Protectionism is as much of a right wing/Republican trait in the US as it is a left wing/Democratic trait. To say that Democrats are essentially anti-free trade is really overlooking the right wing desire for protectionism that has been a feature of the American politics for many years now.

Abe, Toronto, Canada

Well written, I don't read to many articles that have that much depth and real understanding. Thank you

John, Crestline, USA

Europe better beware. America's face is slowly turning from its origin in Europe and towards its future in Asia and Latin America. So when Europe gets into trouble again, America will shrug with indifference.

Gerry, Westfield, USA

Mr. Baker, this was well writen and interesting. I think anyone who has read BBC's HYS would agree that Anti- Americanism has become almoset a form of racism more than a disagreement regarding poitics. I think those who say Anti-Americanism is the new Anti-Semitism have a point. Who will they blame?

Doug Roman, downingtown, USA

"neoconservatives -bad guys who believe that the US should...bring democracy to the great unwashed " this is a comically rose-tinted view of the neoconservatives real agenda. between the PNAC and establishment of client states in the M.East, it's clear their real objective is US hegemony.

gavin schott, london,

America's instinct has always been much more isolationist than the past 70 years might indicate. And there are many here who think that our future lies in the Pacific and to the South and North - not in Europe. I believe the country will move in that direction over the next eight years

Martin, Miami, USA

My uncle flew on Air Force One during the LBJ era. As he was leaving he grabbed as many napkins with the AF1 logo that he could.

After he grabbed the swag, he turned to see a Secret Service agent looking right at him who said "so, you going on a picnic?"

He let him keep it though

Andrew, Washington, USA

Mr. Baker,
Please write an objective column the mentions Sen. Obama without perjoritive. You have written whole columns about him being "sainted." You have accused many Americans of worshipping him. IMHO, you are the one suffering from this delusion. Give him a break. He ran a great campaign!

east of the river, east of the river, DC

Europe, don't listen to these negativists. America will always be there for you. Few of these guys that try to scare and unsettle you forget that just after 9/11 our NATO brothers and sisters sent their AWACS over to ride shotgun. There will be no divide and conquer. You' ve our backs, we've yours.

Rbrozie, Delmar, USA

Our strength against terrorism lies, not in our weapons, but in our alliances. We need mutual understanding and respect with European countries to effectively combat extremism. We can't play Cowboy the way Bush did, nor can we bury our heads in the sand. We need to work together.

Jim, Cary, NC, USA

Western Europe is going to need our help militarily to respond to radical islamic threats, both within and without. Their leader's cynical manipulation of their continent's intrinsic anti-Americanism has resulted in an environment that no future President will be able to commit troops to help, ever

JT, Des Moines,

Since WWII, Europe, with the exception of the Dutch, has tucked tail and waited and watched as their American ancestors stepped up to the plate in Bosnia to save Muslim women and girls from gang rape, and hundreds of thousands in Iraq being systematically butchered courtesy of Saddam & Sons, Inc.

Dian Marshall Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, USA

The WMDs that many French, German, Russian, British, and other European firms helped Saddam to create were trucked and flown out of Iraq into the Beqaa Valley of Syria starting in 01/03. The Nuclear Reactor Israeli jets blew apart on 9/6/07 were the fruit of those ingredients.

Dian Marshall Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, USA

I fear our future if Obama becomes President. It has nothing to do with his color, as I would gladly vote for Colin Powell. It has everything to do with his naive view of what our world is today. I believe he will capitulate in times of trouble and that's where Bush has been at his best.

Louise R, Pittsboro, NC, USA

The biggest challenge for Obama or McCain - will be the economy - thoroughly neglected by Bush. They will have to overcome the credit crisis, debt, housing concerns, Iraq and more, before tackling other issues. All leftovers from Bush.

They will be doing alright, but it will really be undoing.

