be spent listening rather than offering a lot of his own views.
Here’s my question to you: Why do polls indicate four European countries prefer Barack Obama to John McCain by a margin of 5 to1?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Byron from Oregon writes:
They're tired of either being ignored or bullied by the Bush administration, and they think McCain would be too close to more of the same. They see Obama as charismatic and someone who will respect their views and they can work with. The election of Obama would open a lot of new possibilities for cooperation on major issues like climate change and the war on terrorism.
Mac writes:
They are Europeans. What difference does it make what they think? We are the ones who will be stuck with him if he wins. And let's hope we are not left with an amateur for a President.
Steve writes:
As a British citizen, and 7 year resident of the U.S., it's easy to see that the rest of the world knows what a lot of Americans are still struggling to understand: If we want the whole world against us, we can just continue as we are and try to control the world instead of help guide it to a better future for all. If we want to re-gain our standing in the world, things have to change.
James from Atlanta writes:
Having resided in Europe some years ago, I found that many Europeans love America. They love our culture and imitate our love for democracy. I found that they wondered how we elected Mr. Bush and if he truly represented American feelings about the world. Here comes Mr. Obama with talks of unification, hope, and peace.
Vilo writes:
Europe historically has been more liberal than the U.S. It should come to no surprise, therefore, that Europe drools over Obama and winces at the thought of McCain. But since when did America ever chew her fingernails over what Europe thinks about her?
Carlos writes:
Peace, Jack. Simply peace.
F. from Oklahoma City writes:
Because McCain referred to Czechoslovakia, twice?