Comments on: A Short Note on the United States of America

By: PizzaForADream

PizzaForADream — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:13:49 +0000

Neither candidate even closely represented what our country needs now! We need a statesman. We need a leader. Unfortunately neither fit the bill. I fear we will not recognize our country in 4 years as the dems have an unhindered path for their socialist agenda. They have nationalizing our 401k(s) in their sights and a whole lot more.

By: Eric Deeter

Eric Deeter — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:45:09 +0000

Chris,
I hope you are right about Obama. I really hope he can be a good president. And I hope you’re right that he’ll govern from the center. I don’t think any of our leaders are really going to stand up and really address the problems we have. If we don’t cut spending and all of us make severe sacrifices we’re going to be broke soon. None of our leaders wants to tell the American people “no”. Both candidates were still making promises to various groups. I think we’re in for rough times no matter what.

By: Daniel Edlen

Daniel Edlen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:14:53 +0000

Here was my take. And being from Arizona, we were wondering what had happened to "that" McCain as well. His transparent flip and terrible campaigning left us scratching our heads. Thank goodness he was still in there. I'm glad to know your perspective from being a world traveler. That was what me wife and I hoped for, the idea that the world would begin to take us seriously again with Obama leading.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:59:16 +0000

Hey Chris,

Another nice post.

Don’t feel bad about the French not feeling comfortable with a black leader – I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a French leader : )

Seriously – policy wise, there really isn’t that much difference between the two candidates. Given all the serious issues and limitations, it would be difficult for either guy to make things lots different than the other guy would have… but Mr. Obama brings new energy and the apparent ability to rally large numbers of people. It is my hope that this period ushers in a sense that WE can move forward again and make more positive contributions to the world.

If in the 1960’s we could engineer a trip to the moon in less than 10 years then I believe in the 21st centry we ought to be able to build a fleet of vehicles that run on something other than gas. We should also be able to protect ourselves from terrorists instead of growing a new generation of American haters.

By: Steven C

Steven C — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:55:38 +0000

@Chris

ah yes if it’s the Figaro no wonder then…
but here in Europe we can feel that most of the people were happy with Obama being elected. When I woke up this morning at 6 am the first thing I did was checking the results, first good news of the day!

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:44:01 +0000

As a non-partisan person myself, I truly appreciate the global perspective. The U.S. is once again showing its desire to be on the leading edge of the changing world. For awhile it was evident to everyone BUT us that we were losing that edge. Although there is a great deal of work to be done, we’ve shown the world that we continue to evolve and embrace change. And, as a young person, it’s heartening to see so many young people conscious of the problems that exist in today’s world and eager to solve them.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:39:03 +0000

@Steven,

I think we’re looking at different polls. The one I read in Le Figaro last night was a different question, with different responses, than the one you cite. Yes, most French people like Obama, but when it comes to the idea of voting for a president (in their own country), that is when the differences come up.

But anyway, as noted, web polls are not scientific – I was just surprised at what I noticed.

By: Licer

Licer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:32:07 +0000

Great piece, Chris.

I’m also hoping that people don’t go off the deep-end with the ir expectations of him. None of this will change overnight, but I’m happy that it’s beginning to change.

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:14:42 +0000

The Poll on the French newspaper said:

What’s the best signification of Obama’s Victory?

The fact that Bush is Leaving – - 52%
The First Election of Black person – - 44%
No Opinion — 2%

Google translator doesn’t always work.

From what I know, I have spent 23 years in France, the majority of french wouldn’t mind voting for a black person , and they would vote for the idea not the colour, they don’t do community separation as in the US. And according to a poll in France 95% would have voted for Obama.

By: Crystal

Crystal — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:53:57 +0000

Ahh, ok. I can roll with that. Bradley effect could’ve/would’ve factored in, but like you said, in the end the overall win was more than expected.

I would love to see the data, ya know? How the precincts and demographics cleave and intermingle? That “Rednecks for Obama” slogan is hilarious and I’d love to see the numbers that pair with it.

More than anything, I want to see who the DC 7 is…the 7% of DC voters who voted for McCain. I wonder what their slogan is?