If you’re not voting, what’s your message to those who are?
04
Nov
08
Everything WHYS
- We're live at 1800GMT every weekday.
RSS feed-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
If you’re not voting, what’s your message to those who are?
BBC World Have Your Say 
Remember the past 8 years. Wouldn’t you rather live in a country that a wealthy, world leader than in a financial crisis-ridden unpopular bully?
Remember the past 8 years. Wouldn’t you rather live in a country that a wealthy, world leader than in a financial crisis-ridden unpopular bully?
Do you realize how many comedians are going to lack material now? 50% of Comedy Centrals scripting and programming are going to go out the window if Bush/McCain/Palin aren’t put back in office.
THAT is the real tragedy…
Vote Early ,Vote Often ,Vote McCain
Now is not the time to go soft ,it is a time for hard choices and tough decisions there is only one MAN who CAN do that for the American people and that is John McCain.
He will be respected and feared (very important when dealing with third world dictators) both at Home and Abroad .
He will be unflinching in his duty and service to his country come what may,no one can doubt his integrity,determination and courage.
Obama is like Gore and Kerry he is trying to “style” his way into the Whitehouse,but he has no substance,he is a politicians politician.He did not take on his party in Chicago,nor tackle vested interests,it is not a time for some who will merely mark his attendance everyday at the White House .
The is right time in the USA for a President ,who will work for the PEOPLE and against pork barrel politics and the vested interests that have been driving the USA down.
Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man, John McCain
nt
In a way it might be better if McCain and his rather red neck right wing image wins. Then we (that is the rest of the world) will at least will know that USA policy will just get worse, and certainly won’t improve.
Better the devil you know, sort of thing.
I fear that Obama will prove to be as big a disappointment as Clinton was.
America is a good example of a one party democracy.
It really doesn’t appear to matter much who is President, there is great emphasis on the packaging, but the same product underneath. Bit like cigarettes or soap powder.
What I would like to find in my Christmas stocking is not a ‘New’ President, or party, but a new enlightened and awake American public.
A public who could could lead the word by example in not tolerating the shenanigans of their (sometimes) elected rulers.
Now that would be a super power!
Malc
(Berlin)
Ok
In the fourth paragraph I should have written SOMEONE instead of SOME .
The nt at the bottom of comment was a typo.
I write messages on a mobile phone.
If you want real change, defy the odds and pundits by voting Libertarian or Green.
See what I mean? Dirtly republican tricks:
Vijay said: “Vote Early ,Vote Often ,Vote McCain”
In the United States were we are all “equal” you get ONE vote. You CANNOT “vote often”. Your scared tactics only work on weak minds.
Ma message to Americans voters is to say NO to the RACE 4 RACE and vote their candidate of their choice because one day these things like racists,religious or tribalisms do affects individuals negatively in the end of the party, please note them otherwise.
@ Jessica In NYC
Obama is a “girly man”.
There are already laws in Kenya which state you can not criticise Muslim born Barack Obama.
His realtives will all line up at the US Emabassy for visas,some have already beat the rush.
A lot of Democrats won’t bother to vote, the quiet hard working Americans will vote for John McCain.
There are only two days to save America from the uncertain tax and spend socialist leaning Obama,only two days to save the world from a weak an ineffectual leader.
It is time to vote John McCain President.
(Americans might be ready for a Black President the rest of the world is not,so think carefully as you vote how you want your country perceived,it is better to be feared and respected than loved and disregarded)
America is under attack financially and militarily if want strong American Leadership Vote for McCain.
If you don’t want your country at the mercy of foreign powers,kow towing to the Chinese ,bending over for the Russians or appeasing the Saudi oil cartel vote for John McCain.
What kind of person holds up the Worlds Series ,that is down right conceit,seems UnAmerican to me.John McCain respects American traditions.
@Jessica in NYC,
The “Vote early Vote often” phrase is from guess where CHICAGO.
@ Jessica
It’s funny how I see democrats handing out Obama pamphlets at daylaborer sites. I suppose if illegal immigrants vote only once, then it’s okay.
Whatever the outcome (and I think it’s far from certain), the results for the US and the world will be momentous. Now, are you going to make that a momentous cheer of relief or a momentous outcry of disappointment?
If Obama wins the world might find reasons for reinstating the US as a leader in global trends. If it goes the other way, the US might as well return to pre-WW2 isolationism, because you’ll have lost the last shreds of credibility.
In saying this, I think I speak for most of the rest of the world.
Vijay
lol, yeah, Those third world dictators have been quaking in their boots the last 8 year. Lets see Bush came into office North Korea has locks, UN inspectors, and 24 hour Camera Surveillance on their Nuclear facilities. In that time we have seen N.K. rise to test long range missiles, targeting systems, and developed estimated 12 plutonium based weapons. They just knocked down a cooling tower that could be rebuilt in about a year (a recent threat to start rebuilding forcing Bush to give in to their demands proves it.) 6 months before we invaded Iraq it was a nation that threatened to “turn the U.S. into a lake of fire.”
Or maybe it is Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia that you expect to fear these policies. Iran’s has boldly continued its civil nuclear program in spite of the repeated actions and demands by the current “bully” administration. There president came here and spoke his propaganda right in one of our ivy league colleges. He really didn’t look too afraid.
Or maybe you are talking about Muqtada “Atari” al Sadre. The once distracted son of an imam that was known more for his video game skills then his philosophy. Now he is the most powerful Shiite Cleric in Iraq. His responsibly for many of Iraq’s problems are known, but nothing can be done.
Or maybe you meant the illusive Osama Bin Laden. Leader of a group with about as much credibility as the boogie man prior to the US catapulting them into superstardom. Now every kook in the middle east with a cause says he is part of the organization of al Qaeda.
Sounds like they are really afraid of us.
@ Jessica in NYC
I assume you are a strong ,confident, independent woman,did you know there was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President who would have worked to introduce the Equal Rights Amendment so that all Americans could really be equal.
Do you know what happened to Hillary Clinton ,she has been marginalised and her supporters taken for granted,these Hillary Democrats have every right to vote for any one they chose ,now that their candidates policies have been ignored instead of being incorporated into the Democratic Platform.
Hillary Democrats will have a say on election day on who will be the next President of the USA,they will vote for McCain,quietly.
what? my comment removed because I said a bozo like you-know-who??
por favor!!
well I reiterate in slightly less inflammatory vein:
Until you north americans start to think about HOW you’re seen from the outside, then we’ll continue to snigger about the ex-film stars and rich kids that you keep electing.
PLEASE do the right thing….vote for the smartest one.
(hint;he’s the one with the african roots, NOT the one with the short arms!)
