World preference for Obama

[Jaga]

Is America off step with the world and why?


Poll Finds World's Preference Is Clear: Obama for President

If the world could vote, Barack Obama would most likely win in a landslide.

A new BBC World Service poll surveyed people in 22 countries and found that, in every one of them, Democratic nominee Barack Obama was favored over Republican candidate John McCain. On average, 49 percent would like to see Obama prevail, while only 12 percent prefer McCain, according to the survey of 22,531 adult citizens of the 22 countries. The rest offered no preference.

The pro-Obama margin differed widely—from 82 percentage points in Kenya (where Obama's father was born) to 9 percentage points in India.

Obama's African-American heritage appears to be one key factor. By a margin of 46 percent to 27 percent, those polled overseas said his election as president would "fundamentally change" their perception of the United States.

The clear finding of global preference for Obama may not be an entirely good thing for his political prospects at home, though. After the Illinois senator delivered a widely praised foreign policy speech to more than 200,000 people in Berlin in July, McCain aides sought to portray Obama's foreign foray as emblematic of his purported distance from the concerns of ordinary Americans. A McCain spokesman, Tucker Bounds, sniped at Obama for describing himself as a "citizen of the world" and pointedly noted that McCain was campaigning in front of "the American citizens who will decide this election." McCain himself said he'd like to deliver a speech in Berlin some day—"as president of the United States rather than as a candidate." (It turns out he had given a talk in Canada the previous month.)

The poll could still be good news on the foreign policy front for Obama, should he win in November. Several of the nations most enthusiastic about an Obama presidency are key allies, such as Canada, France, Germany, Britain, and Italy. That goodwill could, to some degree, strengthen Obama's hand in asking for more allied help in Afghanistan, dealings with Russia, and other issues. It could be a source of "soft power" for a president trying to galvanize overseas support for U.S. initiatives.

The optimism about Obama abroad could itself help improve relationships that were wounded amid the controversies sprouting from President Bush's actions in Iraq and on arms control, global warming, and other issues—actions often characterized overseas as reflecting Bush's go-it-alone instincts. Among those asked, 46 percent believe U.S. relations with the world would improve with an Obama White House, while only 20 percent said so with regard to a McCain presidency.

www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/09/10/poll-finds-worlds-preference-is-clear-obama-for-president.html

[freetobe]

Jaga,
No matter how much support Obama has in Europe, they can not vote in the US. There is now a growing disillusionment in blue collar America towards Obama. In my political circle, the consensus is he made a major mistake in NOT choosing Clinton as his running mate. You live in a red state which will probably go to McCain. Perhaps you could enlighten us about the political mood of your community and the state with regard to the Gop vs Democratic ticket.

[Mary]

Sept 10, 2008 19:16:30 GMT -7 @freetobe said:

Jaga,
No matter how much support Obama has in Europe, they can not vote in the US. There is now a growing disillusionment in blue collar America towards Obama. In my political circle, the consensus is he made a major mistake in NOT choosing Clinton as his running mate. You live in a red state which will probably go to McCain. Perhaps you could enlighten us about the political mood of your community and the state with regard to the Gop vs Democratic ticket.

Freetobe,

I agree that the Democrats made a mistake not picking Hillary. Wouldn't it be interesting if Hil was the Pres candidate and Obama the VP pick against McCain & Palin?

I don't think Hil & O would get along too well though. What do you think?

Mary

[uncltim]

I cant get to the grocery without falling over one of them! Tuesday Obama was 6 miles away in Riverside and McCain was 15 miles away in Lebanon.

FTB, I think the most suprising thing Ive seen is in that young people 23-35 are really looking hard at third party candidates. also big on flat tax. Really unexpected.

[Mary]

Sept 10, 2008 21:07:25 GMT -7 uncltim said:

I cant get to the grocery without falling over one of them! Tuesday Obama was 6 miles away in Riverside and McCain was 15 miles away in Lebanon.

FTB, I think the most suprising thing Ive seen is in that young people 23-35 are really looking hard at third party candidates. also big on flat tax. Really unexpected.

Tim,

My daughter and her hubby are actually hot to vote this year. With a 4 yr old autistic son they will be voting republican. They feel that having a person who can relate to the problems of special needs kids will not sell them short.

Mary

[Jaga]

I am surprised to see how many of you would vote for vice-presidential candidate.

What is McCain plan for economy? How does it help disabled?

I would like to know the details, but McCain wants to talk about pig lipstick instead of talking about the issues.

[Mary]

Sept 10, 2008 22:11:28 GMT -7 Jaga said:

I am surprised to see how many of you would vote for vice-presidential candidate.

What is McCain plan for economy? How does it help disabled?

I would like to know the details, but McCain wants to talk about pig lipstick instead of talking about the issues.

