Republican John McCain got some good news from recent U.S. polls showing he is gaining support among Americans. But there is also some bad news for him: Democrat Barack Obama is favored by a 4-to-1 margin among 22,500 people from 22 countries surveyed in a recently released BBC poll.
That poll found that in every country surveyed – with each continent represented in the poll - Obama was favored. The countries with the largest majorities favoring Obama as U.S. president are Kenya (87 percent), Italy (76 percent) and France (69 percent.) Forty-six percent of those polled said they believed U.S. relations with the world would improve under an Obama presidency, compared to 20 percent who said the same of McCain. Thirty-seven percent of those polled believed that if McCain were elected, U.S. relations with the world would remain the same as they are under President Bush.
Although it is not a formal poll, Campaign Trail Talk readers also seem to favor Obama, judging by the comments they have posted. But the comments show that there are plenty of McCain fans in the world as well. Take a look at the comments and post your own thoughts.
International audiences don’t vote in the election, but many Americans do care what they think because they are eager to improve U.S.-world relations. Should U.S. voters care what the world thinks of their presidential candidates? Post your comments below.
Comments (9)
BILL
10 September 2008 at 14:51 EDT
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So basically, according to the polls, more Americans want McCain but more people from other countries want Obama.
Unless I a mistaken this is an election for the President of the United States of America, not President of the World.
I would think that the opinions and desires of the people of America would be the ones that should count and be listened to.
As stated in other blogs here, people from other countries dont seem to grasp what drives the American spirit - or has in the past - the desire for freedom and opportunity. The chance to make something of yourself with hard work and determination.
Most of the comments are saying how we should get along with and help everyone else.
With all the crap being said about the U.S., it is still the first country turned to in times of need. The first one to offer help and aid. Financially and other ways.
Leave us to our elections. Let us make our mistakes if we are going to. We will learn from them hopefully. And trust us to
make the best decision possible - for us.
If we dont elect Mccain - then there will be a reason WE find not to. If we dont elect Obama - the same goes for him too.
We see alot going on “inhouse” that people of the world dont have a clue about. We usually can see past the flash and fancy speeches.
Awang Budin Awang Jamaludin
11 September 2008 at 03:34 EDT
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The people of the United States of America should give Barack Obama a chance to prove the change that he want to introduce in USA much more the USA relationship with the rest of the world. I believe that USA will get the high standing in the world during the Presidency of Barack Obama.
Hitomi
11 September 2008 at 19:35 EDT
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With globalization spreading and the amount of influence a country as powerful as the United States has, I think American voters would be wise to pay attention, if not obey, the wishes of the citizens of other countries.
As we can see in the past, diplomatic relations between countries, particularily when involving the United States, can either resolve conflicts before they start or become the cause of military action. The citizens of America would be wise to heed the polls concerning internationals who support Obama. I do not mean to say that the American people should not continue to stand up for what makes their country unique or vote based on anything but their own personal opinions, I just believe that the times we are living in require the cooperation and communication that clearly other countries feel Obama would be more sucessful at conveying.
stev
14 September 2008 at 09:52 EDT
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By choosing Sarah Mccain was desperate.Americans might vote for Sarah if she was a candidate than for dasperate Maccain.Obama is the man.
Jenny G. Hammond
14 September 2008 at 10:59 EDT
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Our domestic challenges such as alternative sources for energy, climate changes, terrorism or economy among many others are impacted direclty by the globalization in which we all citizens of the world live. The United States needs a political leader who understands the cultural complexities of these challenges and knows how to engage diplomatically with other foreign governments to find common grounds to solve these problems.
Senator Barack Obama during his short visit as a presidential candidate to countries in Europe and the Middle East demonstrated to the world his gifted natural ability to connect with others in an international arena.
GEOFF NGWA
15 September 2008 at 15:09 EDT
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America before the Bush administration was loved the world over and stood as a model.
I confidently believe only barrack obama can restore that lost love if elected.
I fear Americans are going down the wrong road again with the polls favouring John Mcain.
AYUBA MAYOR VICTOR
19 September 2008 at 23:40 EDT
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he should be the president of the united state of america for a change in the state. America have been rule by white for many years now and i think a chance should be giving to a Africa America for a try since the state is a united state not only made for the white.thanks
SRIKANTH
11 October 2008 at 10:24 EDT
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I CONFIDENLY BELIEVE THAT OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRISIDENT OF AMERICA,THANKS
Matata
19 October 2008 at 04:10 EDT
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If democracy ment anything at all, i believe this the true one. If 60% of world population like Obama to be the next American president, American people should listen then