The only message to the American voters is that vote wisely. Vote by the mind, make the right decision and have enough rest as the opinion polls come to your ears! be vigilant and make sure your candidate takes his request to the white house!
lol, nice try Vijay.
I know not one of them that are willing to punish Bthe DNC by giving up their right to have an abortion.
Very simple – GOTV (Get Out To Vote).
Vote for Obama – he is the only one who can bring about real change to the US – and yes, the world.
On his whole campaign John McCain has done nothing but attack Obama, he will not talk issues because he follows George Bush’s issues to the final full stop.
If you are in AZ – make sure you vote for Obama, take that State because it, too, needs the same change that the rest of the country needs.
If you have voted early, gas is low now – use your car to take your neighbours and friends to vote, ask them to vote for Obama.
“Don’t boo – just get to vote!” Be a part of history!
You are about to vote the President not just of the USA but the leader of the world.
So have a cool head, lay aside your biases and obnoxious beliefs and vote wisely.
Mind you your international image is already severely battered under President Bush so I propose you vote for change…
This election between Mc Cain and Obama reminds me of the election between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Many at the time associated Gerald Ford with an unpopular Ricard Nixon and expected Jimmy Carter to be a Messiah that would deliver U.S. citizens to a promised land. Impossible expectaions were common then as they are today. Now, many believe Obama to be a Moses leading the U.S. people to a Land of Milk and Honey. I fear another disaster akin to the Jimmy Carter presidency awaits us.
George,
Chicago,IL
message to Gail:
so you supported Clinton,and when she lost you switched to support McCain?
and then you say you aren’t racist?
Where is that logical and accountable? Isn’t it because Obama is dark skinned?
How can you switch sides?
Is this an example of the “democracy” of the US? Words fail me..
Vote Obama! Make a change for the world’s sake
Something I have NEVER understood is why anyone other than wealthy, white, conservative males would EVER vote and/or align themselves with Republicans. The only interests that party ever protects or cares one iota about is the wealthy, white, conservative males and I really wish women, minorities, and those who are not rich would stop deluding themselves into believing otherwise.
As for Obama being a socialist —- HE IS NOT. However, were he, this should make him MORE not less appealing to poor and blue-collar citizens given that socialist values such as equal opportunity access decent health care, education, living accommodations, etcetera would benefit them most. Socialistic societies such as those in Scandinavia have the highest living standards and freedoms on the planet.
Finally, Americans should stop being selfish and obtuse in not considered the fate of the rest of the world when they vote, millions of people around the world perish or profit as a direct result of American policies.
Cristina in Canada
American all know that US need to change and I don’t think a man who approach 80 years old can completed this task, therefore, I vote Obama
I’d consider voting for MCCain if he wasn’t a REPUBLICAN, the party of greed, the party that has hijacked religion and single item issues to push their big business agenda to create another excessive ruling class in the USA. I love these average ‘Joe six pack’ Republicans, 98% of whom will derive absolutely no benefit from their parties policies and the trickle down economics that has now failed them a second time (remember the 80’s and Reagan you fools!) . I feel sorry for the small minded people who vote soley because of abortion or family values, or some illusion of ‘small government’. and buy into the rhetoric of the Republican fear and war mongers who have broken the laws of this country to spread conflict and hate around the globe.They have dropped the worlds view of the USA down so low it would make the founding fathers spin in their graves. It’s time for people in the US to see a bigger picture, get active, get educated, turn off Fox news and vote for real change, whether that’s Ron Paul or Barack Obama, but it’s certainly not going to be the ‘Maverick’ McCain and his cheerleader, ethically challenged Sarah Palin. The two most frightening words I think anyone could ever hear is ‘President Palin’, think about it please before you vote tomorrow.
I’m married to an American. I’m very interested in American politics, and lived there for many years.
I also know when to butt out. It’s not for me to tell Americans how to vote – the point is it’s THEIR democracy, it’s THEIR country, and it’s THEIR vote.
Historically, foreign people trying to ‘lecture’ to the American public has gone down badly – for example when the Guardian newspaper tried to get Brits to write to voters in an Ohio swing county in 2004 (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3981823.stm) to try and help Kerry. That backfired in a spectacular and entirely predictable fashion.
Just take a minute and imagine how you’d feel if some complete stranger from Ohio wrote to YOU telling you how to vote in your local elections.
Exactly.
I find it amazing how much of the UK media is so tied up with discussing this election – and spending so much money on it by flying correspondants over there. What’s wrong with listening to the worldservice and US coverage? And why do European elections – when we CAN vote and CAN make a difference (and where there is usually pitifully low turnout in the UK) – get little or no attention.
McCain needs a good rest – retirement , I will advice him to move to the UAE where he can play golf for the rest of his life. Obama is fresh blood, his Ideas are revolutionary, He will pave the way for the creation of the desired image for America Abroad. I guess another four years with Mc/Bush will create more financial troubles.
James Liberia
To the American public, just vote. Vote for whomever you think is best for the job. If you don’t vote you have no right whatsoever to complain about anything over the next four years.
To the people running the election, please sort out the system. It is appalling that one of the worlds leading democracy seems unable to create a voting system that is beyond reproach. Allegations of vote rigging, vote flipping, voters disappearing from the electoral register, dead people voting etc do nothing but tarnish democracy.
Dear BBC,
Frankly speaking, I support Obama for two reasons: one is the fact that he has African origin and second is he offered butter policy than the republican candidate – better policy not only for Americans, but also for the world. And I have a message for Americans: You are the proud citizens of the Great Nation, but you are also members of the world citizens. Please, elect a leader good not only for America, but also for the whole global citizens. We want to see a better world than the one we have now. God Bless you! God bless America & the World!
Obama is a very able man as shown by an excellent presidential campaign he has run with a very well selected and effective campaign team. The funds he has collected have come mostly from ordinary Americans in the form of small amounts but he has broken all records on this front. In Obama there is hope for Americans and history will be made tomorrow when he wins not because he is black but because he is the best suited right now to lead the USA. As for the historical fact of being the first black US President, this is speaks volumes of how far the US has come to embrace every American regardless of race or colour.
I was born and raised in Uganda and since it is next to Kenya the birth place of Obama’s Dad, I am sharing in the joy to come tomorrow when the man of the hour wins a historical victory.
Patrick
To the absentee American voter and caller Lee, from Senegal, and to all a Americans
IT IS A FACT THAT REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENTS RACK UP HUGE DEBT AND DEMOCRATIC ONES PAY THEM DOWN! Please be aware of your nation’s history.
