http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/54350.htmlPARIS — His visage appears between the svelte curves of fashion models on Europe's most prestigious runways. His speeches are remixed into thumping music tracks in underground dance clubs. His campaign slogans are the foundation for modern art hanging on trendy Parisian gallery walls.
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"Barack Obama represents our hidden consciousness, our hidden dreams," said Helene Faussart, who's half of Les Nubians, the Grammy-nominated Parisian Afro-beat duo. "He really represents the America we imagine it to be."
Even before 200,000 supporters converged on Berlin's Brandenburg Gate in July to hear Obama, it was obvious that he'd struck a chord in Europe.
Obama represents something more than just a possible change in direction for the United States after eight years of often-divisive Bush administration policy. He's come to symbolize the hopes of young, disenfranchised Europeans, who see him as a transforming figure for their continent, as well, said Oliver Richomme, a French professor of American history and the co-author of "Barack Obama's America."
"He seems to be a candidate of the 21st century," Richomme said.
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