Politik | If the world could vote the US president
September 30th, 2008 at 17:28…. nettes Gedankenspiel
Quote:
November 4th 2008 the American people will choose a new president. The president of the United States of America is the most powerful person in the world.
We would like to know who would be the next president of the United States of America – if the world could vote!
In the presidential election in 2004 122,267,553 people voted. 6,500,000,000 people did not.
Our mission is to get more people to vote than voted in the last election. Mission impossible, we know, but still, wouldn’t it be great to see what the whole world thinks?
If we are to have any chance of reaching that goal we need your help. Tell all your friends around the world about iftheworldcouldvote.com. You can send them email, share it on Facebook (we also have a group you can join), digg it, reddit, save to delicious … Or all of it. So go ahead. Let’s see who would be the next president of the United States of America – if the world could vote;)
….. für mich war schon vor dem klick klar welches Ergebnis ich sehen würde, aber macht euch selber ein Bild.
via IRC
Tags: Barack Obama, John McCain, us-wahlkampf, usa, vote
October 30th, 2008 at 00:35
Everyone,but everyone I speak to here in Australia is hoping that Obama gets the Presidency next week.
October 30th, 2008 at 01:55
Majority of Solomon Islanders wish Obama becomes the next President of the U.S.
October 30th, 2008 at 16:25
If only it would make a difference. Unfortunately elections in almost ALL countries are an illusion created to make us think we have a choice and we are free. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are mere slaves in a corporate fascist dictatorship that stretches across the globe. Obama will change nothing. If anything he will make matters worse. In fact NO candidate would change anything as the ONLY people allowed to even run are controlled by the same organizations and families that have controlled ALL candidates for a very, very long time. It is a scam top to bottom. Just my opinion of course. Good luck with the election.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:19
@Brian:
hi, i would agree in the point that Obama can’t change the entire situation just by wining the election. In facts its a pretty bad situation to start presidentship for whoever will win the election.
But if you make a step back ppl have 2 options: to vote or not.
If you decide to vote you have to choose one of those 2 candidates -> with a small hope that one is a bit better then the other one.
Thats my point of view =)
October 31st, 2008 at 06:41
Yes of course the world should get to vote for the next US President, because the role is such a powerful one for the whole world. Actually, I’d suggest that US citizens be barred from voting as (a) so few of them bother to and (b) election coverage on TV demonstrates that so many Americans have no idea about the issues and the impacts of the ir choice on the rest of the world.
November 1st, 2008 at 02:09
Brian,
What you are saying is true! However it sounds like you are suggesting that we stay in that slavery even if we know politics is the only way we can be heard and change little things. The only thing that politicians like Obama, Clinton or JFK and others do, is to bring hope into politics, so people can cheer a little bit about life. Somehow we have to find a way of living and smiling again. From reading your post, you sound like someone who would suggest suicide or someone who regrets being here. When one may choose to stay out of politics, so he/she can be peaceful, such life seems impossible to me. As they say, “you may not look into politics, but politics looks at youâ€
November 1st, 2008 at 02:23
so true
November 1st, 2008 at 18:50
Dear all,
It is not that we all are so in love with Obama it is that McCain reminds us of Bush and we dont want Bush. The world is to small for War and people who want to rule the world for there country and there benefied. We like Obama because he stands for something different. People from the Netherlands wil vote for Obama, we hope that Americans will choose wise!
November 2nd, 2008 at 18:36
It is time for a change, and hopefully that will happen, McCain would be a poor choice. Obama is not perfect but much better then McCain. The United States needs do get back on track as the greatest counrty in the world. With Obama there is hope, not fear as the replublican party is trying the instill in us.
November 2nd, 2008 at 22:49
Forgive me for my bluntness, and maybe I’m alone in this on this site, but I am not concerned about who the world would vote for. My precious country was founded by people who wanted something different than what the “world” that they were in had to offer. America shouldn’t try to please everyone. Many countries don’t have America’s best interest at heart. America needs to be concerned about doing what is best for AMERICA and it’s citizens. Other countries don’t come to us and ask our opinion about their leaders. I understand everyone’s opinion. There is nothing wrong with having one (we all do) and nothing wrong with even sharing it! Where we could go wrong as Americans is voting according to what other countries want. That would be a tragedy.
November 2nd, 2008 at 23:12
I’m an American. I LOVE America, and I wish the world could vote with us in this election and help us to elect Barack Obama because I strongly believe in this man’s vision, and right now, he seems to be, in my humble opinion, our only hope.
My country is but one of the great nations of the world. Every country on this planet must respect each other and engage in discussion in order to resolve problems. We must help educate each other, listen to each other, and learn about each other, so that all of us may, one day, live in peace.
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:57
@lovemycountry:
Seriously that will never happen.
i dont see how the US tried that in the past so why would anyone expect it in the future ?
