President Obama?

**Will** · 02-20-2008, 10:37 PM

With Barak Obama looking increasingly likely to win the next election, what will this mean for Anglo-American relations?

I spoke to quite a few Americans while I was away, and they're all very excited at the prospect of a new Liberal Democrat leader, and the first black president to boot! They hope this will send a message to the rest of the world, that America is changing. They hope to show America can no longer afford to be isolated or start wars against the middle-east.

I can't see how it will effect Britain yet, or what kind of a relationship Obama would have with Brown.

My only real hope, is that if America can find a strong and Charismatic leader, that inspires people. Maybe we can too.

Sweetpea · 02-20-2008, 10:39 PM

From what I've seen so far, I like him, and the first black man, well, it will be interesting.

poppy · 02-20-2008, 10:48 PM

I like what I have seen and heard so far, but it is difficult to tell spin from substance. I definitely think he is the best of what is on offer.
I also think the fact that the US is actually considering voting in a black president says more than anything else. This could be the start of a free thinking America.
As for us getting anything in the way of a radical change, that is a different matter. We went radical once and voted in a woman (?), she was about the biggest disaster to hit Britain since the war. It may be a long time before the electorate will do anything chancy again.

**Will** · 02-20-2008, 10:54 PM

I'm aware as the next person, that all canidates are only as good as their actions, rather than their promises. However, I think the important thing is that America is showing the world it's ready to change, regardless of whether Obama turns out to be any good or not.

poppy · 02-20-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

I'm aware as the next person, that all candidates are only as good as their actions, rather than their promises. However, I think the important thing is that America is showing the world it's ready to change, regardless of whether Obama turns out to be any good or not.

I think that is exactly the point, I never thought I would see a black President in my lifetime, well I know I still may not, but it's pretty close. I think this is way more important than them sending a guy up in a tin box to walk on the moon.
George Bush may have done the country good by being so bad, if you get my drift.

poppy · 02-23-2008, 10:09 AM

backhanded compliment and sideways insult. But is Hillery admitting defeat.

Then, reaching for her rival’s hand, Mrs Clinton shook her head and said: “No matter what happens in this contest I am honoured. I am honoured to be here with Barack Obama. Whatever happens, we’re going to be fine. I just hope that we’ll be able to say the same thing about the American people, and that’s what this election should be about.”
Her display of grace and unity touched a chord with the audience, which rose to its feet in applause. She has lost 11 consecutive contests to Mr Obama and with Mr Clinton saying that his wife must win Ohio and Texas on March 4 to stay in the race, her remarks were immediately interpreted as verging on the valedictory.

I'm doing my best, says Hillary Clinton as polls predict cliffhanger - Times Online