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America ‘Ready for Black President’ – International Survey
Posted by: Guest Author on October 29, 2008 Under: Africa, Community Report, Event, Feature, Politics & Policy, USA
Almost three quarters of people in the UK think the United States is ready for a black president, a survey found.
The Reader’s Digest survey found 70% of those in the UK favoured Democrat Barack Obama over his Republican rival John McCain and 74% thought the US was ready for its first black president.
In the UK, 17% of respondents said they were pro-American, 72% neutral and 10% anti-American.
Across all 17 countries polled, most thought an Obama victory was more likely to improve the image of the US overseas, with only South Africa feeling that a McCain presidency would have a slightly more positive impact.
Overall, 69% believed America was ready to welcome Mr Obama into the White House, with support for the Illinois senator greatest in the Netherlands (92%) and at its lowest in Russia (52%).
All countries polled outside the US predicted Mr Obama would win by more than a two-to-one margin on November 4.
The results also suggested the 44th US president will be operating in a less anti-American environment than is often assumed.
Most of those surveyed were neutral, rather than hostile, when asked their opinion of the US government, with India being the most enthusiastic as 31% described themselves as pro-American.
Outside the US, Mr Obama was seen as the stronger candidate when it came to tackling major world issues. But in the US, Mr McCain was seen as more qualified to address issues related to war and security, while Mr Obama was the stronger candidate for humanitarian issues, such as poverty, the environment and human rights.
The Reader’s Digest poll was conducted in the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Brazil, Australia, Spain, France, Finland, Mexico, South Africa, Indonesia, Poland, Canada, India, and Russia.
[Press Association]
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Muti This
Omotaylor | Oct 29, 2008 | Reply
I join the many pro-Obama men and women in declaring unflinching and uneqivocal support for OBAMA. I have followed the race for US presidency with dogged attention, and without any trace of bias or subjectivity, I can candidly say that OBAMA is the better prepared of the two for US presidency. I note with relief and happiness, that along the line, the trend has sort of changed in America, hence many people within and outside America are ready for a Black President. Roll on November 4th, OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT. Peace
tom | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
Sorry all you racists,but he is not black or is he white,he is mixed heritage, why does everyone run from the truth?
Misi | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
That question has been on my mind since Obama won the primaries and the good thing is that the question will be answered on Tuesday when Americans cast their votes. Some times I am tempted to say America is ready for a black president until I hear the way some Caucasian perceive the possibility of a black man running America and the Bradley effect then I start to doubt. Anyway in a couple of days we will find out if the polls have been true or whether people when left alone in their booth suddenly get nervous about the prospect of a black president and end up voting McCain because he is a “safer white” choice.
Omotaylor | Nov 1, 2008 | Reply
@Tom, from time immemorial, I was made to believe that mixed race people are called black. I have never seen this as a negative thing but a positive thing for pre-eminence and dominance is given to the black half of the mixed race person. Well where does the racism come in? For being black and proud? For the black man trying to prove to the world that there is nothing in being black, and that all humans are equal? Obama is a better choice over McCain, not because of the colour (I see McCain is of Irish descent by the name), but because he is an embodiment of change and brings something fresh to the American presidency race. Obama is winning because Americans are not fooled by the same gift wrapped in a different paper. McCain will only give to America what Bush has given for years and this is not good for the whole world, hence OBAMA for president. I’m still black and proud and will never begrudge anyone for being white and proud. Lastly will you call all the Whites in America and all over the world racist for calling Obama Black? Peace bruv!
Omotaylor | Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
This is the very last day before the d-day in the greatest American Polls so far. Obama has brought something new and fresh and hopeful into American Politics. Would Obama be given a chance for a governance of CHANGE in America? I very much hope so. When a continent becomes stagnant or witness a downward trend in fortune, maybe this radical change is the answer.
I sincerely pray and hope that Obama, who is currently ahead of McCain is dealt with fairly. I pray that the machines that count the vote function undoctored. I pray that the hopes and wishes of all those voters who were disillusioned till Obama came into the picture and who want a change, are not dashed.
I pray that the undecided voters, take a good look at the picture on ground, i.e. what Obama really represents (i.e. Obama as a symbol of hope, reawakening, change and vibrance); and go out there to vote for Obama. This is not a race thing but a breaking of the myth that American Presidency or Presidency in any country or continent is not just for a group but for all Eligible all.
No race or colour should be placed in compartmentalised boxes and held captive forever. It’s time to break free and this time is NOW.
Please do your own bit either in prayers, in convincing people around you and even in accepting in your own minds that White or Black or Mixed Race, what matters is that OBAMA will deliver. Remember what happened between Al Gore and Bush, only God knows the real truth about the recounted ballots. But see what the Bush administration has done to America. The voice of McCain saying I AM NOT GEORGE BUSH rings over and over in my ears. But isn’t he – policy wise?
Peace :0