Barack Obama, the French American idol

If anyone needed proof of France's love for Barack Obama, le Figaro offered it today with an opinion poll. This finds that 80 percent of the French want the Democrat candidate to win the US presidency while only eight percent favour John McCain.

The poll was carried out by TNS Sofres on September 2 and 3, before McCain benefited from the Sarah Palin bounce but it gives an idea of the overwhelming wish in France to see a President Obama take office. Eighty-six percent have a good opinion of him compared with only 35 percent for McCain. The strong support cuts across social class and the political spectrum. The most senior French politicians at the Democratic convention came from President Sarkozy's rightwing UMP party, not the leftwing opposition.

The BBC found pro-Obama feeling to be strong worldwide in a poll this week, but the passion seems to run higher in France than anywhere. There are reasons for this.

France has an idealised and schizophrenic view of the United States that dates back to 1776 when King Louis XVI helped the colonial insurgents fight Britain's peace-keeping force. France feels that it has a founding share in the nation which bestowed jazz, GIs, cocktails, JFK and Clint Eastwood on Europe. It dislikes what it sees as the more primary, messianic and intolerant America that is represented by Republicans and personified by George W Bush.

Given the demonisation of Bush, it is surprising that the Figaro poll found that as many as 18 percent of the French hold a favourable opinion of him.

French misunderstanding of the USA has been glaring in the coverage of Sarah Palin. TV reporters have been at a loss to explain hockey moms and the excitement over a woman whose pitch is patriotism, religion and family values. France prefers American frontier heroes of the fictional kind, courtesy of John Ford or Sergio Leone. Few have noticed that Palin invented a French name for the company which she registered earlier in her career -- Rouge Cou. "It’s a classy way of saying redneck," she told The Anchorage Daily. "It’s a French word, rouge is red, cou is neck. It’s for marketing and consulting, in case I wanted to go that route" (No doubt she has been told that it should be Cou Rouge).

French readiness to take a dark, even irrational, view of America was on display again this week when Jean-Marie Bigard, a popular comic and actor, proclaimed his belief in the conspiracy version of September 11 2001.

"It is absolutely sure and certain now that the two planes that crashed on the (Pennsylvania) forest and the Pentagon never existed. There was never a plane... It is a vast lie", he said on Europe 1, a popular national radio station.  After a dressing down by his managers, Bigard apologised today but he did not retract the view, which is shared by many in France as we have seen here before (The New York Times had a good piece yesterday on the consensus in the Middle East that 9/11 was a US conspiracy).

You can dismiss Bigard's ideas as provocation by a loud-mouthed celebrity except that some people take him seriously. President Sarkozy is a friend and even invited him along on a recent trip to the Vatican and presented him to Pope Benedict XVI.

To take the argument full circle, Sarkozy is a good example of the French Americophile. He loves the ideal United States to the point of excess, as he showed in his rapturous speech to Congress last autumn. He admires the power, the can-do outlook and the style (His Hungarian-born father has even said that he would have preferred his boy to be president of the USA.)

But Sarko has trouble understanding the real America. He has never learnt its language. Carla Bruni, his supermodel wife, a one-time New York City resident, has been briefing him. She offered a telling glimpse the other day in a Europe 1 interview. She said that Sarko did not listen much to "Anglo-Saxon" music. He prefers French pop and rock artists because he understands the words, she said. One of his favourites is Johnny Hallyday, the evergreen rock idol. Known once as the "French Elvis", Hallyday has of course spent nearly 50 years perfecting his act as France's idea of an American.

Johnny even customized one of his great hits in Sarkozy's honour. Its title, Quelque chose de Tennessee became Quelque chose de Sarkozy.

Comments

[Cobalt]

"A cult of personality, a cult of personality, a cult of personaaaality..."

Europeans should stick to fixing their immigration policies and welfare states instead of worrying about America. If we needed their help we'd have their troops on our soil and not the other way around.

[bridget]

"(His Hungarian-born father has even said that he would have preferred his boy to be president of the USA.)"