Jaga, Here is the info you asked for, specifically the health care plan. It's long... so I will give you the link to read McCain's entire plan for America. Please become informed before election day.
Mary

www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ba2f1c-c03f-4ac2-8cd5-5cf2edb527cf.htm

Straight Talk on
Health System Reform

A "Call to Action"

John McCain believes we can and must provide access to health care for every American. He has proposed a comprehensive vision for achieving that. For too long, our nation's leaders have talked about reforming health care. Now is the time to act.

Americans Are Worried About Health Care Costs. The problems with health care are well known: it is too expensive and 47 million people living in the United States lack health insurance.

John McCain's Vision for Health Care Reform

John McCain Believes The Key To Health Care Reform Is To Restore Control To The Patients Themselves. We want a system of health care in which everyone can afford and acquire the treatment and preventative care they need. Health care should be available to all and not limited by where you work or how much you make. Families should be in charge of their health care dollars and have more control over care.

Making Health Insurance Innovative, Portable and Affordable

John McCain Will Reform Health Care Making It Easier For Individuals And Families To Obtain Insurance. An important part of his plan is to use competition to improve the quality of health insurance with greater variety to match people's needs, lower prices, and portability. Families should be able to purchase health insurance nationwide, across state lines.

John McCain Will Reform The Tax Code To Offer More Choices Beyond Employer-Based Health Insurance Coverage. While still having the option of employer-based coverage, every family will receive a direct refundable tax credit - effectively cash - of $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families to offset the cost of insurance. Families will be able to choose the insurance provider that suits them best and the money would be sent directly to the insurance provider. Those obtaining innovative insurance that costs less than the credit can deposit the remainder in expanded Health Savings Accounts.

John McCain Proposes Making Insurance More Portable. Americans need insurance that follows them from job to job. They want insurance that is still there if they retire early and does not change if they take a few years off to raise the kids.

John McCain Will Encourage And Expand The Benefits Of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) For Families. When families are informed about medical choices, they are more capable of making their own decisions and often decide against unnecessary options. Health Savings Accounts take an important step in the direction of putting families in charge of what they pay for.

A Specific Plan of Action: Ensuring Care for Higher Risk Patients

John McCain's Plan Cares For The Traditionally Uninsurable. John McCain understands that those without prior group coverage and those with pre-existing conditions have the most difficulty on the individual market, and we need to make sure they get the high-quality coverage they need.

John McCain Will Work With States To Establish A Guaranteed Access Plan. As President, John McCain will work with governors to develop a best practice model that states can follow - a Guaranteed Access Plan or GAP - that would reflect the best experience of the states to ensure these patients have access to health coverage. One approach would establish a nonprofit corporation that would contract with insurers to cover patients who have been denied insurance and could join with other state plans to enlarge pools and lower overhead costs. There would be reasonable limits on premiums, and assistance would be available for Americans below a certain income level.

John McCain Will Promote Proper Incentives. John McCain will work with Congress, the governors, and industry to make sure this approach is funded adequately and has the right incentives to reduce costs such as disease management, individual case management, and health and wellness programs.

A Specific Plan of Action: Lowering Health Care Costs

John McCain Proposes A Number Of Initiatives That Can Lower Health Care Costs. If we act today, we can lower health care costs for families through common-sense initiatives. Within a decade, health spending will comprise twenty percent of our economy. This is taking an increasing toll on America's families and small businesses. Even Senators Clinton and Obama recognize the pressure skyrocketing health costs place on small business when they exempt small businesses from their employer mandate plans.

CHEAPER DRUGS: Lowering Drug Prices. John McCain will look to bring greater competition to our drug markets through safe re-importation of drugs and faster introduction of generic drugs.

CHRONIC DISEASE: Providing Quality, Cheaper Care For Chronic Disease. Chronic conditions account for three-quarters of the nation's annual health care bill. By emphasizing prevention, early intervention, healthy habits, new treatment models, new public health infrastructure and the use of information technology, we can reduce health care costs. We should dedicate more federal research to caring and curing chronic disease.

COORDINATED CARE: Promoting Coordinated Care. Coordinated care - with providers collaborating to produce the best health care - offers better outcomes at lower cost. We should pay a single bill for high-quality disease care which will make every single provider accountable and responsive to the patients' needs.

GREATER ACCESS AND CONVENIENCE: Expanding Access To Health Care. Families place a high value on quickly getting simple care. Government should promote greater access through walk-in clinics in retail outlets.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Greater Use Of Information Technology To Reduce Costs. We should promote the rapid deployment of 21st century information systems and technology that allows doctors to practice across state lines.

MEDICAID AND MEDICARE: Reforming The Payment System To Cut Costs. We must reform the payment systems in Medicaid and Medicare to compensate providers for diagnosis, prevention and care coordination. Medicaid and Medicare should not pay for preventable medical errors or mismanagement.