Cristina in Canada
This is the most important election we have faced in a generation. I have voted for Obama because he is intelligent, has a clear vison, and listens to the people. I feel confident that he will follow through on his campaign promises. McCain would be just four more years of the same, endangering our country and the safety of the world. I am hopeful for the outcome, but terrified of a loss to McCain and Palin.
Righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people.Prov 14:34
American’s downfall is as a result of their deviation from righteousness.
Voting a man that promise economic recovery at the expense of righeousness is a total abberration.Voting Obama will further destroy Americans’ ecomony.God is the giver of wealth not a man.
I am a black man from Africa but i refused to be blinded by skin colour.Obama cannot save Americans.I wont be suprised if Mac Cain emerged the winner.He deserved it.Democrats have spoiled their chance by the way they handled Hillary Clinton/Obama’s case.By the way,can a black nation vote a white man to become their president?Can Romanian vote a gipsy as the president?We should not blame Americans on the basis of colour bias in case Mac Cain emerged the winner.Americans should return to the God of their fathers and it would be well with them.
BBC,
I am truly afraid of this election because I feel as though it is going to divide the country, rather than unify it. It is almost as if democracy is being used to divide the people by race, and view points rather than bring them together as one nation. I have a feeling that no matter who wins, there will be high tension between the various ethnic groups in the U.S. and may possibly lead to assassination attempts and revolution. This enfeebling of a world power during our world financial crisis would be a very unfavorable scenario for both the U.S. and the world.
That being said, I would like to see Obama in office because I welcome change and see him as a man that would break our failing traditional methods.
If Americans are really consider their economy, security and leadership of the world to be important, then the choice is should clear. America is dependent of the world for its resources to keep their economy running. Isolating themselves from the rest of world will be counter productive for them and make them even far less secure than they are the moment. By the way they have lost all credibility already. But there is a chance they can salvage the little still left. A vote for Obama should be their only choice, the republicans have nothing to offer. Otherwise it will only go to confirm Americans are liars(polls show Obama leading into the elections).This will reinforce the fact that they will lie to detract the world in order to satisfy their ego, remember they lied to the world about Iraq? As for that talk of God by Middy the less we bring it into this arena, the better. For America has long thrown God out of her life, neither Macain, nor Obama can change that.
Please vote with your Head, not depend on your Heart. Think of the past, present and YOUR future and of the rest of the world as we all live only on this worn out planet. Please also mull, sleep over the issues and prioritise before you vote (an awesome task no doubt) , and let’s hear your wise verdict, come Wednesday.
YE !
This is from my hart.
My love for you all-Americans.
Aristotle classic dictum:
“A hole is that which has the beginning, middle, and end”
WHERE DO YOU AT ?
Do not let us down so soon !
You to be young for that.
YOUR BASIC IDEAL IS BURNING IN MANY OF US !
Bjay, the voice with echos.
Ok.. it is the time for you to go for vote. I heard that Americans are notornious for not voting. Don’t be silly. I am sure that your action which will be taken for next 24hrs will save you guys or not. So. just please go for vote
When it comes down to you entering the booth, picking up the pen and ticking the box (or pressing the button/touchscreen etc.) – vote on the policies, not the race of the candidate.
Because no matter what people say or act, I am certain that come decision time there will always be that twinge in the head, that “uh-oh, he’s black” moment from many voters.
Those who never vote 12 years will come out to vote in upcomming Election, why?
No doubt USA accept minorities, may not tolrate them as master, any way majority is kind of quite & reserve in comments.
God bless USA.
The expression “vote early vote often” comes from the Libertarian Party. The expression has been around forever and is meant to be humorous.
Dead men may tell no tales but tomorrow, if Acorn has its way, many of them will rise from the grave to vote for Obama.
Remember the way Bush manipulated American Psyche after 9/11? Just think whether he delivered his promises. In the same way Obama is playing with American Psyche that is weakened, and probably frightened due to the economic crisis. Had you elected Al Gore 8 years ago, the economic crisis would not have taken place. But that does not mean that I am suggesting you to vote for democrats now. In fact, I am slightly in favour of Mccain because he finds himself in the same position as Al Gore 8 years ago. If I am an american, I would have voted for Al Gore then and would vote for MCcain now.
America is a state of mind, not a place, we are americans were ever we are in the world.
I know that it may be hard for the rest of world to understand that. But it is who we are. Not were we are on this very small plaint. We have something that is only ours, we are free to say we are Americas.
Any one of us can be any thing they put thier hearts in to!
its ashame american , well the very few of them who live in the bleak microcosm of the mc samie and mc lamie campaign could trust these terrorist over a man of integrity like obama. REMEMBER people mccain and his Zionist buddies caused thousands of the innocent youths to die over some propaganda war in iraq and then announces that the have won the war in iraq after the youths the future of america has died. shame and mclame with is caveman and uncivilized bitter campaign want to rule america, ther is a better option if he like America so much better he leave america for the man the world called simply extraordinary barack obama to change. also we dont need a war mongal that will cause a next war and kill the economy. this war is the cause the economy crumble . also john mccain tax cut will cause the rich to molest the economy and then it will end up six feet under and rot.THE waorld see the true experience and leader ship in obama that is why this universe endorses obama.john mccain it dosent matter how old and years you spent in the white house , it is a long time, it lacks substance. it is like a long essay substance and purpose
bright future vote obama, not a caveman who will carry the economy back to the system of bartering.obama! obama! he is a leader something john mccain is not and could never be. mclame is just a lousy politician
usa 2008 election reflect a snobby and divisive Republican party.
featuring an inbalance duo(an anger mccain and a paranoid palin)
that would lean toward more unitarism. eg
2rd iraq war(without united nation mandate) is base on unfound fear
of nuclear bomb.
(unfortunately this work well on human nature as in most past war)
this further lead to lose of america morality
and united nation credibility.
And I’m sure people know this one:
One man one vote once.
Americans remember what Bush did to you & McCain has no fresh ideas & the moment he steps in its the end of USA while OBAMA is a man of the world.
@ vijay,
It is really wrong to exploit the fact that most Americans are ignorant about the rest of the world to scare voters against a candidate who is not your conventional type of presidential candidate.
I am Kenyan and there is absolutely no law about Barrack Obama and everyone is free to have his or her take on either presidential candidate. Again where did you get this information about Kenyans rushing to the American Embassy to get visa? some have already beaten the rush? Really?
I think that is the problem with Republicans as has been manifested throughout the campaign period. If they have nothing concrete to counter Mr Obama’s policies, they turn to negativity and half truths. So much for a Super Power.
On a personal level, i have never for one moment deluded myself that since Obama has Kenyan connections that Kenya or Africa in general has a better chance of getting things easy with the US. America is still America regardless who is in power. The only difference is that after monitoring the campaigns and the policies put forth, Obama looks like the person America and the world(The US being the superpower) needs at this particular time in history.
