Virtually everyone agrees that the reputation of the U.S and our ability to influence world affairs and economics has been badly damaged by the Bush administration. The rest of the world doesn't get a vote, but they seem to have an opinion on who they'd like to see elected as our next President.

The massive crowds that attended every sppech made by Barack Obama were an indication of foreign interest. But recently-conducted polls also reflect the preference of the rest of the world.

From the Los Angeles Times...

Obama is far ahead -- abroad

New poll numbers are in that give Barack Obama an overwhelming advantage over John McCain.

Indeed, Republicans will probably figure out a way to spin the results against him.

The BBC World Service poll gauged attitudes toward the U.S. presidential race in 22 other countries -- and found Obama the preference in every one, in many cases by overwhelming margins.

Obama's best showing was in Kenya, his father's home country, where a whopping 87% supported him. Five percent backed McCain. Italy emerged as his second-place hotbed of support: 76% favored Obama, 12% McCain.

The Democrat's overseas trip this summer that included stops in France, Germany and Britain may have sparked taunts from the GOP, but it paid off in this poll. In each of those countries, support for Obama swamped McCain's showing.

The findings for America's two closest neighbors? Canada: Obama 66%, McCain 14%. Mexico: Obama 54%, McCain 16%.

The race was closest in India, where the figures were Obama 24%, McCain 15%. As those numbers indicate, a large proportion of India's citizens didn't care to pick between the two. Russians shared that attitude: There, fully 75% did not express a preference. Among those who did, the findings were Obama 18%, McCain 7%.

Overall, among the 22,000 foreigners interviewed, Obama was backed by 49% and McCain by 12%, with the rest of the respondents taking a pass.

The survey also found that in 17 of the 22 nations, the most common view is that an Obama White House would mean "America's relations with the rest of the world are likely to get better." Under a President McCain, "relations will stay about the same as they are now," 19 countries opined.

I have to admit I never know much about who is running for elections in other countries, so I don't know how much other people really know about our candidates. I support Obama, but should he lose, I will support McCain as much as I can (Not in Iraq). That's the beauty of having our system, no one person or House is going to be able to totally control much of anything. I hope we will repair our image around the world and leave a better place for our children and grandchildren. As always, my vote will be split on parties when it comes to our representatives and local elections.

Originally Posted by oshunluva

Barack Hussein Obama should be running for an office at the UN or somewhere in Africa or Europe where he can do his global initiative work. This is the United States of America and we are electing The President of the United States of America, not President of the World.

I probably would not say it quite this strongly but I am very confused by those who worry so much about the approval of the rest of the world..approval from those who are jealous of our country and want to see us be less capitalistic and more socialist as it will serve THEIR NEEDS better.

I am with you...I want a President who will do well for MY COUNTRY.

what almost all of the rest of the world really know about the USA is confined to media input only....newspapers and television.
That certainly isn't a very advised basis for commentary on much of anything....parroting what they read only.....entitled opinions? of course.
Accurate forecast of how the rest of the world thinks....I wouldn't place my bets on it!!!

As far as a "damaged" reputation, well let's assume that is accurate. But what does it mean? It is a catch all phrase that actually applies to every nation on the planet in one respect or another.

IMHO!

BTK

Originally Posted by Bucco

I probably would not say it quite this strongly but I am very confused by those who worry so much about the approval of the rest of the world..approval from those who are jealous of our country and want to see us be less capitalistic and more socialist as it will serve THEIR NEEDS better.

I am with you...I want a President who will do well for MY COUNTRY.

There's a name for it. It's called diplomacy. We need that desperately now, whether you believe it or not. We are not a Kingdom, we are not infallible, and we are not currently the biggest game in town. As soon as we are all aware of this, you'll see how important our standing in the rest of the world means. I don't talk Bravado, I talk realistically. This country had better wake up! It's that simple.