SMOKING: Promoting The Availability Of Smoking Cessation Programs. Most smokers would love to quit but find it hard to do so. Working with business and insurance companies to promote availability, we can improve lives and reduce chronic disease through smoking cessation programs.

STATE FLEXIBILITY: Encouraging States To Lower Costs. States should have the flexibility to experiment with alternative forms of access, coordinated payments per episode covered under Medicaid, use of private insurance in Medicaid, alternative insurance policies and different licensing schemes for providers.

TORT REFORM: Passing Medical Liability Reform. We must pass medical liability reform that eliminates lawsuits directed at doctors who follow clinical guidelines and adhere to safety protocols. Every patient should have access to legal remedies in cases of bad medical practice but that should not be an invitation to endless, frivolous lawsuits.

TRANSPARENCY: Bringing Transparency To Health Care Costs. We must make public more information on treatment options and doctor records, and require transparency regarding medical outcomes, quality of care, costs and prices. We must also facilitate the development of national standards for measuring and recording treatments and outcomes.

Confronting the Long-Term Challenge

John McCain Will Develop A Strategy For Meeting The Challenge Of A Population Needing Greater Long-Term Care. There have been a variety of state-based experiments such as Cash and Counseling or The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that are pioneering approaches for delivering care to people in a home setting. Seniors are given a monthly stipend which they can use to hire workers and purchase care-related services and goods. They can get help managing their care by designating representatives, such as relatives or friends, to help make decisions. It also offers counseling and bookkeeping services to assist consumers in handling their programmatic responsibilities.

Setting the Record Straight: Covering Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

MYTH: Some Claim That Under John McCain's Plan, Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Would Be Denied Insurance.

FACT: John McCain Supported The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act In 1996 That Took The Important Step Of Providing Some Protection Against Exclusion Of Pre-Existing Conditions.

FACT: Nothing In John McCain's Plan Changes The Fact That If You Are Employed And Insured You Will Build Protection Against The Cost Of Any Pre-Existing Condition.

FACT: As President, John McCain Would Work With Governors To Find The Solutions Necessary To Ensure Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Are Able To Easily Access Care.


Combating Autism in America

John McCain is very concerned about the rising incidence of autism among America's children and has continually supported research into its causes and treatment.

[Jaga]

Mary,

after 8 years of Bush I would be very sceptical of letting another person from Bush team to the office. America is worse off now than 8 years ago.

Here is probably fair comparison of healthcare plan between two candidates. I do not understand why McCain prefers to throw negative ads on Obama instead of talking about his own plans if they are so good.

check it here. It is a good comparison with no strings attached:
health-insurance-carriers.com/blog/health-care-john-mccain-vs-barack-obama/

[Bob S]

100% of the people poled prefered John McCain. Of those people poled 100% believed that those countries who like Obama should be "more like The United States".

[Jaga]

Sept 11, 2008 9:12:01 GMT -7 Bob S said:

100% of the people poled prefered John McCain. Of those people poled 100% believed that those countries who like Obama should be "more like The United States".

Bob,

good joke. I guess, we should have the United States of the World run from Crawford Texas.

[Bob S]

Sept 11, 2008 11:16:30 GMT -7 Jaga said:

Sept 11, 2008 9:12:01 GMT -7 Bob S said:

100% of the people poled prefered John McCain. Of those people poled 100% believed that those countries who like Obama should be "more like The United States".

Bob,

good joke. I guess, we should have the United States of the World run from Crawford Texas.

;D ;D Darn it Jaga! You found me out. I polled myself and the margin of error was 0%. Well my poll is as valid as any other poll and carries as much weight until the day of the election. I still heed the word of Jesus, "Beware of False Prophets".
In the meantime, this election season should bring many comments to the forum and a lot of fun. Evil and the Devil always like Rancor, Hate, Harsh Words and Anger. Laughter, Happiness, Fun, Mirth and Good Will are effective tools in an arsenal of weapons to hurt the Devil. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[kaima]

"Truly multicultural, Barack "Barry" Obama has ancestors in Kenya and Kansas, Indonesia and Illinois, Hawaii and now ... Ireland! It's been discovered that, his great-great-great-grandfather on his "mither's" side was a cobbler named Fulmuth Kearney, who at 19 in the mid-19th century left Moneygall, his hometown in county Offaly, for the United States. The little town nestled between Limerick and Kildare has one stoplight, two pubs and a population of 298, not including lots of tourists!

To celebrate the discovery, an Irish band called Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys performs "There;s No One as Irish as Barrack O'Bama" with lyrics like "He's Irish as bacon/And cabbage and stew/He's Hawaiian, He's Kenyan/American, too." They're obviously Offaly proud."


An ancestor in Hawaii? A sister perhaps, but an ancestor? Maybe it is stated much as Palin can see Russia from her back yard... with more enthusiasm than accuracy.

Two pubs for 298 people. Sounds like a sociable village!