BBC poll: Rest of world favours Obama
kyle4jem
Posts: 1,400 Member
I found this very interesting - not totally unsurprising, though.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20008687
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20008687
A BBC World Service opinion poll has found sharply higher overseas approval ratings for US President Barack Obama than Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
An average of 50% favoured Mr Obama, with 9% for Mr Romney, in the survey of 21,797 people in 21 countries.
Only Pakistan's respondents said they would prefer to see Mr Romney win November's election.
France was the most strongly pro-Obama (72%).
The survey was conducted by GlobeScan/PIPA between 3 July and 3 September.
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Replies
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1. Incumbents always have an advantage.
2. 21 countries can hardly be called "the rest of the world."
3. Mitt Romney has no foreign policy experience, so the rest of the world has nothing to judge on.
4. I do not trust British media to accurately report anything to do with the US. They have an attitude.
Thus saith the registered democrat.0 -
as part of the rest of the world I have to say that
1. apart from politicians of course, we don't really care that much
2. the fact that we don't care means we do not have a lot of knowledge about both candidates programs, so if asked, we would most likely go for a name we already know.
I do have access to tv and internet and know quite a lot about politics in Poland (place of birth) and Spain (where I live) but honestly I have no idea what Romney represents, all I know is that he has "binders full of women" so yeah if you make me pick, Obama it is0 -
I wouldn't give this any merit. Other countries see Obama as the media portrays him, a celebrity. That is all.0
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No one here knows what Romney represents either. :laugh:as part of the rest of the world I have to say that
1. apart from politicians of course, we don't really care that much
2. the fact that we don't care means we do not have a lot of knowledge about both candidates programs, so if asked, we would most likely go for a name we already know.
I do have access to tv and internet and know quite a lot about politics in Poland (place of birth) and Spain (where I live) but honestly I have no idea what Romney represents, all I know is that he has "binders full of women" so yeah if you make me pick, Obama it is0 -
Moreso than in the US, the rest of the world is on the receiving end of US foreign policy, so the outlook is different than ours. Outside of 9/11, the US has never had to face the consequences of its foreign policy at home.
The level of antipathy towards the Bush administration by the international community cannot be overstated. World leaders also know something that most Americans seem blissfully unaware of--the Romney foreign policy team is Bush II, the sequel. And Romney has shown himself to be absolutely clueless--I mean, we're talking Palin-level here--about the world and about foreign policy.
This poll is of minor importance--but it reflects the view of many Europeans and the results have been replicated in a number of other European polls recently. The findings also jive with many world leaders who are uneasy about the prospect of a Romney presidency. As stated in a recent column in The Atlantic:The problem under Bush wasn't just that America was disliked by the Arab world because of the Iraq War and the administration's support for torture techniques like water-boarding -- it was that our standing with our European allies tumbled. It's hard to see how Romney could improve upon what Obama has done to repair those relationships in the near-term, given his well-demonstrated disdain for European social attitudes and economic policies, and what a shock an Obama loss would be to European citizens.
Because of our size and geographic isolation, Americans have always had the luxury of not caring about world events and not caring about the consequences of our foreign policies. We have the luxury of seeing the world as a reality show/cowboy movie, through which we can swagger to our heart's content.
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.0 -
Actually, where I live, people think both Bush and Obama are bad, but have no opinion of Romney. Because, on the receiving end of foreign policy, people hate inconsistancy even more than they hate bad policy, and Obama is routinely either sticking his foot in his mouth or taking a position too late. Americans just tend to think that foreigners like as president who they like as president (this is a conceit of both Democrats and Republicans).
Edit: And no one cares about Europe except for its ability to a) provide aid and b) import goods because Europe doesn't really do anything on the international stage.0 -
Romney foreign policy understanding in a nutshell:
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Last nights debate was fricking hilarious. If you missed it, it went basically like this.
Romney- "Mr' President, while I agree with most of what you have done in the Middle East, I disagree with the one doing it."0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
You surround yourself with the expertise you need when you get in office. It's what Obama did and what every president before him did. Romney is as qualified if not more qualified then Obama was four years ago.0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
You surround yourself with the expertise you need when you get in office. It's what Obama did and what every president before him did. Romney is as qualified if not more qualified then Obama was four years ago.