I believe that he said someone with a name like "Sarkozy" would never become President of France and that it was more likely with this (Hungarian) name to become President of the USA.

[Thanks. I think Pol Sarko expressed both ideas. I can't put my hands on the original quote which was in VSD magazine, so I'll cut the line. CB]

----

The debate about Jean-Marie Bigard can be followed at Rue 89 (in French):
http://www.rue89.com/2008/09/08/bigard-accuse-les-etats-unis-davoir-orchestre-le-11-septembre

----

Obama's approval in Europe is very telling, given his "inexperience".

[Joan Arles]

I like the crack about American insurgents and British peace-keepers, Charles. I hope your US readers realize you're being funny...

[Greystone]

The French are looking out for their own self interest by wishing the USA to be weakened. Generally Losers are envious of winners.

Greystone

[schoendog]

That cinches it! If the white- flag waving French want Obama....that means McCain- Palin is the correct choice!

[Artemis Gordon]

Americans should vote for McCain purely on the basis of the French bias for Obama.

[DP]

Wow, if 80% of France wants Obama, then nothing is more clear that McCain needs to be elected.
We don't need a bunch of unshaven women and unbathed men to tell who should be president.

[TGC]

So let them have him, and we will keep McCain/Palin...it's a win-win situation! I'll even drive BO to the airport!

[Tommy D]

If you want the US to be a weak, third-world country, Obama is just the guy to make that happen.

[What?]

I heard there was an 8.0 earthquake in France today.........caused by all the American Soliders that died and were buried there in WWII, liberating the French from Germany, ROLLING OVER in their graves. Quit bowing to the EU and leave American politics to AMERICANS.

[Scott k]

The French, arrogant, snobbish people that they are, would love nothing more to see our country to become as polluted as theirs is now. Liberalism has wrecked Europe. It has been especially brutal in France. France is a disaster. Obama would bring this wreck to the US. So of course France supports Obama. Let Obama go live in France. psst... France... This is not France....THIS IS THE UNITED STATES. GO F YOURSELVES!

[Avery Won]

The Left somehow thinks Americans will go along with the opinions from other countries when its just the opposite!
192 countries - 168 theocracies or under totalitarian rule. Out of the few so called good ones remaining they are largely socialist corrupt bureaucracies - morally bankrupt and being over run at this instant by foreigners seeking to destroy them from within - its completely laughable. Go McCain with enemies like the leftist press who needs allies?

[tk]

Get lost. No more trips to Europe. We Americans are sending you a message: get f**ked.

[chantal]

"A cult of personality, a cult of personality, a cult of personaaaality..."

At least, most Europeans don't share the irrational cult of Palin that has helped McCain in US polls!

[Jon]

Since the French want Obama so bad, now I am voting for McCain.

[chris]

you said it Cobolt, if our country ran like the way they wanted we wouldn't be no. 1. Maybe France should take a lesson from us and toughen up a bit (alot). I'm sick of hearing HUSSEIN says "we need to GIVE" this and that to the poor....F that, earn should be the operative word. Keep what you have and earn what you need.

[Scott k]

The French, arrogant, snobbish people that they are, would love nothing more to see our country to become as polluted as theirs is now. Liberalism has wrecked Europe. It has been especially brutal in France. France is a disaster. Obama would bring this wreck to the US. So of course France supports Obama. Let Obama go live in France. psst... France... This is not France....THIS IS THE UNITED STATES. GO F YOURSELVES!

[Janet Fuls]

I can see why my great-grandmother left France and moved to the U.S. Thank you, Great-grandmother Aline!

[CarDriver]

10 out of 10 terriorist say anyone but McCain.

[bill]

The "planes didnt exist theory" is actually more widespread here in America and is not some sort of French whitewashing. And the conspiracy issue only arises due to the lack of cooperation the government showed during the 911 investigations. This article seems to me to be actually a Straw Man fallacy where Obama's approval in France and one French comic's theory are supposed to imply that the French must know something about Obama that we don't. It is meant as some vague indirect guilt by association and I feel is a piece of misleading propaganda.

[dennis]

F**K the French.

no one cares who the F**K you like.

