The World is Waiting for Obama

After eight disastrous years of George W. Bush, there is a need for fundamental change in Washington, not just in respect to America, but for the entire world. The confidence in America must be rebuilt from the ground up. Barack Obama can do that. The world needs an America that can speak with moral authority and who is respected for its will to dialogue about the most pressing, global challenges we are facing.

The election is not over until the votes are counted. Barack Obama has a clear lead in the polls. But polls are not votes, and this year they are less certain than ever. But if the US really elects Obama – with a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas – as its president, it will remove many of the prejudices towards America that exists in the world.

During the campaign, Barack Obama has shown that he has the best understanding and the biggest grip on the incredibly complex challenges posed by economic crisis that we are all facing. The goal is to turn the economic recession around, protect jobs and make sure that all Americans have access to basic healthcare.

John McCain, however, has shown fully that the economy is an area he does not understand, something he also admitted at the start of the campaign. He has been confusing, unclear and has frequently changed his message. But in the end it all comes back to the traditional Republican mantra of tax relief. McCain’s economic plan is no different from the catastrophic policy of George W. Bush.

Barack Obama always looks cool, sober and pragmatic. Abilities that are perfect for a president. John McCain, however, has shown himself to be an angry hothead. McCain is also a gambler, something he has proved with his irresponsible choice for a vice presidential candidate. The world should be spared from a gambler in the White House. If John McCain loses on Tuesday, it will be fully deserved.