MY MESSAGE, VOTE OBAMA!!!!
i was ashamed to learn that the voter turn-out for the world’s “largest democratic” country United States of American never crosses the 50% mark . Hey Americans, prove me wrong if you can & visit my blog to read what we think of you people 🙂
You should have already voted if you want to avoid the looooooooong lines espcially in Florida state.
Vote wisely all you eligible Americans. Otherwise China’s gonna take over the world’s economy (or is it India?).
Vijay, you’re opinions are so so skewed and illegal. VOTE OFTEN! ONE VOTE PER PERSON is the law, dude.
The American Dream had become a nightmare for the world under the Bush’s administration. Let the world dream again, vote for America with a human face, vote Obama, PLEASE!.
Alan, France.
Let us don’t make a mistake in our votes, it does affect all of us around the world. Let Americans vote their conscience. As a leading demotractic in the world, we are looking at all your actions through this process
Whatever the result is I hope you will takecare of your future, we ought to understand there is freedom of speech and although democrat will win I belive american will not misunderstand rest of the world. Let all people live in peace.
USA election leads the effect to so many people.
The whole world is breathing a sigh of relief – as now Bush is going…
vote for someone who has the intelligence to carry your country through
I am wondering if you wish you had the choice of Hilary now, when faced with such odds?
Pleeeeeeeese Americans, vote for Obama! Change your future!
MR. OBAMA WILL WIN IN THE ELECTION
Dear americans, please do not vote a colour but a person whom you think will do the job. do not let sentiments and the past dictate the future.
I want Americans to know that the changes they will make today depends on the future of the economic stability.
I would like to give a little advice, this goes to the elegible voters, think on the things that happened in the last 8 years, do you really want to continue in the same direction? Or you want to swing to a direction which comes with new vision, which would favour the Americans and other part of the world.
I hope this piece of advice will help most of Americans to decide well.
bye Amenz Innocent
The wind of change sweeping across America will never be stoped by recist accounts. Obama is the only choice this time for Americans and the world. You Americans TAKE CARE – the real change is around your doors. VOTE OBAMA.
Take a good long hard look into the candidates eyes and ask yourself if you really KNOW where he is going/heading to…
Congratulations to all Americans for displaying to the world that you are the true model for world demoncracy. With the cannidacy of Barack Obama it proves that racism can no longer influence your politics. DARS QUAYESON (LIBERIA).
I am afraid that if people do not vote for John mccain they will lose there identity
and will forever be subservant of the mideast and african peoples and will be plunged into the depths of Marxism
David UK
If you hate your country vote McCain.
Hi WHYSers!
Simple really! Vote Obama/ Biden!!! That is all!!!
Americans peoples please a take along hard
Obama is good only for all solution on the world.
mozambiki
The fear of the black man seems to be strong in this thread.
Stop fighting/bickering and vote what’s in your heart. You don’t have to be right or wrong.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
@Yukoncornelius
The problem with liberals is they are motivated by their heart (emotions) and not rational arguments.
Much evil has been done in this world by people motivated by their emotions rather then their brains.
Hopefully people will vote with their heads.
I voted early this morning. I voted with my head, I voted for the future of my family and I voted the best way I knew to change the direction of America. There were very long lines at the voting booth and this was at 7:30 am! Our small town expects a record turnout of voters. Don’t believe for one minute we don’t vote here in the USA. Many of my fellow Americans I talk to want change, change in our Government, change in our economy and believe it or not, change in our policies concerning the rest of the world. America will pull out of this downturn. It may not be overnight, but we will get there. I’ll be glad when Bush is gone.
The average american is sick and tired of getting screwed by the oil companies, corporate America, and our own elected officials. I am hoping for positive change for America, not necessary for the worlds sake (Yes many Americans still feel the hate from the rest of the world…although now we don’t care so much for your opinions about us). I voted for change, a stronger America, and if that helps the rest of the world…. great! I voted for Obama, NOT because he is black (I’m color blind) but because I feel he will help the get middle america get back on their feet.
And just for your info in my town, I can only vote once, my ID is submitted and my name checked off. One Vote.
@Dan
I think that is a funny comment, especially since W. has made several decisions based on emotions rather than rational arguments. The difference is that I can vote with my head and come up with a different conclusion than you can, which is the glorious thing about living in a country that is a “melting pot.”
Don´t let others decide for you… just go and vote!
In a personal note, I hope Obama wins. In my opinion, he is a much needed change.
@Catherine
I was never a big Hillary supporter but she is a strong woman and will encourage more woman to get involved, plus she is logical and intelligent. If she were running I would probably support her instead of the other candidate. The major problem is that so many people like to think about what could have been than what “is.” I am sorry so many people are still upset but hopefully we can all try to work together. I am a liberal but I also understand the make up of this country. We will have to compromise and work together to bring this country together, especially if we still want to restore our status as a “superpower.” So I would like to thank you for stirring up the differences and the hurdles we have all had to overcome to get to this day. It has been an experience that many are glad has come to an end, probably including Senator Clinton herself.
Look carefully at those down ballot elections and initiatives. Try to find out who the people on council and board elections are and what they stand for. Don’t just trust your favored party’s election flier. Sometimes you are best served by choosing a single outlier.
Ask yourself if another bond issue is the only possible way to finance our public works? Do we really need more people in prisons? Is this initiative keep the rights of the individual or does it give the state more control over your life? How much do you really care about the comfort of chickens? (California joke) Do your votes represent your hopes or your fears?
Most of all THINK, then vote.
@Angela in Washington
The beauty of America is precisely what you said. We can vote with our heads and have two completely different conclusions.
Also maybe you hit it on the head when you say that Bush made EMOTIONAL decisions. I always thought he had ADD and could not pay attention long enough to understand the problem and consider the various alternative to solve them. Then again perhaps he is still too busy looking into Putin’s soul.
Vijay,
hillary supporters will certainly not vote for maccain. this is the absurd assumption the republicans have. that women will vote for women because they are women. palin stands for everything that is diametrically opposed to what hillary stands for.
as for obama being a “girly man’, all i can say is that he has a bigger pair than you will ever have. that man has nerves of steel and this has become evident through out the campaign, especially when the republican lie machine started, and just starred it down and continued with his campaign……did you hear all the weak republicans insulting him and wanting to kill him….my friend that is a sign of weakness and fear.
@Jens
So if a Republican threatens to kill Obama is a sign of weakness & fear, what do you call Democrats that threaten to kill Joe the Plumber (open mike on KGO radio), rip open his entire life by Democrats in Ohio Government and TV personalities on CNN & MSNBC and park satellite trucks outside his house?