We bail your asses out when there is a sqirmish and you think you can tell us whom you think should be or president...

[K.C.]

They should be thanking the U.S. that they aren't speaking German instead of griping about our politics.

They are jealous that New York is the center of the world culturally now as opposed to Paris prior to WWII.

[Dave]

If 80% of the French people are for Obama, that's more than enough reason not to vote for him. He can't be good for the country. (When did the French ever think about what was good for America)?

[Dan-o]

Has it occurred to anyone that France is a socialist country? Of course they'll endorse Obama. Obama has been endorsed by Hamas, The American Communist Party, the people of France.... Good God I hope that the American people wake up and reject this affront to American Liberty packaged so neatly as "Change we can believe in"

[John]

This is probably one of the best reasons NOT to elect Obaman. Why is it we never get USA opion polls about who the French should vote for? Would the French be insulted if we did have such polls?

[WE the People]

France with a huge population of Muslims, non? Well oui

McCain/Palin.

Obama is a weakling...and by Euro leaders as someone that is easy to manipulate.....they are right. No wonder they like him.
McCain is no lightweight and they know it.

[martin dijkema]

The french can gladly have Barack Osama as their next president.

[MB]

I hope more articles like this come out soon. This will surely sway more Americans towards the McCain-Palin camp.

[azloon]

the european view of obama is precisely what many americans don't like about him.

don't underestimate just how much of a 'rouge cou' nation we really are (incidentally, rouge cou is sarah's version of red neck, thus a new form of that expression has been created -- perhaps the french one day will adopt it themselves, if the academie francaise approves).

the french inclination toward belief in conspiracy about 9/11 show just how nuts the french really are, at least just as nuts as americans (and that's pretty nuts).

CB, it is just your opinion that NS loves the u.s. to 'the point of excess.' who says? and who says that because he doesn't speak english well that he doesn't know the real america. if you know john wayne and clint eastwood, you know a lot about present-day u.s.

btw, thanks for throwing we americans a bone. :)

[john walker]

"helped the colonial insurgents fight Britain's peace-keeping force."

That is very, very good; how churlish of us not to remember with gratitude.

All I can say is, thank God Europeans can't vote in an American Election.

Europeans are clueless!!

[dumdems]

no one counts in the french!..we saved them twice from Germany cause of their inability to defend themselves..if they want man-child obama they can have him..that will be a repayment for WW I and WW II

[John]

How can there are so many messages on your blog in such a short time? It has never happened before...

[cuchara]

Who gives a flip what the europeans want? I seem to remember they wanted to continue to appease Hitler and perform the lemming dance with Chamberlain... Churchill was widely unpopular but along with the U.S. saved europe as we know it. So go on, promote that Europe wants Obama. The Lemmings can't protect themselves, why should we expect them to think for themselves?

[manlyman]

Phuque les Français!

[spudder]

Of course they want Obama they want some more of those free thing as in a socialist government Perhaps if Obama get elected we will have a wave of Frenchy's looking to freeload. The new President of France is reforming those freebies and the Frenchy's can't stand it .

[Jimbo]

FRANCE!

Now THERE'S an endorsement.

[Teri O'Connor]

This is not a good sign for Obama. If there's anything Americans can't stand, it's being told what to do.
Especially by the French, who haven't a clue what America is about. Hollywood is not America. I'm sure they'll all be pissed off and amazed at how stupid we are when McCain wins.

[toxic]

looks good to me.. a country full of mostly cowards endorsing a man who doesnt want to fight..if obama wins and there was a war in europe who would come to save the little frogs ?..surely not themselves..they always look to the u.s.a. for help then trash us after we save there butt..A BUNCH OF COWARDS !

[Peter]

Strange, if they want the other party in office, why did they vote out for their leader that's Pro-Bush? You think they'd want the leader in their land that was Anti-Bush. Hmmm....

[Brian]

Why are there polls out there for other countries preference for the US President?

Why would we care what they want?

Maybe Obama should run for office in Europe since he is loved so much.

We don't want him in office here, that's for sure!