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Bush, in the opinion of this historian, will be recorded as someone who did--not discussed. Akin to Churchill, who won the War but was kicked out of office before the terms of peace had even been decided. Democrats these days are far more like Chamberlain. That frightens me. Appeasement won't work

Jared Saltz, Tampa, US

Yes, differences between the Obama admin and the 2nd Bush admin will be tiny. Thus, collapse of HOPE among blacks - remember Obama has promised to improve their lives greatly. Similar for his white-idealist voters: they will face the reality that enemies will not play win-win over scarce resources

Robert Timms, London, England

I really am more concerned with the mental health of these Bush haters here. Wow - once Bush is gone and they can no longer (incorrectly) place the root of their manic depression at his doorstep... who will they blame?

Chris C, St Louis MO, USA

Who are these 'Europeans' and 'Americans'? Aren't 95% or more of 'Americans' second, third or fourth generation Europeans? When Americans write that 'you' created these problems with colonialism, I wonder where they think their ancestors were then. Same place as mine or another planet maybe?

Vince , Brighton, England

EUrope freaked out when Bush said "hunt down Osama dead or alive" or whatever cowboyism he used but wait till they see an empty suit like Obama at the helm. This guy has ZERO management experience and will prove the rule about not electing senators as presidents.

Dean, milford, CT, usa

Bush made tough decisions, right and wrong. 5,000 Americans died on U.S. soil seven years ago. None since. Thanks, W. Unlike Europe, the U.S. must fight it's own wars. Before Bush leaves office, Europe should thank him for all the dead terrorists that aren't around to kill you like they did us

Patrick, Columbus, USA

The major difference a President Obama will bring is actually quite simple: There are no conceivable circumstances under which the US military might be employed in a fighting capacity while any Democrat holds office. None.

Europe misjudged Bush. Badly.

Sarah Bellum, Thousand Oaks, California, USA

Yes, the US is different from Europe-and Thank God we are. We don't roll over and let people roll over us without a fight. Remember--WE were attacked first! And the London bombing illustrates that NO ONE is immune from Terrorists-at least we haven't let them take over our society-Win or Die!

Linda Reel, Medford , US

That wasn't an accurate description of Texas toast at all. Texas toast is simply extra-thick toast. Please make a note of it.

BurritoFueled, The Evil, United States

History will show that Bush was a great president. As America slides toward isolationism our friends in Europe will pine for the days when they could count on the US. China, Russia, India, and the Arabs will not give a toss about fairness & act in their self interests no matter the cost to the world

john, austin, usa

Very perceptive Gerard, thank you. Many Obama voters in the U.S. have a near religious faith in his capabilities. I don't wish to see another failed Presidency, but I believe they are in for a serious emotional let down when he doesn't perform to their expectations, which he won't in the long run.

DJ Holler, Fallbrook, CA, USA

George W is not a disgrace-he has had the courage to stand-up to the Islamic threat.I worry if Obama wins.

Tim McFalls, Muncie, USA

All of the vile hatred spewed by the left over the last 8 years against President Bush will come right back to them. You reap what you sow.

Patrick Henry, Bristol,

The Democrats aren't going to damage free trade in any substantial fasion. Corporate interests are far too powerful, and the inherent good is far too obvious for that to happen no matter how much Democratic constituencies may want it right now. The next 4-8 years will probably rule.

Tyler W, Phoenix, USA

Honestly, I don't see Obama bucking Congress on much of anything; he talks big, but the guy just has no backbone. Take a look at the whole vetter thing, he'd chucked the guy under the bus before the day was even over.

Heck, I doubt he would even try to fight a republican congress.

Voyager, LA, CA,

That was a pleasure to read. From an American, well done.

Todd, Nashville, USA

For too long, we have been arrogant with our foreign policy, and stupid with our trade policy. The "deregulation" that we engaged in ruined our markets and healthcare. However, I think that the world will breathe easier with Obama in office, as there will be less need for wars and protectionism.

Peter Maurer, Rochester, NY, USA, United States

I am glad Europe will miss George W. because America certainly won't. The man is a disgrace.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

C.mon my American friends! Mr. Baker's column was a positve towards our President , not a negative. Bush has his faults and he acknowledges them far more easily than our liberal leaders. No other world leaders but Churchill , FDR have had such a blow as 9/11 was to our country. Bush did the best.