I was laid off in America last night. I have voted for Mr. Obama.
My friend texted me while she was in the line at a polling station in Washington. She was excited about exercising her right and she’s voting Obama. Another friend who’s American but living in Trinidad and was an early voter told me she plans to sit in front of her television after the polls close until the results are announced. Obama’s her preferred candidate too!
I heard the comment that some whites cannot vote for a black man but Afro Americans have voted for white candidates. Something doesn’t sound right there. So America if you choose Barack Obama as your new President your country’s image will improve immensely in the eyes of the world.
With Obama’s African roots i hope that his presidency will offer a challenge to the African leaders in the areas of governance and democracy. Yes, Obama is accountable to the americans but he will serve as an inspiration and example to this beloved continent and Kenya to say the least.
@Vijay,
unbelievable, but its obvious your into this with true emotion. Maybe you should take a step back at the end of the week, take a look at your life, the world aso. and then reconsider. I dont think your trying to to bullshit anyone, you really believe what your saying but its so obvious that all you are doing is reprocessing talking points from the McCain campaign. I dont really understand how people fall for stuff like that, but its not about understanding, its about feeling.
And its not emotion that has done a lot of harm in the world – it is ruthless intellect utilizing the emotions of the crowd. Its also not about how intellectual you are, all that matters is how much you believe.
The McCain campaign was the standard US bullshit and you would hope that after the x’th president to do that people might catch on. Obama went with a similar theme only going more for the positive instead of the fear. I wouldnt really consider one or the other morally superior in this sense, but please… the McCain arguments… especially of his supporters (which he provokes but go so far as to him having to admit to the nonsense).
I can muster enough imagination to fathom the cradled ignorance of many americans, it just scares the heck out of me. Please let Obama be President tomorrow. I dont know if he will be a good President or do good things but I dont really care about that, I just want to see that humanity is not as gullible as it seems when it is too comfortable.
History has its ripple and they tend to smooth out, but there is always the possibility of another 1789@France, so if it be McCain: please hurry up and make the chaos complete so the rest of the world will know what to do.
thx!
I believe that what Obama’s candidacy represents to the world is hope. For if the people of the USA elect a member of a visible minority as President in several hours (in a place where even Sammy Davis Jr. could not get a hotel room in Las Vegas in the 50’s) it will be a ray of sunshine in this increasingly darkening world.
I emigrated from the U.S. 32 years ago. I am a Vietnam vet and had lost hope that U.S. foreign policy would endure a generation of Neo-Con right-wing zealots trying to impose their views on the rest of the world. Too true unfortunately.
I have dual citizenship so I could have voted but it would have been the last place I lived in the U.S.–North Dakota. A vote for Obama in ND is a wasted vote.
I’m listening to BBC all day via Sirius satellite radio. I will not watch anything on TV tonight. I hate the telly. I will listen to BBC and CBC and check the Internet (dial-up til we get highspeed broadband set up here). I’ll probably celebrate with a couple of téquila’s once we know who’s won.
TV is a spent medium. The big media corporations have taken over TV hoping to make a killing on profits. I hope they croak–their so-called news programmes have lowered U.S. intelligence across the whole society.
Bracking News to be sent out now, From Barrister Amiebenomo .I. Uloghobui.
I am Barrister Amiebenomo Uloghobui Innocent, A nationality of Federal Republic of Nigerian. I just want to use this opportunity to tell the word that I am solidly behind Obama and nothing can stop him from winning this Election. Obama shall be come the next Precedent of the United State of American as from today. I Know and understand it well, that I am note an American citizen, but note even if I am not a citizen of American, I personally voted for you 100 times OBAMA. I pray that God will give you this post. By his grace you are a winner OBAMA.
AMIEBENOMO .I. ULOGHOBUI /WHIS OBAMA THE NEXT PRECEDENT OF UNITED STATE OF AMERICAN . (OBAMA 4 AMERICAN 2008)
@ Obama being a “girly man”
I have to say, I agree with that. It’s pretty bad when you have to go up a tree around the house down the corner past that store onto the highway over the bridge into the next town just to get a simple HONEST answer from him.
@ Dan
“So if a Republican threatens to kill Obama is a sign of weakness & fear, what do you call Democrats that threaten to kill Joe the Plumber (open mike on KGO radio), rip open his entire life by Democrats in Ohio Government and TV personalities on CNN & MSNBC and park satellite trucks outside his house?”
Democrats never do anything wrong. They are God’s chosen and walk on water. Quick to sling mud but least likely to get a backbone and admit they have done wrong too! I think we have seen a greater hostility during this election partly because Obama has really preyed upon the Bush twin fear as I call it. That’s again laying the blame anywhere but where it should be.
Black Panthers are blocking a polling station and intimidating little old ladies with nightsticks telling people “This is the end of white domination” and when police were called the Democrats had the nerve to cry foul.
Maybe if Obama wins we will have race riots again, maybe if he loses we will have race riots again. Either way it bodes ill for Blacks.
@Jennifer
“Democrats never do anything wrong.”
I dont think i need the daily show as long as people like you are around. 😛
simple Psychology: projection
Everything Republicans are and have been, they are accusing Obama of. (All the time.) Who really thinks they are the chosen aso.? Follow up: jealousy
The quote stating Obama considers himself some kind of jesus you are dimly referring to is a simple fake, but since its uncomfortable to even peer beyond what you have heard and seen for yourself today, who would even dare doubt something that you found on GOOGLE, the mighty TRUTH machine.
There is one thing I really like about McCain and his peers: they are simple.
(This does not imply any prejudging, I like simple things, however even if something is simple and bad I can still not like it – and this I do.)
Dan I love you 😀 I havent had a good laugh today until now.
thanks!
Dear American citizens, your choice today will have a very considerable impact on the future of USA and also the future of the whole world.
But do you know that:
– Only bad governance utilize and magnify fear and enemies to gain more control.
– America and Americans have always been popular in the whole world, and only because of the miserable political, economic, and military mistakes of Bush and his administration, the anti-American sentiment has flourished and it is time to stop it.
– It is a fact that the whole world will be disappointed if Obama did not make it. (so do not believe the lies that McCain will do better with foreign policies.
– Regardless from political affiliations (D or R), Obama has proven his abilities for success… (compare the success of his campaign to the failure of McCain campaign)
– When Obama is the president he is going to be the presidents of all Americans equally from all races, religions, political affiliations.
Please Vote Obama for sake of USA and for sake of the whole world
@ManfredWisniewski
Glad to oblige.
@90 Said Samir
I have to admit that I resent what you have to say. You do not identify your politics, country of origin and credentials to influence an American election while at the same time people like yourself bristle when Americans voice opinions of elections in other countries.