I find it quite repulsive when I hear an American say, I'm voting for Obama because he will help our reputation with the rest of the world.

The majority of Americans are decent people. The rest of the world should have a favorable image of us as we are already.

[Cartier]

The United States has become the power it is today by electing tough Republicans, and balances that with the compassion of the Democrats. They have struck that balance, Sarkozy is the first step France has taken in years towards reaching that balance. It is not up me, as a Frenchman, to tell the Americans who to vote for.

[Bruce]

Oh yeah... France giving us advice.

Look at your economy, your welfare programs and how you call the Islamic revolt in France, crimes of poverty.

[edfo]

Who really gives a rat's ass what the French want?

[Sharon]

80% of the French want Obama? Okay, now I have to vote for McCain!

Really, though, the arrogance is unbelievable. How would the French, or any other country for that matter, feel if Americans were telling them who to vote for in their national elections?

[eileen]

This is hillarious!!

Dave, K.C., Dennis, Cardriver, Scott K., Chris, Jon, TK, What?, Tommy D, TGC, DP, Schoendog, Greystone, Cobalt -

Wow! You don't have to worry!! We Europeans may not vote your President. You may calm down and each of you give your best choice one vote, - or all of you ONE vote, hopefully not more.

The other votes may go to Obama!

His voice UNITES people; McCain's divides.

My son's American. We love Obama as much as about half the American electorate, living in the US.

Charles - there you have it, ignoring IP addresses.

[Sonya B.]

Here's the solution: Obama should immigrate to France, England or Germany after he looses the US election in November. He can then run to be the leader of either of those countries and become Europe's "political redeemer."

An increasing number of US citizens see Obama for what he is: a lightweight, media creation with a socialist agenda and a huge Messiah-complex.

Europe, you can have him.

[richard]

Who cares what the french think..they are not the ones who have to live in america...in fact who cares what the world thinks...let them choose their own leaders

[gic]

Hey, what do you expect? The French also think that Jerry Lewis is a comic genius and that snails are good food.

[Dennis D]

Its too late for France. They have been Islamofied. It will be the first Caliphate in Europe

[Patriot]

ALL of europe and the U.K. wants B. Hussian Obama to win. They think that he has the best chances to bring our country down to the level of them. It's all based on jealousy

[Dennis D]

There is also a New Poll which shows no Consensus in Europe on who was behind the 911 Attacks. Same morons polled.

[anja]

What I am amazed at reading these comments is the amount of anger at the French. There is a lot of f you France don't tell us what to do. What are we 12. THESE ARE OPINIONS!! Just as we have the right to an opion of the French government, which has been expressed very passionately in these comments. They have a right to an opinion about about our government, which in the end doesn't matter because they can't vote for our president. PLEASE stop generalizing an entire nation. It obviously upsets American's when it is done to us, so why should we make the same mistake?

[rocket]

Sarkozy needs to understand the following lines from I am the Walrus before we accept him as one of us.

"Semolina Pilchard, climbing up the Eiffel Tower.
Elementary penguin singing Hare Krishna.
Man, you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allan Poe.
I am the eggman, they are the eggmen, I am the walrus,
Coo coo kachoo ka coo coo kachoo
(rhythmical speaking along with juba's).
Juba juba juba, juba, juba, juba, juba, juba, juba juba. Juba juba....."

Maybe he could catch the Eiffel tower

Coo coo kachoo Iz zat coco chanel?

Sarkozy in English

http://tinyurl.com/5k2bfc

PS - Heard the same preference for Spain on the Lord and Saviour O'Bama 80% favorable and 33% favorable for McCain ( a bit better than France tho')

[Parky Parkerson]

Charles, your excellent blog has suddenly become infested with unmoderated posts from numb-nuts. In fact, I think these recent comments may well be placed by one or two French-based Communists as they are an extremely bad advert for America. Surely no American patriot who loves the US of A would ever represent their country and their viewpoint so appallingly? Bring back Azloon and Terry - they are very capable of standing up for America, unlike the most recent commentators.

[American]

If Europeans like Obama so much they can have him.

