America cannot afford to isolate itself with overly hawkish views on foreign matters. I’m not saying McCain can’t improve our standing in the world (as these polls suggest)…but the days of not caring what European and other world nations think of us must be left in the past. In the 40′ and 50’s we could afford to be almost isolationist, we were virtually self sufficient economically. The events of the cold war drew western Europe closer together, and us closer to western Europe…The fall of communism opened up a whole bloc of the world, and now the internet has put it all at our fingertips.

As we move more and more towards a global community, the role of Biggest kid in the sandbox is beginning to become more of a liability than it is an asset.

I also just have to say as a side note, I find it very humorous that anything European is instantly labeled “Elitist” by many in America…on both sides of the aisle, admittedly, but certainly less from the left.

There are many “small towns” all across Europe…there is a huge amount of farming…if not where would they get their food? There is construction, there are roads to be maintained, restaurants to work at, trains and buses to operate. I think many of us over here have this view of crusty old liberal bankers sitting at the opera discussing the strengths of Socialism over cigars and brandy. Obviously this is not the case for the pig farmers of Ireland, the grape growers in Germany’s Mosel valley, the scaffolding of London, and the grocery clerk in Prague.

I’m not saying they are correct in their assumption that the best thing for America OR their little slice of the world is Obama, but I do think that world opinion of a potential leader can no longer be cast aside when there is so much at stake in maintaining fragile economic,diplomatic and political alliances. For instance, look how our relationship with France has improved with Sarkozy, and how the entire world is now pulling their money out of an increasingly nationalistic climate in Russia. World opinion matters more now than it used to…I guess that’s kind of the long story short way to put it.

http://www.metimes.com/International/2008/09/05/mccain-palin_ticket_chills_arabs_muslims/8625/

FDNY All gave some
Some gave all

C’mon, you’re ruled by a Queen! You’re just jealous because your post-menopausal, budget-sucking, powdernose wouldn’t even know how to load a rifle.
 
theRealMcCoy on September 9, 2008 at 2:06 PM

 
Hey! Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Mountbatten-Windsor is no powdernose. During WWII at the tender age of nineteen,

“… [Princess Elizabeth] joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she was known as No. 230873, Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor. She trained as a driver, and drove a military truck while she served,[17][18] making her the first, and so far only, female member of the Royal Family to actively serve in the armed forces…” [Wikipedia]

 
There’s a lovely photo on that page showing her in coveralls, changing a truck tire. Even now, at the age of 82, she still drives a Jeep around on her estates.
 
And although she’s probably never bagged a moose, I’m willing to bet she’s put away more than a few deer, grouse, partridge, random waterfowl, etc. The British aristocracy (what’s left of them, anyway) are some of the most enthusiastic hunters on the planet, so it’s probably not true to say she “wouldn’t even know how to load a rifle.” So don’t you be dissin’ Lizzie, my friend! :-)

Did I miss something important?

/runs screaming

Then when they have trouble with the bullies in the world, where will they turn if Obambi has decimated the military and disheartened the troops?

What country spends zillions on entertainment? On technology? On medical research? Who does the world turn to when there is a natrual disaster? Weaken the US and literally, the whole world suffers, and they know it.

This is why I too don’t give a rat’s behind what the world thinks about our election. They want a loser, then they can elect one – oops, many already have!

Obambi for president of the UN

Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on September 9, 2008 at 2:39 PM

Obama for God-Emperor of the world.

Oh, Gee, you guys can’t vote in OUR ELECTIONS – YOU IDIOTS.

But in the case of Mexico, one of the 22 countries polled, thats not strictly true.

Dave Rywall on September 9, 2008 at 3:29 PM

Trolling?

Davie, baby, you were an insufferable bore over at CQ…and yet you persist in trying to pretend gravitas here?

What’s your point, mon petit cochon?

Darth Executor on September 9, 2008 at 2:34 PM

From my experience traveling overseas, most people get their information about the U.S. from CNN. Last time I was in Asia, the person I was working with asked why everyone in the U.S. hates Bush.

FWIW, most people I have encountered overseas like Americans, but don’t like our government. The feelings are less strong when a Dem is in control, because then they feel the U.S. is more in tune with their socialist ways.

this really seems to be upsetting you all a great deal.

Not at all. The more it happens, the worse for your camp. Have at it. Promote it.

But I guess the fact that the rest of the world wants Obama is hard for you to believe…

Dave Rywall on September 9, 2008 at 3:19 PM

Oh, I’ve always believed it. That’s why I love it so much.

Dave Rywall on September 9, 2008 at 3:19 PM

They wanted Kerry, too. And that’s what did him in.