So you vote him in and hope he hires good people? Reagan had Bush Sr., Clinton had Gore, W had Cheney and Obama had Binden. I will ask again, who does Romney have?0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
You surround yourself with the expertise you need when you get in office. It's what Obama did and what every president before him did. Romney is as qualified if not more qualified then Obama was four years ago.
So you vote him in and hope he hires good people? Reagan had Bush Sr., Clinton had Gore, W had Cheney and Obama had Binden. I will ask again, who does Romney have?
Pretty sure I can find some Democrats that would find Bush Sr and Cheney worthless if not dangerous. Presidents get elected and then they surround themselves with advisers. There is really no argument here ;p.
btw.. what did Quayle bring to the table?0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
You surround yourself with the expertise you need when you get in office. It's what Obama did and what every president before him did. Romney is as qualified if not more qualified then Obama was four years ago.
So you vote him in and hope he hires good people? Reagan had Bush Sr., Clinton had Gore, W had Cheney and Obama had Binden. I will ask again, who does Romney have?
Pretty sure I can find some Democrats that would find Bush Sr and Cheney worthless if not dangerous. Presidents get elected and then they surround themselves with advisers. There is really no argument here ;p.
btw.. what did Quayle bring to the table?
But they both had substantial foreign policy and armed forces experience. I don't disagree that it is important for a president to surround themselves with strong advisers but there has to be some foreign policy chops in the main ticket.
Dan Quayle was supposed to bring in the young vote as well as the female vote. Bush Sr. had foreign policy covered.0 -
I trust BBC News far more than any of the paid off media outlets here in the US0
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Not sure if, as a member of 'The rest of the world' I can give an unbiased opinion. I am from England and as some have suggested the British media does appear to prefer Obama to Romney.
I don't know much about politics but as someone who has many homosexual friends I hope that Obama wins, but that is simply because I am a huge supporter of equal marriage. I also think that Obama hasn't done a bad job. I can't say for certain because I don't live or know anyone who lives in America .... but .... yeah ....0 -
I trust BBC News far more than any of the paid off media outlets here in the US
this0 -
The Rest of the World, here, chiming in to agree with Azdak. Romney is too far out of alignment with the majority of the rest of the western world's leadership and priorities, both in economic and social policy terms, not to mention the prospect of US foreign policy a la Bush Mark 3 gives most of the rest of the hemisphere heebie-jeebies. It doesn't really say anything good about the man that Pakistan is the only one of the countries sampled where he is the favoured candidate...
Choking somewhat on the assertion that Europe "doesn't really do anything", but typing on an iPhone at nearly 1am is going to give me RSI if I respond to that one right now. In the morning, my time, I shall return.0 -
I do believe Romney suggested the America's reputation and influence has diminished since Obama took office. This at least offers a counter argument.0
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Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
Yes, because Biden is so smart. Please, the guy thought the Alaska Pipeline was a bad idea.0 -
The Rest of the World, here, chiming in to agree with Azdak. Romney is too far out of alignment with the majority of the rest of the western world's leadership and priorities, both in economic and social policy terms, not to mention the prospect of US foreign policy a la Bush Mark 3 gives most of the rest of the hemisphere heebie-jeebies. It doesn't really say anything good about the man that Pakistan is the only one of the countries sampled where he is the favoured candidate...
Choking somewhat on the assertion that Europe "doesn't really do anything", but typing on an iPhone at nearly 1am is going to give me RSI if I respond to that one right now. In the morning, my time, I shall return.
Here's the problem, we lead, you follow. It may sound arrogant, but you know what? We earned it. With that out of the way, i could care less what Europe thinks of us.
However, if we reelect this clown, we will soon be the one's following.0 -
Not sure if, as a member of 'The rest of the world' I can give an unbiased opinion. I am from England and as some have suggested the British media does appear to prefer Obama to Romney.
I don't know much about politics but as someone who has many homosexual friends I hope that Obama wins, but that is simply because I am a huge supporter of equal marriage. I also think that Obama hasn't done a bad job. I can't say for certain because I don't live or know anyone who lives in America .... but .... yeah ....
Ok, what is with the LBGT group (not including myself) thinking that Obama is going to be a LGBT supporter. In the four years he's been in office he hasn't done anything for gay rights, other than flip flop on the issue based on who he is speaking to.
Come on now.0 -
Not sure if, as a member of 'The rest of the world' I can give an unbiased opinion. I am from England and as some have suggested the British media does appear to prefer Obama to Romney.