Cries of “You are meddling in our internal politics” always seem to arise from nations that we make comment on.
In truth you know NOTHING of Obama yet in your arrogance you say vote Obama for sake of the world. You know nothing of America as we revere equality of opportunity over equality of outcome. There is a uniqueness about America that smaller failed countries try to tear down. Is that your case?
This is an AMERICAN election and AMERICANS will make the decision based upon what these two politicians have said and their policies and you are interfering in our internal affairs and present NO evidence to support your “feelings”.
Re: Hillary Clinton supporters
I find it curious that anyone would think it impossible for a Hillary supporter to vote for McCain. I did and so did my mom. If I wanted my beliefs /opinions to be represented 100% I would have to be president myself. I decided to let go of the notion of well, I wouldn’t……..but someone else should have the right to….
Sarah Palin is NOT the anti-woman. People are scared of her and it comes out as hostility. I have 2 very good friends; they are like night and day…….I relate to to them differently but they are both still my friends. It’s the same way with Hillary and Sarah Palin. They are different but I relate to them BOTH but in different ways.
The way I related to Hillary Clinton as a candidate is different from how I relate to McCain (as he is the Presidential candidate; not SP). He has experience (life and political) that I feel REALLY outweighs Obama’s. If Obama was really concerned about bringing change why not choose Hillary? Didn’t want to share the spotlight; not looking to make anything better except for himself and his priorities, or else he was holding a grudge!
@Jennifer
Obama has been selling for 2 years and has spent $1 BILLION but has been unable to close the order. (I guess we’ll know later tonight).
I would have voted for Hillary who would have closed the deal months ago. She would have easily beat McCain. i agree that Obama should have chosen her to close the deal many months ago.
I agree with Darin who writes that most Americans are not ultra wealthy and have derived absolutely no benefit from Republican trickle down economic policies (and war mongering). This has been at the expense of US Economy, Education and health and investment in US infrastructure. Bailing out Wall St and the ultra rich while middle and poorer class families are going to the wall with mortgagee sales says a great deal about the priorities any US govt has for its citizens. Americans have been disenfranchised by big Business and interests of the wealthy. America has not adopted the metric system and still uses the UK imperial measurement system invented in the middle ages. Therefore I cannot see Americans waking up and demanding an Electoral system that provides proportional representation and allows the views and interests of working Americans to gain precedence over the current power elite that dominate US and World economics and politics (Democrat or Republican). Mc Cain and Palin stand for status quo. Barak Obama proposes change. The world needs a changed America. Maybe a young smart, mixed race President will focus on American People, the American economy and mend the damage to the US reputation internationally. The underlying problem of educating US citizens to embrace a broader “World” perspective and establish better US education, health and improved US democracy for its citizens are not likely to be addressed or solved in my lifetime with the current “democratic” political systems effectively highjacked by big business. Good Luck to Obama. Good luck to American People, Good luck to peoples of the World.
After all the campaigns in the past two years, the world’s eye is one America. The campaigns have been inspirational. We have seen interest almost in every part of the world. What is important is voters’ turn out. If the turn out is as high as expected, it would make a difference. Hence there shouldn’t be complacency. Every vote will help and all with rights to vote should use this opportunity and be part of history.
@ Dan
Obama’s campaign has shown me how Obama will operate as Commander in Chief.
I believe that Obama didn’t choose Hillary because he didn’t want to have Bill in his hair. Hillary will have a powerful appointment in an Obama administration, and Obama didn’t have to bow down to the Billary machine to win the election.
@Portlandmike
I believe that Obama’s campaign showed that he is a strong administrator. I like that. As for Commander-in-Chief that may take some doing.
Wielding the power of the US Military is an awesome task. It takes some doing as Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and “W” found out.
My hope is that Obama calls upon McCain to help him wield that power better than his predecessors.
@ Dan
Sorry but I figure McCain will get a nice hug tomorrow from Obama… and a firm handshake.
McCain managed a terrible campaign. McCain has not distinguished himself in any arena. He’s come up with no ideas, and ran his campaign on imaginary faults he perceived in Senator Obama. McCain is history.
@portlandmike
There is no doubt that McCain ran a horrible campaign. His staff was the same people “W” had used. I think they torpedoed him.
Whatever you think about McCain’s campaign, his military knowledge is light years ahead of Obama’s.
Obama can appease many Republicans by using McCain’s knowledge.
Does any one know how many electoral college votes the US ex pat / US citizen voting abroad command?
ie as a average compared to the average US citzen
Thank you for the answer
I did realize that they voted to there former resedent states thats why I asked as a average compared to the average US citizen correlated to the differences between the electorial college vote weight of the different states.
I ask as theis people represent the number of electoral college votes that the rest of the world can influence through personal contact
thanks again for your answer
fantastic work BBC the fair, informative and steady voice of the free world
keep it up 🙂
Göttingen Germany
Re: Obama using McCain’s military knowledge
Fat chance of that happening.
It is just after 8 PM on the East Coast & it looks like Obama will win the prize.
Now he will find out a basic truth in life “Wanting is NOT the same as having”.
Making himself a Rock Star raised everyone’s expectations. There is no way that he will fulfill the expectations of everyone throughout the world.
His skill as a politician will now decide if he can navigate the shoals ahead or simply be a one trick pony.
I voted for the one seems speak in my tone. Not much faith on his promise. Let the time tell. I also want to be part of the American culture. God bless US. Best wish to all!
@ Dan
“Military knowledge?” What is that? And why do you think McCain has any? He was a reluctant student at Annapolis. He was a horrible pilot and crashed four planes. He was a prisoner for five years, but that isn’t an experience that teaches you “military knowledge.” He is a fence sitting politician who will be forgotten about in a couple of months.
‘president barack obama would be the first global president in a maturing global concept of our world. He would be expected to see his role as world president, as one of addressing world issues in a pluralistic way never done before by a US president. He has also broken the racial glass ceiling. This speaks volumes for Africans all over the world. Certainly means that no African can be stopped in pursuing their dream and aspirations. No one can stop Africans from reaching for the top in any area of discipline. He has brought to the light in a new way the fact that Africans have always been major contributor in most human matters and interest of pursuit. God bless Barack Obama. Long live the president of the globe.