[Tom]

Of course Europe endorses a candidate who says nothing and has never done anything! I'm kinda shocked at Europe right now though given the issues they have with extremism and terror plots that they wouldn't want a man who just might want to help rat out these scumbags.

[Paul]

The French should focus on their surrender flags. Oh, well at least 80% of them...

[enough is enough]

Oh yes - the socialist would like nothing more than another socialist (communist) to lead the world. To the French people and the rest of the world – I’ll buy my Freedom Fries in MY country - you can buy yours - in your country. And please - just quit asking me to pay for the burger - DEAL!!

[randy]

Wow.. thanks for all the absolutely mean spirited and stupid comments fellow Repulsican Americans. True class and intelligence shown once again.

Just so you do not lose perspective, remember that France also thinks that Jerry Lewis is a comedic genius

[rocket]

My My my!

Nice post Charles. You have opened up the floodgates. You may get 10,000 posts.

However I think that most of them come from the same person given the posting time. Is this true?

[Eyeball]

First off, Bigard is an mindless idiot. No need to discuss that nay further. And everyone knows that Obama would make for a weaker America, which is what a lot of countries want. Obama would further take America down that amoral socialistic path that France has already gone down. We have seen what happens under socialism, which doesn't work, and we dont want it for America. If France does not put their further slide into socialism, then the next step is Communism. I wish them well, but they have a long hard row to get the country back to Capitalism.

[Bill]

Apologies on behalf of my co-citizens. You've been linked to by the far-right "Drudge Report"; as a result, you have the equivalent of the Le Pen vote coming out and practicing their silly little xenophobia. "France" is a cultural buzzword, a straw man, in the US culture war for the "left"; no doubt, the Etats Unis performs a similar one in France's domestic debates.

Normally, they don't swear so much, since they're supposed to be Christians.

[marictr]

When I visited family in Holland, they showed their approval for Hillary, when I mentioned how liberal she was they said "Your most liberal canidate is our most conservative." I was surprised to see that although they had national health care, they were paying 400+ euros for the 4 people in the family over 18 for it while they pay high taxes there. My Dutch cousin was afraid of guns. Even after they were over taken by Hitler regeme. He would rather have who knows who take over their country again than own a gun. What surprised me the most was that they were not able to fully vote for their canidates. The parties voted for the canidates and they voted for the parties in a way.

I like to keep my money and not have it in the government. I like to have guns. I don't want to become the rest of the world. This country has won many battles so we can be free. I love this country and I do not want to see it fall away to socialism.

[dave]

I'm not sure why europeans run and publish these polls. One, the fact europe favors Obama only puts them in line with the world's terrorists, who are also rooting for Obama to win. Two, the so called world wants to see a weaken America and believe Obama will help them achieve that goal. Three, your opinion only makes us more resolved to see McCain win.

[Mike]

This is why General Patton said that he would rather have the German army in front him than the French army behind him.

[K mills]

I don't think that France has a vote in November, and frankly anything that France wants couldn't be good for the USA...A little personal message to France "Fluk U!

being popular with the French is one good reason not to vote for Barry. Who Cares what the french think???? As a nation can you think of any as pathetic on the european continent. When times get tough the French surrender and soon enough France will be the 52nd Muslim state

[William Goodman]

Poor France! Don't the French understand that socialism is a death wish? That is what Obama wants for the USA. The EU will fail because of the utopian dreams of its leaders, much as the USA will fail with the dreams of Obama's presidency. Please wake up, France.

[Enrique the Magnificent]

If it wasn't for the French during the Revolution, Americans would still be speaking English!

Um....D'oh!!!!

Seriously, between this poll and the numerous divisions of euro-trash krauts chanting O-man's name outside the Victory Column, how could John McCain possibly lose?

[Kpio]

Wait a minute...Socialist France, likes a Socialist American??? Wow, who would've thought?!?!

[Lee]

If they like him so much, all over the world; he MUST be bad for the US!

nObama 09

See why I, as an African American, can't vote Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBEkIzYiQa4

[Fan of Lipstick]

If France wants him, they can have him. (His French is just darling...they'd really love him there.)

