With Obama, Europe Sees America Differently
After the election of Obama, Europe looks at us differently. Now, ambassadors will speak the languages of the countries in which they are posted. Cities will celebrate rather than shut down when the American president comes to town. Europe will look to America with more respect. When our president speaks, Europeans will actually want to listen. In an odd twist, now Europe is actually jealous when it looks at our leader — a man who embodies our high ideals of pluralism and inclusivity...an eloquent speaker who's intellectual, who's at ease with and enjoys sophistication. For Americans traveling to Europe, things are suddenly more fun. I personally cannot wait to get back to Europe in the Obama era.
Here is a collection of articles from the European press, so as we plan our trips, we can better know what our friends in Europe are thinking about our new president.
- The Record: What does the Obama victory mean for Europe and its politicians? (BBC)
- When it comes to Obama, world leaders are champing at the bit (IHT)
- British PM hails Obama's ideals in keynote speech and envisions a global society (The Guardian)
- Charlie Brooker: Is Obama really president or am I just watching a fantasy? (The Guardian)
- US again hailed as "country of dreams" (The Washington Post)
- Obama era dawning (BBC)
- Analysis: Obama faces early test in Iraq (IHT)
- The view from abroad: hope and relief (IHT)
- Historic challenges await Obama (IHT)
- Election unleashes a flood of hope worldwide (IHT)
- President Obama (The Guardian)
- Timothy Garton Ash: has he got what it takes? (The Guardian)
- A page has been turned (The Guardian)
- Europe is finally, totally, awesomely jealous (NY Magazine)
- Europe leaders hail Obama victory (BBC)