@Starfish:
hrhr – that is really funny. I really have no problems with it if you guys discuss about politics here BUT be serious. How can you explain all those wars your ‘lovely’ country is involved in if your comment would only fit 10% to the view of the us-politicians.
I would never call my country a ‘great nation’ but neither would i call the US like that.
November 4th, 2008 at 12:17
St.Lucia, tiny tiny Caribbean Island, if it could would vote Obama. Many see in Obama what they can hardly see in Mccain/Bush I meant Palin.
If you listen closely to ‘the mavericks” all they talk about is fighting….”I’d rather loose and election than a war”…arrogance and distasteful…..Obama on the other hand talks about ‘change’ that, to St.Lucians sound calming and peaceful. Americans know that and cannot continue to put the world in this crisis that Bush started.
November 4th, 2008 at 18:53
This is a no-brainer. In my opinion, Obama is the only choice for educated people. I am Canadian and am horrified that Bush has been allowed to run rampant the past 4 years. Americans need to wake up to the fact that they and their country are not respected worldwide. Let’s hope Obama can do something to improve the deplorable education system and health care…well, again, another no-brainer.
Obama has it in the bag!
November 4th, 2008 at 23:20
I cannot believe the arrogance of the blogs I am reading (and they talk about Americans being arrogant). Granted, our system isn’t perfect but under the standards set by conservative American leadership throughout the past 2+ centuries, the world is a far better place. We have repeatedly shed the blood of our young men and women to liberate nations under attack. We stand by our allies. The rest of the world better realize that Obama (backed by a liberal Congress) is going to gut our military and we won’t be in a position to help ANYONE other than ourselves! (But, we WILL defend ourselves have no doubt of that). That means no more humantarian aid, no more peacekeeping missions to far away countries, no more of the saber rattling that the world HATES but shows aggressive nations that they better stand down, etc., etc. All I can say is Thank God for America and our military. People romanticize that we were so well liked under Clinton and will be liked again under Obama. Exactly who is going to like us and why should we care? We have the French backing us again under Sarkozy, even though (gasp) Bush is still in office. Are the terrorist nations going to like us? If you think that, you are naive. Terrorists don’t like anything but their own plans to acquire power. Obama will not be able to talk them into liking us. Instead, he will make us look neutered in the world view. Of final note, these numbers representing how countries vote are very suspect. I find it hard to believe that Israel is pro-Obama given that under Obama, they are very likely to be destroyed by Iran. Wake up people! The world is not (and has never been) a nice place. Some humans just can’t “play nice.” They only understand and respect strength. One only finds peace through strength and respect.
November 4th, 2008 at 23:25
Meg McCuish,
I’m an American, and I agree with you that Obama is the ONLY clear choice for America. Please be advised that Bush “has been allowed to run rampant” for 8 years, not 4, as you mention. Also, many, and I mean many, Americans are cognizant of the fact that our great country has been on the wrong path for the past eight years, but not all of us made the Bush choice.
If elected, Obama will do something to improve our educational and health care systems. I acknowledge that both need help. But I have just one question for you. I understand that Canada’s health care system is available to all Canadians, so I have to wonder why so many Canadians come to the United States of America to undergo medical procedures?????? Could it be that in this country that is “not respected worldwide” the health care just might be a tad bit superior??????
We’re your neighbor, McCuish! We may have gone a bit astray, but we weren’t always on the wrong path, and we’ll be back on track soon! It’s called the great American indomitable spirit!
November 5th, 2008 at 04:31
I often think of myself as less of an American and more of a citizen of the world. The time for isolationist thinking is past. What’s best for the world will be what’s best for America, as well; only one of many reasons I voted for Obama.
November 5th, 2008 at 08:02
Hey…I wish the best for the world and am terribly embarrassed about the Bush administration….he has humiliated the American public with his actions….I’m hopeful that Obama can overcome some of the damage done by this administration…..YES WE CAN!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 16:23
I care not only about my country, but about the world. I,too, am embarrassed by Bush, and the incompetent job he has done. And i am saddened and angered by the war he has caused in Iraq, and the suffering he has caused the people who never asked for this war. Obama will do the right thing, and bring our troops home. I also hope that we (USA) can regain some of your respect back, in the world. Obama is a peacemaker, not a warmonger like Bush and McCain. He will try to bring peace to all of us. I have hope for this country, and the world. Peace to you all.
November 5th, 2008 at 18:56
Starfish,
I am aware that Bush’s term was 8 years but it was within the last 4 year time period where his lies and incompetency were exposed. I certainly do acknowledge that not all Americans were supporters of Bush and I appreciate their frustration.
I don’t know about your health care being superior to ours. I, personally do not know anyone who has gone to the U.S. for treatment but I can believe that if they did, the care would have been quite costly. The only reason I could see a Canadian desiring medical care in the U.S. is to shorten their wait time but certainly not because of any superiority in care.