How dare France and the rest of the world demand that We The People elect our leader just because they like him. The rest of the world will not be directly affected by his socialist policies that fly into the face of the very reason why millions flock to the United States each year. We are a democratic republic that embraces individuality, capitalism, a free market, not to mention freedom and liberty bought by the blood of millions of Americans in uniform since the late 1700s during the American Revolution until today where we are creating a safer Iraq and Afghanistan, which will make a safer United States.

Sorry, France...your track record in judgement is not awesome. And the fact that France and the rest of the world wants him is all the reason I need to vote for Palin, er, McCain.

Offsubject, can we cut off ALL foreign aid to countries who hate us/think they know what's better for us? Pretty please?? (The funding is actually OUR money anyway. Take a look at your paycheck stub...yep...there it is.)

[Rob W]

Vous voulez lui .... Vous pouvez lui avoir

[Robert NYC]

Hey - fortunately you foreigners don't vote here and I don't care who you want. Obama is a fraud and his veneer and delusion is starting to wear off. Who France wants? WHO CARES!

[Tom]

Then maybe he should move to France and run against Sarkozy.

Funniest part about this is...his popularity in France of all places will probably hurt him in the polls here in the USA.

[Frank La May]

Tell France and England to stay out of our elections. or perhaps they want Obama bad enough they can draft him. i know I don't want him. so let the Germans have him and he can raise their taxes

frank la may summerfield, Florida

"I heard there was an 8.0 earthquake in France today.........caused by all the American Soliders that died and were buried there in WWII, liberating the French from Germany, ROLLING OVER in their graves. Quit bowing to the EU and leave American politics to AMERICANS."

WTF are you talking about? Obama is stomping McCain in the military vote, military donations, etc. I think the soldiers are like "Ah yes, we knew they were good for something".

[Delaware Vol]

Whew, thanks France for your blessing... Saves all of us a lot of time and money.... Thank God for your seal of approval---we're SOOOOOOOOOO grateful for your insight and knowledge of issues that truly affect us "un-enlightened" Americans.... Wow, did I say thanks, if not THANK YOU....

[Rich the Baker]

Why would anyone think what we (Americans) care what they (French frogs) prefer? If they like Osam...er Obama so much, they can HAVE him. Funny though that they would elect Sarkozy, but prefer a wimpy little weasel like B. Hussein Obama.

[fanny]

Azloon doesn't endorse Obama anymore?!

----

And "the" American (you name them) "protesteth too much" in view of a conspiracy that should be nothing more than a passing illusion.

sorry.

[Anne]

And who cares what the French, or any other European nation thinks? As Obama is such a globalist (and maybe has more legitimate passport), let him go over there and run for office. And, since when does someone ever recommend something good for their opponent??

[GI Joe - Ft Bragg, NC USA]

Great information!

This confirms it: I'm definitely voting for McCain/Palin now!

I think something happened in this country roughly 232 years ago along the lines of us being not too happy with how things were being run in the Heartland, so we kind of left, started our own thing over here, and wrote our own document about how things were going to get done.

I really enjoyed working with the Brit, Aussie, and Canadian Soldiers in the desert and none of them shared the views as their fellow politicians. All mindless robots, huh?

However, I do think the press should keep on posting overseas polling and informing Americans just what European politicians think. It will make for a very happy NOV for many of us. Thanks.

Cheers.

[Rodger Lodger]

Taking my cue from Sen. Obama, as an American I'm not going to simply post a put-down of France based on all the usual reasons, as reflected above. I prefer to show some compassion. France has given the world great culture during its history, but now is no more than a tourist destination, as is Venice, which incidentally also was important on the world stage many years ago. OK, how would you feel if you fell from power and influence? A little understanding for the French, please. Their plight, their inferiority complex, almost brings tears to my eyes. I love French food, I've visited the country four or five times with enjoyment, I have a warm spot for them, just like for my little dog. That they still shoot their mouth off like De Gaulle was in charge -- so what? Let us Americans act like we're bigger than the need to insult.

