Global Electoral College

Obama sweeps the board

Barack Obama wins a substantial victory in the Global Electoral College

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I supported Barack Obama because he can bring a real change in the world as it is now.
I just hope that the real voters in the USA would use their votes to bring in the change the Economist readers world wide wished for


Naw, its fine that the survey was conducted. Sadly though the survey is far from even a stratified random sample of populations around the world.

It merely represents the weighted opinion of Economist readers around the world, which tend to be quite liberal apparently.

It was a pretty little exercise which should be taken exactly as that. A pretty little exercise.


While I can empathize with the annoyance that a few Americans may have with the 'meddlesome' foreign opinions on their political affairs, I think it's important to keep in mind that this is a country with a strong military presence in every continent save Antarctica, has had more economic and cultural influence on the world than any other country in the world and its history, and is itself the supposed beacon for freedom and free thought. I would even go so far as to say that the people of some countries have more investment in this election than the elections of their own respective countries.

Pontius Pilate

I am writing in reference to the what was written in the article about some American's viewing non-American's opinions on their election as an "intrusion."

I work in a multinational firm with many American employees and I have encountered this attitude up close and personal.

And this is my response always and sincerely. I have an opinion, I am genuinely interested, and I care about the result because America embodies everything that Europe (and Israel) is still fundamentally incapable of offering. The chance of meritocracy, a nation of an idea as opposed to one of crude (and often scientifically fictional) blood ties.

I tell them they should be proud that the world takes such an interest in their country. That no where else in the world can two brilliant and charismatic candidates galvanize their fellow citizens with such fervour for the democratic process. In no way that Merkel could, or Brown, or Olmert, or any of the spineless, gutless, boring, uncharismatic cowards that inhabit the corridors of power in the "Old World" who back down (and subtly incite) ever growing racism, xenophobia, and hopelessness amongst their own people.

As such America inspires all of us again. It inspires us to be the mythical republic of laws and democracy that is a central tenet of Western mythology.

Americans should take pride in that and pride in the fact that the world yet again seeks leadership from the same place that has provided since the end of WW2.

This is why we would love to choose Obama. Much like in his closing speech he has appealed to our better angels. He is the American dream personified to many people unlike a dynastic Bush or for that matter McCain who is also from a WASP dynasty.

And finally, who America chooses as President affects us all. I have close relatives (all British) who have fought needlessly in Iraq and under-equiped in Afghanistan. I have seen the value of the family home plummet...

Le Monde may have touched upon something when they wrote, "We are all American"

Eight long years of good will were squandered by the extremism, arrogance, and violence of the Bush administration. It is time for America to lead the way again.

Go Obama.


I am so glad this "global electoral college" is meaningless. Bad enough all the illegal foreign donations to Obama go unchecked but heck, keep your failed economic policies, failed political concepts like socialism and communism, failed socialized medicine policies, and failed economic policies - to yourselves!

Obama and the Democrats will surely destroy the American dream, economy, and our way of life. Wait! That is EXACTLY what you want!

Their track record of failure is well documented. Their vision of how they see America and the Constitution is pathetic. McCain is the lesser of two evils. America’s choice is clear. Damn I wish someone cloned Ronald Reagan!


I have already posted prodigiously on these threads about why I support Obama, and, more important, what Obama represents. There are many opinions in the world, many dogmas, many ideologies, and many avenues down which reason and imagination can roam. But I firmly believe that when you combine a truly informed microeconomic analysis (one that includes considerations of transactions costs and externalities) with an informed epistemological analysis (meme theory is probably our best paradigm to date) and apply them to the goals of refining social instiutions in accord with the values of compassion, peace, prosperity, justice, and sustainability, we are ready for a new political-economic paradigm, an intelligently progressive political-economic paradigm, a mobilization of our collective imagination, reason, energy, and commitment to forging the kind of future we are capable of forging, to being humanists rather than tribalists, to being in it together rather than in it each for him or her self, to being analysts rather than ideologues, to being hopeful realists rather than cynical pessimists, to being pragmatic humanistic entrepreneurs rather than dogmatic militant automatons.