Yes, you ARE our neighbor. However, a high percentage of your population do not know that! SERIOUSLY! I have travelled extensively and have been amazed at the lack of awareness of many U.S. citizens. They have NO IDEA where Canada is located and many think we live in Igloos. When I mention the province I live in, they have asked what state that is in? Again….Americans need to be educated about the world, in general and certainly their closest neighboring country.
I have traveled to approximately 25 countries and the general consensus is that Americans are extremely uneducated. Combine that with their arrogant attitude and a stereotype is formed. It will take more than your ‘indomitable spirit’ to get back on track. In my opinion, you’ve never been on track as far as global communication! It is possible though – but only through education and communication.
I am sorry if I sound negative but this is how Americans are perceived by most developed countries. At the end of the day, I like Americans very much – just wish they knew what was going on in the rest of the world. Maybe Obama will make education a priority.
November 5th, 2008 at 20:55
Starfish and Meg M.,
I am a Canadian living in the deep southern USA. I am a “weather refugee” seeking to avoid the Canadian winters that I so long loathed. I have first hand experience with both healthcare systems and find the US system crazy (experience as both patient and physician). I can’t believe the brainwashing that has taken place to make Americans think that their system is superior. Count the first world countries without government sponsored healthcare… one I believe. I can “afford” healthcare here…costs me $1000 per month. But…I have a deductible every year ($thousands), “copays” (I still pay a fixed amount whenever I see a physician), “co-insurances” (am responsible for a percentage of the inflated bill), and many things aren’t covered so I pay for those things as well. What kind of damn “coverage” is that? Plus, I pay TWICE the tax dollar that a Canadian would pay to cover US government plans (i.e. I am supporting healthcare for the poor, the elderly, veteran’s etc., I just don’t get it myself) The system needs an overhaul. Canadians only cross the border to get healthcare if they want something non-urgent done sooner than they would like, and they cross the border to get procedures done that Canadian physicians don’t believe are good (i.e. some surgeries for obesity). In some rural areas it is closer for the Canadian government to send someone across the border for treatment than a more distant Canadian city.
Finally, like Meg I enjoy travelling…getting up towards 50 countries now. Canadians put a flag on their backpacks for a reason…and many Americans put Canadian flags on their backpacks for a reason. Americans should enjoy the same welcome as anyone…nearly 100% of American backpackers are the fun-loving eco-tourists as per other countries of origin….it’s just that many countries only know visiting Americans by their military uniform….real shame.
However, after all of my bickering, America may have some questionable foreign policy, but at the ground level people are people and I love living here. I have great friends who share more worldly political views than one would expect. After all, 80% of Americans have lost favour (favor?) in Bush just like the rest of the world. I don’t think any republican had a hope after that loss of favor…Obama gives hope.
-J
November 7th, 2008 at 00:46
Meg McCuish,
We must agree to disagree on almost everything. I’ll give you this much . . . you’re absolutely right that many Americans do need to learn about the rest of the world. Some Americans, however, as surprising as it may seem to you, are very educated, and perhaps more importantly, are interested in other cultures and take the time to learn about them. Well, even with all of its problems and shortcomings, I am grateful every single day that I live in this wonderful country. It has done many things that I disagree with, but it has helped so many people throughout the world. And as for its people, never underestimate our spirit. It is our ENORMOUS strength.
Obama’s in—most of us have thrown our lot in with him—so for better or for worse, change is coming.
November 7th, 2008 at 06:25
Hello from a homeschool teacher in the state of Tennessee.
My students are researching the global reach of our President-elect, and I offered to find some international answers to their question: Why is the world so excited about Barak Obama?
Do you have any thoughts that I could share with them?
Thank you in advance!
Mrs. Holt
theholts@bellsouth.net
November 7th, 2008 at 08:13
Hi Elizabeth
from my point of view one major advantage of Obama is his age & cultural background.
It just doenst look like another 70 year old president continuing the politics of the last years. Well maybe he’ll end similar but one thing is for sure: Obama was able to give many ppl hope for a chance which is for sure needed right now in the staates. However that change will be realized or not.
At least thats what many non-us ppl may think.
Best regards
fidel
November 7th, 2008 at 20:08
I agree with fidel, and Meg makes good points.
Obama looks good on us for many reasons. I’m not saying McCain wouldn’t have done a good job, but Obama is different than many ways than past presidents and offers a new “face” both figuratively and literally. The following are my guesses as to why foreigners may like Obama. (Some of this comes from opinions voiced by my Canadian friends/family)
Obama helps alleviate some of the historical stigma of American racism.
Obama was not always filthy rich like almost all other politicians. He has lived in another country for awhile unlike many of the resort-lifestyle past presidents. This may give Obama some perspective that other past presidents have not had. He can possibly understand the working class-type income better than other millionaire politicians.