[PGhall]

Frankly, I think he should run for office there. He did a super job of campaigning there and drew great crowds. He would certainly fit right in! No WONDER they love him so over there!

Yes, Obama is trying to sell your socialist ticket over here in America. I thank the one TRUE GOD that we have bought it just yet...

[Daisy]

Two striking bits of irony about this:

If Obama was French would he have gotten as far as he has?

The french love a Black American politician yet treat the Blacks and Arabs in France like crap.

[Taijiguy]

Fortunately, it's nobody else's business but ours.

[gina]

"However I think that most of them come from the same person given the posting time. Is this true?"

Rocket,
"we" don't care.

[Robin]

So we care what France has to say about who we should have as President? I don't think so. This is a very good reason NOT to vote for Obama. France is a Socialist nation, what does that say about Obama? Well, he is so far left that he looks like a Socialist. Now I understand!! Lest we forget, Iran and Venezula also want Obama to be our President. Are we seeing a pattern? Or is the Obamabots still wearing blinders?

[Gridlock is good]

The president of the US has many powers, namely commander-in-chief of the armed forces. But, the rest of the world needs to realize that our separate branches of government do balance each other out as defined by the Constitution of the US. After Bill Clinton was elected, there was a backlash and more conservatives were elected to the Congress and Senate and not a lot happened, some reforms in welfare, but not much in the scheme of things. And the U.S. prospered. Not because of new ideas or policies, but because changes were slow to implement(as designed) and GOVERNMENT STAYED OUT OF OUR LIVES. The US can kick its leaders out of their positions if it has the need, the governments we need to watch out for are the ones that create brand new positions so individuals can retain power - recent example is 'prime minister' Putin. Let's not be so concerned about what happens in the US while others take advantage of the distraction to literally cross borders and then claim the borders no longer exist. This is not a defense of US policies, either - if bad policies are in play it is the citizens' obligations to change the course, not the politicians. The rest of the world also needs to realize that John McCain originally was not the clear candidate for the Republican party because his voting record has not always gone with the Republican majority, something they fear. That only means you need to judge each of his actions and decide were they in the best interest of the US? That's when character and honor do matter.

[Owl Creek Observer]

In representing my home state of Illinois since the 2004 election, Mr. Obama has been worse than useless.

He was elected to office mostly by his Chicago constituency and he has little interest in the rest of Illinois, where his support is considerably less. He began his run for the presidency the moment he arrived in Washington and has done little else since then.

In other words, he would be perfect for the French as a replacement for President Sarkozy. Please take him.

[Travis]

9 out of 10 terrorists support Obama.

[erikiq0]

Well that officially seals the deal - McCain will be president for the next 4 years, Palin will run in '12 versus Hillary/Obama ticket.

Thank you France and we thought the Statue Of Liberty was the greatest gift given to us...

iq0

[Norene]

President Sarkozy has his country's best interests at heart, as he should. When President McCain and Vice President Palin visit, President Sarkozy will be every bit the gracious host- as he was with candidate Obama. France is a wonderful country, an excellent friend and ally. My heart goes out to France for their recent loss in Afghanistan. Perhaps the writers here should tour the countryside of France... The French tend the graves of their fallen American allies every bit as tenderly as they do the hillsides full of graves of French heros and martyrs who also paid the ultimate price to keep their country free.

[Bill Chicago]

Fine, the French can have him. For that matter, all of Europe can have him, gladly. Right now, his own Party wishes they could box him up and send him to Paris.

[Patriot]

France likes Obama? I will donate my frequent flier miles to send him there - they can have him (and Biden too).

[Daisy]

One more reason to vote for McCain: according to Le Figaro, Celine Dion supports Obama.

http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2008/09/10/01011-20080910FILWWW00504-celine-dion-soutient-barack-obama.php

[Avery Won]

86% of Alaskans (who are Americans) Love Sarah, sorry France that actually counts!

[pat]

Who cares what France thinks.

If it weren't for people like McCain, France would be called Germany.

I spent time in France. It was the worst place in Europe.