Congratulations is due to Barack Obama
in every sense of the word he is a winner
congrats to the American people for bringing to reasonable full circle the notion of equal opportunity for all and also for voting for issues perhaps even above race and ethnicity
congrats you as a people have come of age
from ‘Sankofa” (michael francis grandison republic trinidad and tobago
America,your enemies fooled you they would love you if you voted in Obama or Democrats.Now will you realise the sad and painful truth that no matter what you do and no matter who rules you, you will never be loved.Yours is the most deeply envied nation on earth and you are surrounded by Ostrogoths, Visigoths and Vandals that seek only to pull you down.So why did the rest of the world clamour for Obama? Well, because the envious world saw themselves winning over America either way, but moreso under Obama.I’ll explain why.Under Democrats, who are more inward looking and less steel-eyed in foreign policy, America’s enemies thrive and their programmes are less liable to be shot down with a toothless CIA and weakened US Military to contend with.Under the Republicans they know they will have their work cut-out,but can at least depend on the rest of the gullible and stupid world to join in their hate rants against America.With the party of Reagan in power,they(America’s enemies) always appear to win the psychological war and maintain the moral highground.When the Democrats come,they can expect a wishy-washy,smarmy Commander in Chief more interested in maintaining his popularity at the polls than in defending America(Carter and Clinton).Either way America is surrounded by green-eyed monsters who enjoy its hip-hop and jazz and rap and Disneyworld and Hollywood but deep inside wish America dead.In a matter of days it will all become clearer.
@ Dan and all alike-thinking
You are wrong If you think my support as non-American for Obama is an unjustified interference in internal American affairs. I think you should already know that the global impact of the American president goes beyond American internal affairs.
When Obama came to Berlin and spoke to us as a global citizen was not talking about American internal affairs, but was talking about global issues that affect people in many parts of the world, and not only in the US.
by the way, I created a website ( http://www.the-president.us ) just to express my support for Obama and now to congratulate him and all his supporters and the supporters of anti-war, peace, freedom, and democracy.
You can not stop my happiness that he WON 😉
Your aggressive tone, generalization and prejudgment without knowing me tell the cause of my interference. Such people are the ones who create enemies and seek wars and are dangerous for internal and foreign affairs in any country.
obama has won……….lets go back to the essays of nastradamus
Martin Luther king’s dream of a race free society has finally being embraced by the people of the great nation of United States of America. Congratulations for your achievement. May the change that you have longed for, be fulfilled with your new President.
We have learned a great deal from you. As Martin Luther king said merely forty years ago, we should not judge a person by the colour of his/ her skin, its the content of a person that matters alot.
God bless USA
I am so Happy that, at last we got Mr. Change (Honorable Mr. Barak Obama) for United States. May be he will be able to minimize the mistakes of his previous Govt. I hope Mr. Obamas wise steps will bring peace on the world.
I wish him long life and success, from me and my family.
Saleh Arefin
From
Bangladesh
I am in Africa Mozambique, very far from the USA but close in spirit! I always believed that African American people dream would be a reality! And today, VOILA! May God Bless Obama and his family. And May God Bless all the American People.
Today it is a happy and historic day to all African American people, not only in America but also in the Africa Continent. Well done America! See you soon!
Lurdes
Thank you Ameria. Voting Obama was necessary. bushanomics sucks, stinks
The world has just had a breath of fresh air driven into it by the millions of supporters of Barak. ~ as a non American and living in the UAE the feeling I got when listening to Baraks speech was fantastic ~ Yes the World Can !!!
Thankyou Americans for voting for change. There are millions around the world like me who are breathing a sigh of relief that you have rejected the Bush era (though we still don’t understand why you gave him 2 terms! I would also like to thank Hollywood producers who had the guts to make films in which responsible black presidents happen to have brown faces. Without wishing to detract from the personal qualities of Mr Obama that have inspired voters from all walks of life, I believe these films broke the ground in changing the mindset of voters.
At last the right choice! Thanks God for herding back the stray lambs to their deserved path, where they hopefully may stay on and stick to their own biz.
God bless US, and the rest of the world, as well!
-sent to cnn to congratulate usa & obama.
-possibly cbc, later…
( To all media: u have full use of this note,
my only request is that u do NOT put it out of context,
please. )
2008-11-04-8:30pmPacific
portAlberni, Canada
————————–
Congratulations Barack Obama.
My eyes got a little moist as i told
mom that jMcCain has just conceded.
I gave her a hug ;
with an unsaid feeling that maybe now,
we will try a new approach.
Fiscal rednecks need not worry however,
as our friend “g.w.” has ensured that
the piggy-bank is not only empty,
it is inside-out !
Barack will have to govern your country with
one hand tied behind his back.
Look ; if all socialism means for America is
that some destitute and/or ‘joeWorkingPoor’
finally gets some decent shelter & healthCare,
then i am ok with a ‘wealthTax’ on the ‘SuperRICH’.
Unlike 84% of ‘joeReBorns’.
Jesus was a mildSocialist.
No ‘trickleDown economics’ for Him .
So i wish u luck America.
My heart tells me that u have a GoodGuy.
Give Barack a chance.
Please ; on behalf of the rest of us that also
share this small, but incredible planet :
* can we, all who share this blueOasis in a veryDark sky,
stepForward and proceed with a new way of thinking,
about our economy, our resources ( both natural & human ),
and the way we treat each other. It is NOT naive to think so!
Yes, i know the ‘badGuy’ across the ocean will hurt us if we
let our guard down, Kruschev smacking his shoe
at the un showed us that. Stalin’s 50 MegaTon tests were not
meant to run refrigerators in New York !
But here’s the rub , that we all should face.
That ‘badGuy’ across the ocean that is pointing Mirv’s at your
livingRoom, might be no worse than the dude you shook hands with
at the Office 5 minutes ago !!!
The Lee Atwater ( boogieMan ) documentary
showed me that.
The enemy can be within ; even within ourselves !
Do you know your history ?
Constantinople often ripped itself apart over ‘sport’ games,
ironically during prosperous, ‘affluent’ times,
where riots & deaths on the streets would occur,
NOT over the colour ( sorryForTheCanadianSpelling ! )
of their skin, but instead, it was fought over
the colour of their uniform ( & where/ what it represented ).
You know ; if we differ at the FamilyTable duringThanksgiving,
we don’t grab the turkey knives and kill each other,
the survivor gets the gravy !
So why should we destroy or diminish other groups in
society, and leave them to starve, freeze, or die of
unsatisfactory healthCare ?? Oh right, iForgot :
we just cannot afford it ! Well i suggest we all take
a veryClose look at where the wealth in our current
socioEconomic arrangement has ended up.
Hilarious is the argument that you can’t “punish the people that
MAKE the jobs”. What bunk. If i had even a small portion of their
oftenInherited ‘LeisureMoney’, then i would make my OWN job,
and utilize my own rules. Thus that argument is like a
bloated sponge,
full, yet trying to soak up MORE !!!!
Enough for now,
Congratulations has turned into a rant !
