International Reaction to President-Elect Obama's Victory

[jumptheshadow]

I am a manager in an international business and could not be more moved by the reaction we are getting from our business partners across the globe to our election.

My colleagues are at an international trade show in Europe. One of them wrote us a "woo-hoo" message this morning, saying she had been stopped constantly by Europeans in the past 24 hours asking for updates on our election. Many non-Americans at the show were wearing "Obama" buttons. "It is amazing how interested they are in our election," she wrote. Of course, the international business community is relieved that there is now a brilliant and logical president who will try to solve the current economic crisis. But there is another element here. The U.S. showed its admirable side yesterday, and the sight of jubilant young people of all ethnicities celebrating the renewal of the American dream was moving to everybody.

This morning we got an e-mail from a European who is interested in partnering with us. Not coincidentally, she led off with "hearty congratulations on your new President."

There's a simple dynamic that many isolationists in our country don't grasp: If you are friendly with people, if you treat them with respect, if you try to understand them, if you don't go out of your way to hide from them or alienate them, they will do business with you. They will do favors for you. Bill Clinton was great this way. I can only imagine the opportunities which Barack Obama will bring us because he is an internationalist. The good will he extends to the global community will generate more jobs here.

I hope that more people make the connection as time goes on.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. It will be great not to be seen as the bully of the world anymore.

It is really telling that so many people in other nations were rooting for Obama...and so thrilled that the American people did the right thing...

[jumptheshadow]

2. True

The South Americans especially have reviled us, especially the Brazilians. "You are seen as the terrorists," a student told me.

I hope that the public service initiatives President Obama introduces will have both international and domestic affiliates. And I also hope that the international sector will include initiatives that will partner Americans with people from around the world in tackling global issues.