Mark Newman, Lutz, FL, USA

To Darryl of London:

Actually quite of few of us Americans can think. Unfortunately we are in the minority. To Bush's credit I must say, he has definitely made politics interesting to those of us in our early 20's who are not well acquainted with the DC games

Elena, San Francisco, USA

Actually, it's hard to say WHAT Obama's economic policy will be. He speaks against NAFTA, but surrounds himself with free-traders. And regardless of who wins in November, you can bet many of the problems and opportunities they face won't be anticipated.

Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US

I just love all the comments from europeans with their attitudes toward the United States. You guys have no idea just how much we prop up your economies with our defense umbrella and our consumption of your goods and your resentment of your own impotence in the world is obvious.

Mark Caswell, Voorhees, NJ, USA

Forget Europe, we need to focus on the U.S. first. They can take care of their problems for once! Maybe canceling the Airbus tanker contract will be the first step in ending the military relationship with Europe that has cost us $ and too many lives!

Bill, Seattle,

Presidents and Prime Minsters are all praised and villifed during their tenure. The decisions they make are not easy ones, and never so obious as people say. For good or bad it will work itself out without hurling insults across the oceans.

Arthur Middleton, Washington D.C., USA

"...And don't forget, we still have thousands of troops still there [in Bosnia]."

The US pulled most of their remaining 700 troops out of Bosnia more than three years ago.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11164-2004Nov24.html

Jacob, Copenhagen, Denmark

Oh, what WILL all those European "intellectuals" do without George W. Bush in the White House?

Noreen Mazelis, Davis, CA, USA

Be careful Europe what you wish for. Obama is going to win and the Democrats will have huge majorities in Congress. They favor minimial interventionist foreign policies, and oppose free trade. Time for the Europeans to defend themselves and americans won't be buying your products.

andrew, Jensen Beach, USA

"I pray for liberation of all middle eastern women. Do you?"

No, I could care less about middle eastern women. They are treated as their culture deems appropriate. It is not our place to say their cultural beliefs are wrong. Look up the difference between moral and cultural relativism.

Jericho Masi, College Station, TX, USA

I agree that we need to bring all of our soldiers home. Let the EU countries take care of policing the world. It was there colonialism that started all of these problems anyway. The problems in the middle east and africa are results of their "policies".

Shawn, Dallas, USA

I'm sorry, but my fellow US citizen Shannon is delusional. Terribly sorry, we'll have words with her.

Sean, Albany, NY

I wish we would bring all of our troops home. We should let the new and improved EU take care of all of these problems. They all stem from European Colonialism anyway. Every major problem in the Middle East and Africa is a result of their policies in the past. Let us take care of us for a while.

Shawn, Dallas,

Mr Baker, You and I are telepathically connected. I was thinking this as you were writing it.

cat, New York,

No Ramesh, GWB will be remebered as the man who planted a seed for change in a region of the world stuck in poverty, violence, and irrational behavior. US soldiers in IRAQ are forming bonds with Iraqis and showing hope for real change. Also, I pray for liberation of all middle eastern women. Do you?

Shannon, IN, US

Bush is fighting an enemy we would have to fight sooner or later. Do you want to end up like England or France where Muslims are proposing Sharia law? It is a clash of civilizations, and you will someday have to choose which you think is best. Freedom or Islam?

David McKee, Sacramento, CA, USA

So the bottom line is that no matter what happens Europe won't be happy? You can't stand our current President and you think the next President is likely to be just as annoying to you in a different way. Gosh....life's rough sometimes.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

GWB will be remembered in history for invading Iraq without the whiff of an evidence about Saddam's WMDs. They still haven't got any. He will also be remembered in history for sending his forces on a wild goose chase to catch OBL in Afghanistan. About Obama, let all of us wait and see.

