Comments on: Obama and Europe

By: caj

caj — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:43:39 +0000

I think Obama is perfect for repairing relationships in Europe..I think that was pretty evident during the election who the Europeans wanted to win.
He has such charisma and that goes a long way, also he is very smart and will fit in well with all the heads of state.
Couldn't have had a better choice for President in more ways than one....the country and the world will see what a big difference he will make.

By: Maggie Mama

Maggie Mama — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:01:45 +0000

Well, Bithead, to answer your question: "subservience" would buy Obama the continued adoration of the American MSM. The media prefers Europeans over the vast majority of the US citizenry, whom they dismiss as bourgeois. Europeans have je ne sais quoi ... history, perhaps. And, of course, such excellent aged wines. ;-D Even if he doesn't do the "lick their boots" routine, the MSM will probably announce Obama is their new "saviour" anyway. After all, Barry has such savoir-faire!

By: Drew

Drew — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:59:50 +0000

"..both because Bush’s policies aren’t what they seem and because national interests and domestic politics matter much more than personalities."

Not to blow smoke, but bravo, James.

I so often get blank stares when I press people to tell me just exactly what Bush should have done differently on the international scene, and what Obama will do differently. Once we get past the necessary and simplistic "the Iraq War," comment I get stone, cold silence. Not to minimize the war, but is that all there is?

The Rolling Stones, er, Obama World Tour is interesting pop culture. But now real European financial, trade and security concerns will be on the table, and within the policy sphere for Obama's consideration.

The feel good atmosphere and cult of personality supported by "Hope, Change, Moment in History, blah, blah" works for rock stars - and US Presidential candidates - but not for actual US Presidents.

By: Bithead

Bithead — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:53:41 +0000

Further, giving the shifting tide that is the EU and it's loyalties, it seems logical to ask what a shift toward subserviance to 'Old Europe'' buys us at this stage.