Originally Posted by chubbs

Here's my long-distance view on the subject, from across the ocean in England.

For eight years George W Bush came across as a stupid, swaggering, insensitive bully. He made many serious enemies across the entire planet and not many friends.

Barack Obama is making a big effort to change that perception - and in my opinion he's doing a really good job so far. He was clearly the only choice. He comes across as all the things that George W was not (and could never be) - intelligent, perceptive, aware and willing to listen. As President it must be hard to implement radical new ideas when the establishment is so entrenched, but I think Obama can do it if anyone can. I'd say he's definitely not all hype.

I wonder what some of you would be saying if Hillary Clinton was your President now (or John McCain, for that matter). Give the guy a chance.

I think you Americans should thank your Gods that you have someone of his calibre in the Whitehouse. Appreciate him - he's good for you.