Ramesh Parida, New Delhi , India

Why do I have to read a column written by a European journalist (sorry, Gerald, first time reader, stumbled on ya via Drudge) to get a seasoned assessment of what an Obama first term really brings.

Well thought out and well written. Cheers.

Mike Olson, chicago,

Don't look at me, I voted and campaigned for Ron Paul. I'd like to trade with you guys, but tax money shouldn't go to ineffective foreign aid and interventions.

Nigel, Houston, TX, USA

The US becomes more and more like Europe everyday and it is sad. The democrats emulate their entire platform after the Europeans. In 100 years we will be a nanny state & outsourcing the defense of our country to India just as Europe outsources their defense to America today.

Mike, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

I agree wholeheartedly with what Rauel said in his first sentence, except change the word 'Americans' for the words 'The entire world excluding america' and the word 'Europe' for the word 'America'.

Except using the word thinks in there is probably giving them a bit too much credit.

Darryl, London,

NEWS FLASH:

Americans do not care what Europe thinks about anything. Keep your socialism to yourself.

Rauel, New York City, USA

After 70 years of being involved in European conflicts, we are tired of it. From the 20th centruy bloodbaths, alot of with came out of Europes brutal colonial past, to UN/NATO missions like in French Indo-china and the Iron curtain we have given lives and money because we care. Dems and Repubs agree

William, Atlanta, USA

Europeans can love or hate President Bush, but he has made decisions that uncovered 300,000+ humans in mass graves in Iraq. I would think bleeding hearts that claim to own compassion and concern for the opressed would be more grateful. Frankly, I'm proud to have a President that stood up for America

Mac Childers, North Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

I am glad someone finally said this (although you may not be the first). If you're daft enough to think the Bush administration is the root of all evil, then you deserve to be beaten over the head with the "race" card if you have any objections to Obamanomics.

Dave, London, UK

You must be kidding.
How will miss a Mad Man, that created a war and invented excuses to go to Iraq.

Europe will be a happy place without him, and so USA.

Antonio, surrey, England

You still don't get it do you Gerard, and it's only been 8 years of you trying to defend this man.

His successor will not be a political moron, and thus, he'll get more respect all over the world. Simple...

F.S.SUMMERS, NY,

I'm ready to pull all U.S. troops from everywhere; they serve to protect people who vilify and profess hatred for us. I'm also ready to stop using U.S. troops to stop the brush-fire wars; Balkans falling apart, too bad.

Its all yours, world. Have fun with the Chinese playing our role.

Gary, Red Knife, Alaska, USA

Oh come on, European's wont have any problem at all finding reason to hate the United States, no matter who sits in the White House. Well, at least until they need us- again.

erin, new york, usa

"Dear Sweet UK @ Europe". Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. The Gods have a way of advancing the fortunes of a man/country, and then, well, you know the rest!

jim, framingham, USA

The whole world is cursing the US for playing "world police" and now you're concerned about a nasty "isolationist turn" from the next president. Let's see how well that works out and it won't be long before the world is begging for America to open up again.

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

I am a Democrat and I long for "protectionism and isolationism". No more invading other countries, and no more aid for other countries. We must pull our troops out of South Korea and let them take care of themelves. We need to shut down all our bases around the world. America first!

Anna, Scottsdale, US

Perceptive but a bit obvious. I'll miss Bush like I might miss a carbuncle! The next incumbent will provide his own problems but it won't be Bush. And, that has to be a blessing.

Marc, Paris,

Perceptive commentary. IMHO you are spot on. The Dems (despite knowing better) have sold their voters on a domestic agenda. Healthcare, tax the rich, trade restriction, defense reductions- all play into the old US annoyance with fractious foreigners. The gods punish us by giving us what we ask for.

Hugh Brennan, Princeton, NJ , USA

Well, American foreign policy hasn't changed much since the end of cold war. Bill Clinton was bombing all the countries George W. Bush was bombing, however we Europeans loved him and felt America was our friend while he was in office. The whole West is turning to protectionism against China.

Andrej, Ljubljana, Slovenia