To all those who share such a vision, who recognize that the tired old ideologies of why we have to be viscious and violent aggressors and cold-heartedly indifferent to the injustices and suffering of others are not shackles we are forced to wear, but rather shackles we choose to wear..., or choose to discard..., to all those who understand that it is possible to recognize the challenges we face, the hatreds that exist in the world and can't just be wished away, the tribalism that won't disappear just because some decide not to participate in it, and yet not be swept up into them, not be a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution, not be the ones who beat the war drums but rather pass the peace pipe, even when with a wary eye and realistic assessment of the motivations and intentions of others..., to all those, I say, our time has come.

There is momentum building, and with it, opportunity. This challenge is not met by electing Obama and then feeling satisfied: It is met by feeling invigorated, empowered, inspired, and motivated. It is met by forming networks of the willing, of the thoughtful, of the compassionate, of the engaged. It is met by striving mightily, and happily, and lovingly, and cautiously. It is met by marrying good will to good works, reason to compassion, and hope to action.

We have tools we have never had before in human history, tools by which to form our networks the world over, to coalesce our thoughts, our analyses, our wills, our needs, our desires, our dreams, and to seek to do an ever better job of tapping the rich resource of cooperation and organization.

Be a node in our networks, be a leader in your community and a bridge to mine, be a fellow human being in the community of all those of good will.

For the cynics who read this and ask, what's that guy about? He must be serving his own interests in some way, aggrandizing himself for some personal gain. Well, you're absolutely right. I seek certain things in life: Comfort, happiness, friendship, love, pleasure, and satisfaction, to name a few. And the road I identify, for myself, to best satisfy these needs and desires is vigorously to participate in our shared enterprise, to work dilligently toward the refinement of our social institutions -locally, nationally, regionslly, and globally- to best facilitate our collective and individual welfare. Nothing would make me happier and more satisfied than to come to the end of my days able to say to myself, "I did the best I could, and enjoyed it immensely."

Contact me at The world belongs to those who care enough to act. Let's not continue to leave it to the most ignorant and ruthless: Let's reclaim it, and ride the wave of momentum that is swelling with this election into a more pleasant and progressive future.

Maine Ray

Contrary to DrumMan, I, like the majority of American, look forward to living with the consequences of our Nov. 4th vote, when soon-to-be President Obama will have won two-thirds of our electoral college. We'll have renewed hope for a peaceful world and that people around the globe will begin to remember that our nation stands for freedom and opportunity and that the vast majority of our citizens have a moral compass.

Yes, C-W, some of the wealth will be redistributed...from the very richest 5% of Americans to the other 95%. After all, taxes have always redistributed wealth by their very nature. How do you think public schools, Social Security, and Medicare are funded? Will businesses fail because of the changes that are about to way! And, don't be fooled by higher taxes. Look at the other side of the ledger for the past 50 years. Democratic presidents have a record of balanced tax and spending. On the other hand, take some time and research the facts about the enormous growth in our federal budget deficit that's almost exclusively under the leadership of Republican presidents, who cut taxes a little for most, a lot for the richest, but increased spending at the same time.

With Obama leading us, we'll gradually resolve the economic problems and international conflicts created by Bush and his advisors. As I heard former Majority Leader George Mitchell speak recently, just before the stock market tumble, "America is at a peak in terms of economic and military power in the world, but we are at the lowest point in our history in regard to our influence." Thank God, change is coming!


I have voted both Democratic and Republican in years past and expect to do so in what years remain.My choice for this election is Obama. He is not a deity, nor is he perfect. In fact, I voted for Hillary in the Democratic run up. I think the Economist Global Electoral College only amplifies those attributes that underlies the vision of a good leader: That Obama has the steadier demeanor, the deeper inner calm, the greater personal strength, the tougher patience, an equal power of intellect and the sharper focus to be president. Also highly important: Obama has the humility to be a leader, something this country sorely needs. If this little poll is to be believed, there are many, many interested observers who feel the same way. The U.S. needs be the world citizen that earns respect by the power of it's example not the example of it's power, to loosely refer to Bill Clinton.At home, the Republican Party needs to dissolve the "narrowness" to which Colin Powell refers. Should the party open their tent up to a larger America, it could be a formidable force and their choice for president only then could be reflective of this growth.