Not intended ; yet heartfelt, so i will leave it for u to peruse.
I hope the best for u America.
You & i both, only know Barack by his words,
as i have also never met him,
but it is those words that give us all Hope .
Soon the words must become deeds.
And this is why the democrats must also control the House & Senate.
Simply put…..
……………..to get things done !!!!
So i pray,
that the American People, will support & encourage,
it’s new and hopeful Administrator of publicGood,
over the next 4 years.
So ‘ keep the bullets out of him,
and may shrapnel never enter his car’,
else the people of the world,
will lose a very wonderful message of Hope.
A tiny point of brightLight,
among a crowded throng of mammalFlesh,
on a tinyBlue dot, in a veryDark sky.
Best wishes Barak, and America,
as u embark upon your ( & our ) NEW JOURNEY.
i remain,
anthony nader ( no relation to …. )
2008-nov-04
portAlberni, bc
@Portlandmike
Yes…there is such a thing as Military knowledge. McCain has it Obama does not.
I wonder though, why is all the hate coming from the left? Maybe Peter @5:05 AM is right.
@Said Samir November 5, 2008 at 6:26 am
Too bad but you just do not get it.
It is obvious that you only want Obama as you see value in tearing down the United States rather than raising yourself up.
I was also amused that you thought my tone “aggressive”. I guess you haven’t gotten out into the world yet. Leaving ones Mothers apron strings is traumatic but when you do you will see the world will not place a garland around your head and dance in a field of daises with you. the world is a tough place and Obama is an AMERICAN President that should give you hope for change in your own country. By the way which country is that? Do you live under a dictator or under sharia law?
Can you move about freely and have equality of opportunity? Obviously not as it looks like you want Obama to give that to you.
Thanks for the laugh though…I needed it this morning.
with all the jubilation, and all the so called high turn-out, i ask myself: what about those millions, those one in five americans, who did not vote? it has been a historic campaign, a historic election, but still one in five Americans did not care to vote, did not know why or how, or did, in case they were ill or frail, get no help from friends or relatives to make voting possible for them. In a real democracy, of course, there can only be a right to vote, not a duty, but I am right now thinking of those people who, even on such an extraordinary occasion, seem to have no faith in democracy or whatever other reasons there may be not to be part of the democratic process. one in five!
@ Dan and all the others who think like him.
From me in the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), and on behalf of every right-minded person in the world:
The United States has for too long sought to mold a world it wants, sometimes fairly, and sometimes by stooping as low as murder. If you don’t know this, then there’s no point in continuing – ignorance is the first obstacle to be overcome on the path to enlightenment.
Barrack Obama is a welcome CHANGE from 8 years of blundering idiocy. Idiocy that has cost the American tax payer dearly and almost crippled the economy of the United States. In case you did not know, that joker who stole two elections from the people of the United States – the same one in the White House this morning – has borrowed more money than all 42 previous presidents of the US COMBINED!
Barrack Obama is a welcome CHANGE from a right-wing unilateralist administration whose motto appears to be: “Create the lie, sell the war, bomb first, ask questions later, and if the victims aren’t white, they don’t really matter”.
Barrack Obama represents HOPE for a fair and just world, probably led by the US, rather than one in which a Republican administration creates enemies in order to have something to sell to a gullible American public.
Barrack Obama represents HOPE that the United States of America will NEVER AGAIN undertake unjustifiable, criminal military adventures such as those in Iraq that have killed over 600,000 men, women and children, or in Afghanistan (which continues to kill, and is SPREADING to Pakistan).
Without a doubt, the US must be strong. But brawn without brains (as the last 8 years have shown) is a recipe for disaster. Dan, if that’s the USA that you wanted, better find a corner and weep, BECAUSE OBAMA IS THE MAN!!!
One last thing: In case you haven’t noticed, this particular forum was set up for PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. So, what are you doing here?
@ Dan
Messages like Peter’s scare me. Honestly. We don’t NEED a president that is loved by other countries. Why should it matter if other countries like our President? I thought that what Russell Brand did about endorsing Obama was funny but now I think it was very wrong. Sure, people from other countries can have their preference but I don’t think they should have any right to sway American voters.
Maybe the people who are so ecstatic about Obama need to read Peter’s post! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy for sure! I don’t think they take the time honestly. Just go forward faithful Obama followers no need to use your brain…haha
Your election circus has bored me for the last 18 months or so,i dont expect to see any changes to the world, period
I recall Winston Churchill remarking “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.”
Indeed, it collectively took us eight years to reject the flawed notions of Bush and the Republican party and finally get it right. We have progressed from a nation where multiracial couples like Obama’s parents were not legally allowed to marry in one third of the States to electing a person of color to our highest office.
If one considers that many parts of the world are still fighting the same clan, blood and religious feuds that have continued in some cases for over a thousand years, what has happened here represents significant progress, change and hope in only a generation.
This is no doubt a tough pill to swallow for the Russians, conspiracy theorists or other critics who have used claims of a fraudulent or fictitious American democratic process as a crutch to justify their own so called democracies or agendas.
But make no mistake, government of the people, by the people, for the people, has not yet perished from the earth.
As a non-American citizen living in the United States for the last eight years–the entirety of the Bush Administration–I would like to say that Obama represents US as well. Every non-American citizen that I know currently living in the United States is a huge Barack supporter, and this is because he represents a global perspective.
This is a fundamental shift in American politics. I have never seen joy like this ever before–last night people were out on the streets, dancing, screaming, celebrating.
In 8 years here, I have never seen Americans mobilized like this…so much expectation but happiness for what is ahead.
DREAMT DEMOCRACY:
Martin luther had a dream,the dream was Obama.black man in the white house.God bless the American people for voting a noble,liberal and a charismatic leader.may God bless his presidency.Barak,the white house is all yours.
@ Dan
I’m wondering if the military knowledge you see in McCain was his support of the “surge?”
I think that the Presidential campaign was like a war. They are even full of war terms like blitz, and battleground, conquest, strategy, troops.
McCain ‘waged’ a terrible Presidential campaign. He choose terrible generals. His troops were ill equipped in comparison to his adversaries. His lieutenants couldn’t maintain won territory like Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Ohio. And McCain himself made countless poor decisions along the route to defeat. Most importantly he allowed himself to be controlled by his associates. He also choose a lightweight to defend America if he died.
Once McCain “suspended his campaign” to rush to Washington, he never appeared Presidential again. His war became throwing wussy epithets at Obama. And NoDramaObama barely glanced in his direction.
McCain did a whole lot of defining himself too. “Maverick” and “The Mac is Back.” Pathetic strategy from early last century, that made his army look ancient and … old.