I don't know much about politics but as someone who has many homosexual friends I hope that Obama wins, but that is simply because I am a huge supporter of equal marriage. I also think that Obama hasn't done a bad job. I can't say for certain because I don't live or know anyone who lives in America .... but .... yeah ....
Ok, what is with the LBGT group (not including myself) thinking that Obama is going to be a LGBT supporter. In the four years he's been in office he hasn't done anything for gay rights, other than flip flop on the issue based on who he is speaking to.
Come on now.
Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Stating support for Gay marriage?0 -
Romney's foreign policy shortcomings alone disqualify him from holding any national office.
Because Obama had some many when he took office...
Obama was an experienced community organizer. It is ok!
Ah, but here is the trick. The running mate is supposed to fill in the spots that you don't have. So while, yes, Obama's foreign policy experience was weak when running for office initially, Joe Biden's foreign policy was quite strong. Who is Romney's foreign policy guru? Its definitely not Ryan.
Yes, because Biden is so smart. Please, the guy thought the Alaska Pipeline was a bad idea.
How about answering the question rather than just hurling poorly thought out statements?0 -
The Rest of the World, here, chiming in to agree with Azdak. Romney is too far out of alignment with the majority of the rest of the western world's leadership and priorities, both in economic and social policy terms, not to mention the prospect of US foreign policy a la Bush Mark 3 gives most of the rest of the hemisphere heebie-jeebies. It doesn't really say anything good about the man that Pakistan is the only one of the countries sampled where he is the favoured candidate...
Choking somewhat on the assertion that Europe "doesn't really do anything", but typing on an iPhone at nearly 1am is going to give me RSI if I respond to that one right now. In the morning, my time, I shall return.
Here's the problem, we lead, you follow. It may sound arrogant, but you know what? We earned it. With that out of the way, i could care less what Europe thinks of us.
However, if we reelect this clown, we will soon be the one's following.
Agreed. The rest of the world either wants out military alliance because it is stronger or they hate us for bombing them.0 -
Not sure if, as a member of 'The rest of the world' I can give an unbiased opinion. I am from England and as some have suggested the British media does appear to prefer Obama to Romney.
I don't know much about politics but as someone who has many homosexual friends I hope that Obama wins, but that is simply because I am a huge supporter of equal marriage. I also think that Obama hasn't done a bad job. I can't say for certain because I don't live or know anyone who lives in America .... but .... yeah ....
Ok, what is with the LBGT group (not including myself) thinking that Obama is going to be a LGBT supporter. In the four years he's been in office he hasn't done anything for gay rights, other than flip flop on the issue based on who he is speaking to.
Come on now.
Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Stating support for Gay marriage?
How many gay people have been able to marry because DADT was repealed?
Edited to add: Obama said in 2008: “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman” In 2012 he said, "I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Followed by, " I favor civil unions for same-sex couples"..0 -
Not sure if, as a member of 'The rest of the world' I can give an unbiased opinion. I am from England and as some have suggested the British media does appear to prefer Obama to Romney.
I don't know much about politics but as someone who has many homosexual friends I hope that Obama wins, but that is simply because I am a huge supporter of equal marriage. I also think that Obama hasn't done a bad job. I can't say for certain because I don't live or know anyone who lives in America .... but .... yeah ....
Ok, what is with the LBGT group (not including myself) thinking that Obama is going to be a LGBT supporter. In the four years he's been in office he hasn't done anything for gay rights, other than flip flop on the issue based on who he is speaking to.
Come on now.
Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Stating support for Gay marriage?
How many gay people have been able to marry because DADT was repealed?
Edited to add: Obama said in 2008: “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman” In 2012 he said, "I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Followed by, " I favor civil unions for same-sex couples"..
DADT has nothing to do with Same Sex marriage. They were two separate examples. A president coming out in support of same sex marriage is not a normal occurrence. It actually burned a lot of political capital for him to say that. What did you want him to do realistically?0 -
Then they can have him.... and Romney too.
Oh and I'm pretty sure Pakistan doesn't want Obama... but hey, whatever.0 -
Edited to add: Obama said in 2008: “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman” In 2012 he said, "I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Followed by, " I favor civil unions for same-sex couples"..
Which is why I am confused as hell as to why my friends that are gay and are staunch supporters of Obama at the moment are expecting him to do anything... Pretty sure it's not going to happen... sorry guys.0
This discussion has been closed.