I read some of those comments by fellow Americans seemingly angered by this playful diversion. Some even seemed to disparage the right of the rest of the world to an opinion on this important matter. Baffling.


I for one, hope that if Obama is elected, he will reverse this policy of exporting democracy. Democracy is not an import/export, it is earned. Most developing countries' populaces are not educated enough [in the process] for it to work. The US population is only partially educated to the process although this year's elections have helped to remedy that ignorance to some degree.



I am an American, and I remember what happened in Florida in 2000. I am not terribly concerned about Economist readers (Americans are the majority of them, by the way). I am concerned that the general media, or, worse, Fox and their loonies will get wind of it, and make a huge racket. Recall that Obama's poll numbers went down in response to his enthusiastic reception in Europe. It's a real risk for a stunt whose outcome was entirely predictable.


To Sparkystrikesagain: 'I don't know where you're from ... what do you plan to contribute, besides criticism?'1. I am not an American2. Criticism works and I will continue to contribute through criticism.3. Support people like you who may become the vehicle for change this World needs so badly.4. Americans like you are welcome and deserve support.Go vote for Obama on the 4th and enjoy the day.


And the American people are rejecting the "politics of fear and manipulation" by voting for Obama.HmmWhat politician doesn't use fear and manipulation to win votes? Is it not the liberal's fear of a Republican president (amidst a mostly Democrat Congress) and the media's manipulation of Obama's image that cause them to vote for him?


Congrats, leftist media. You have succeeded. Everyone who votes against Obama is an ignorant racist. Or, maybe Obama is just a master of deception and manipulation. I mean, how could anyone be against such a perfect image of a presidential candidate?United States voters should vote him into the White House because of his integrity (he's misleading over his so-called "tax-cuts"; he's just going to GIVE people who make less than the arbitrary $250,000 [or was it $200,000? He and Biden are always changing what it means to be "rich"]). He (as well as all the Democrats on the banking committees, from Barney Frank and Chris Dodd to John Kerry) took lots of money from Fannie Mae executives, and he has a former FM exec on his econ advisory board. This seems highly suspicious, but to question Obama about virtually anything must mean I'm either ignorant, stupid, or a racist. All hail Obama, the greatest thing since sliced bread!!!


Aniscal, I'm American and I was one of millions of world citizens who wrote Congress & Senate & President Bush himself BEGGING them not to go to war with Iraq. In 2004 my husband and I campaigned tirelessly at work and in our community for Kerry. On election day less than 50% of the electorate voted for Bush. Yet he won. As you write, some Americans were drunk on power. And the flip-side of every bully is a coward: the people clutching their Bibles and guns, terrified of terrorists, loss, and change. And, of course, there's racism. But we're still here, hoping that this one last time the big babies will face up to the mess they've made, get over their prejudices and fears, and work together -- with the rest of the world -- to bring about changes the whole planet needs to have. Yes, I am willing to work longer and pay more taxes (within reason, for just causes). I don't know where you're from ... what do you plan to contribute, besides criticism?


What a surprise: the World loves Obama!

They love that he's young, that he's hip, that he's intellectual, that he's full of hope, that he's, well, not George Bush. Of course, they have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines while Obama and his University of Chicago mandarins drive any remaining fire out of the economy by raising taxes and unilaterally renegotiating free trade agreements.

They love his plans to make America even more socialistic than we already are, by redistributing wealth and letting the government run health care, and trying to pick technological winners and losers. After all, that makes us more like them.

The really diabolical thing about Obama (and his minions)is that he subscribes to the "Big Lie" theory. You know, the idea made popular by Joeseph Goebbels. Obama knows that if you tell a lie loud enough and often enough, it becomes the truth. If you refer loud and long to a redistribution of wealth as a "tax cut", it becomes a tax cut, even if the people who are getting it don't pay income tax. How can you reduce what is already zero?

Likewise, if you say over and over again that you're going to end the Iraq War immediately, you will be believed, even if you know you can't. If you refer to challenges to your lack of experience and your radical ideas as "vicious attacks", well, that's what they become, even if the challeneges are vaild.