Obama is “young”, which is appealing for many. Maybe he will be more flexible. It is commonly believed that older people likely become more fixed in their ways and opinions. There are neurological reasons for this.
Obama seems to be more of a professional politician than was his opponent. Some of McCain’s “prowess” comes from being a military strategist. The rest of the world likely wants to see the USA less of a military country. Note that we have basically lost all of our allies in Iraq yet we’re still plugging away. No one else in the world agrees with what we’re doing.
The USA is a large country with much to offer and it is easy to be insular (i.e. never check out some other country). Did I hear correctly that Palin thought Africa was a country? Maybe an urban myth, but anyway Obama may just happen to have more perspective on what life is like in other countries. Particularly useful may be his understanding of other religions, as we unfortunately have relations issues with much of the Islamic world. Thus, Obama may appear to the rest of the world as someone who can relate to a larger variety of peoples, religions and cultures. We can hope, anyway.
Finally…social responsibility. Let me start by saying that the USA didn’t climb up to have one of the highest GDP per capita in the world by being socialist…capitalism has proved itself here. But…when we compare ourselves to the other wealthy countries, we have the highest Gini index (discrepancy between rich/poor). We are the only ones without universal healthcare. We have some of the higher crime rates (likely because of the wealth discrepancy). Obama, maybe just because he’s a democrat, could be believed to give hope to change some of these things. I’m not saying what’s right or wrong here…just that he may take the US in a direction more like our worldwide peers in a social sense. I don’t know how much non-Americans care about this point though.
Anyway, ultimately my guess is that at the ground level here, no one even notices a significant change when Obama steps up. When is the last time a new president came in and you though…”wow, things are different now!”?? That’s my pessimistic side glaring itself.
Cheers all.
-J
November 7th, 2008 at 20:21
Meg, one quick thing:
I don’t for a second believe that Americans are uneducated…I came here for education (my 16th year of university basically). And now I don’t want to leave.
However, I have always thought that proportionately there are less Americans travelling around the world than from most other developed countries. This is mostly anectodal by tallying the other backpackers and other travellers that I meet on my adventures. Of course, like I stated above, I have met at least 2 groups of young Americans travelling with Canadian flags stitched to their backpacks, thus throwing off my anecdotal statisics.
A curious remote outpost in central Bolivia took passports info from tourists and posted statistics. Despite being the most populous of 1st world countries, there were far less Americans visiting than around 15 other countries. USA and Canada were tied at around 15th which is weird considering that there are 10 times more Americans and, on average, Americans are statistically more wealthy (GDP per capita $10K more in USA I think). Why do you think this would be? (numbers of visitors was in the 10s of thousands, so unlikely a statistical error).
Tourists are ambassadors at the ground level. It would be nice to see more non-uniformed Americans travelling around the world and sharing laughs/beers/etc. with our celestial co-inhabitants. Speaking of such…I gotta go share beers with my Georgia buddies now an make fun of each others’ accents! …See y’all later, eh.
-J
November 7th, 2008 at 23:51
“I gotta go share beers with my Georgia buddies now an make fun of each others’ accents! …See y’all later, eh.
LOL. Yes, Dr. J – my American friends and I do the same thing – all in fun. I’m sorry, I guess I didn’t make myself clear re: my opinion of educated/uneducated Americans. I was speaking strictly about the education Americans receive about what is going outside the USA. Most I have encountered do not know and sadly, are not interested in globalized topics i.e. they know very little about other countries. I acknowledge it’s not their fault because Americans are taught they are #1 in every way. It’s great to build up self-esteem but it many areas, it simply isn’t true. The brain-washing is unbelievable. I guess I am just a realist.
I would much prefer living in the mountains of Bolivia for example, than living in some cities in the U.S. or Canada, for that matter. Back to Obama, I find it refreshing that he he is not filthy rich and, as you say is far better equipped to understand the working class and, because he has lived outside the U.S. certainly will have more perspective. I really like John McCain as a person but do not believe he was suitable in any form to act as president. Don’t even get me started on Palin. Oh my, that would have been frightful indeed.
There are valid reasons why the U.S. have lost all their allies in Iraq. They shouldn’t have been there in the first place!!! What a waste of time, money and most importantly, lives – on both sides! Ah well, hopefully this will come to an end and sooner rather than later.
Fidel, I totally agree with you that Obama’s age and cultural background was needed.
Starfish, I am not surprised to know that many Americans are educated and I hope more continue to learn about other cultures. That is positive to hear. And, yes Dr. J, it would be heartening to see less of a military presence and more American tourists.
Well, gotta go – am spending the night at the home of crazy Texan friend who is still very much an American (we’ve only managed to Canadianize her a little).