The people of the world love Obama because they love political theatre, and he's the Phantom of the Opera. But Obama is either dangerously cynical or dangerously naive. He is inarguably the most radical presidential candidate in two generations. For we Americans, this is not theatre, and after the stage lights go out and the sets are struck, we'll all have to live with the consequence.


To NoahVale: Don't go back 60 years to justify that moron's action in going to Iraq, creating Gitmo (where he should be sent on 21st Jan) and talking like a monkey. You can't beat his stupidity. '......those are not expressions of the Will of the American people'? You have to be totally drunk to say Americans did not know what this crook was up to when you went last to polls in 2004. Americans were power drunk and were expecting this rascal would deliver the world to you. He has done it. You cannot deny owning that responsibility.Russia would not have gone to Georgia if your stupid monkey faced President did not create a situation where their intervention became absolutely necessary. You got what Bush wanted. You cannot compare yourselves to Pol Pot and his likes. See in absolute terms what harm Bush has done to this world. I would put the blame of millions of innocent lives lost in Iraq to Bush first and Americans collectively second. Congress backed him to go to Iraq and the approvers included Sen. Clinton. Only few like Obama voted against.So, go out on 4th November and vote for Obama and do not bring your Anglo Saxon pull of blood in play. Then enjoy the day.


to alex201:

Have hope. It was the "touch" of the US that turned the tide in WW2 and, more recently, stopped the genocide in the Balkans. The Israeli situation is a mess and, in all fairness, the Israelis seem to foment more turmoil and strife in the region than any of their neighbors; I personally think the US should kick them to the curb, but that other historical stakeholder, Britain, is to blame for their support as well. The horrors of the Bush administration are almost over and the clean-up will take a long time, but it cannot occur unless people of reason and good faith abandon cynicism, as difficult as that may be, roll up their sleeves and start doing the right thing. Know this: the tragedy of Iraq, the chaos in Afghanistan, those are not expressions of the Will of the American people, but of a destructive, greedy and ignorant cadre who managed to sucker their way into controlling the nation. The People are now speaking, the cadre is being ousted, there is hope for the future. Once again, the ills of the administration are magnified by the economic, political and military power possessed by the US. There are countless leaders around the world, currently, who visit the most unthinkable atrocities upon their own populations and, when they can, their neighbors. Just be grateful that none of them wound up being able to wield the full force America's resources. As I said in a previous post, " can look around and observe the leaders of many other nations, all placed in power by their own populaces, that make Bush look like a cross between the Dahli Lama and Winston Churchill, the only real difference being that those nations have little or no impact on global affairs...". I know that it's easy for me to say as an American, living in comfort and safety, unthreatened by invading armies, but it could have been a hell of a lot worse; the main reason it isn't is that America's basic culture (an extension of British culture) will not allow for the types of absolute barbaric, murderous, corrupt despotism one can see both previously and right now in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. What do you think Putin would do if he were president of the US? Or Robert Mugabe? Or Pinochet? Or Pol Pot? Scant consolation for the victims in Iraq and Afghanistan, to be certain, and I do not say this glibly, but from a historic viewpoint, it could have been far, far worse. Imagine if the Nazis had occupied India instead of the British. Do you see my point? Just be glad it was the US that became so powerful and not a culture who places much less emphasis on the value of human life.


I recall when the world advised Americans to go out and vote John Kerry against Bush the idiot, they retorted with 'not to tell us what decision to take'. Unfortunately the stupid Americans learned their lessons the hard way. Today if they still talk the same language and go and vote for Bush clone, it will not be a tragedy if Americans suffer a complete isolation from the world. They will deserve a harder response from the world.But I fully believe the Americans will go out on 4th November and vote for Obama and enjoy that beautiful day.


The trend is very clear. Obama will win. Unfortunatelythis won't help the Palestinian Arabs as Obama has revealedhis absolute commitment to Israel without any similar promiseto the Palestine and Arab states.And what of the ordinary Afghans who have suffered under Soviets,the Taliban and their warlords. Will they continue tosuffer as Obama adds more troops and lay the country to waste?I can't forget what an elderly Hawaiian lady at the Museumin Honolulu said to me years back: the Americans contaminateeverything they touch.



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