It's funny how many comments say Democrats will lead the US in becoming more socialist. Look at what the US govt did today, led by the Republican admin. It did the most socialist thing by taking over the financial crisis. Meaning we the taxpayers have to pay for it, about $1 trillion worth!

Torry, San Diego,

Neither of these sham candidates are worthy of holding the highest office of the land. Both parties have become intoxicated with their own perennial grip on power and neither believes they are actually beholden to the will of the people - the essence of American democracy. Vote independent.

Chris Spellman, Los Angeles, USA

I am an independant voter and feel the choice of these two Republicans should be left to times when the country and world are on more stable, familiar grounds. Filtering out rhetoric on both sides, status quo is not the solution - look at McCain's advisors, all former Bush people.

Robert Antonio, Washington, DC, USA

Mark,Edneyville:Obama is not only in the running because he is HALF black but because he is a distinguished and well qualified gentleman. He may not have as much experience as McCain, but that is not the be-all-and-end-all. Such old-fashioned views is why we in Europe see ourselves as more avdanced.

Amy Jordon, Croydon, UK

Mr Baker, your right wing facism is showing. Doesn't your last paragraph hold true for John McCain who is a Bush sycophant who will continue to lead America down the same failed path? Why do you Americans feel it's ok to be hated by the rest of the world? What do you hope to gain?

Sandra Haynes, Kingston, Jamaica

Reverse racism or white guilt/ affirmative action is the only reason this rookie is in the running. With Obama's lack of accomplishment, what are his chances if he was white? We have been entranced with his pretty words but are discovering he is just huff n puff- not change.

Mark, Edneyville, usa

Lets be honest, all the candidates are pretty terrible and any of them will be a poor choice for ruler of the world. But then you get the politicians you deserve. Shame, this was an opportunity for things to actually change, bu they won't.

David, St Albans, UK

Again, another spot on assessment from Mr. Baker. Bush hatred is a powerful, blinding, force in some circles in America. However the wheels of the Obama train are starting to wobble as McCain distances himself from Bush and talks change as well. His balance might just beat a gifted talker.

Percipio, CA, USA

Polls never show how our overseas servicemen or the rural communities are going to vote.
That's why the stupid democrats have a false sense of security before each election.
Then when they lose, there's whining and legal challenges.
In November, it'll be a Mccain landslide.

Aaron, Nashville, U.S.A.

"Politician Obama rose through a Chicago machine that is notoriously the most corrupt in the country. "

Apparently the training helped for that other most corrupt, special interest, hot-bed: Washington, DC, that McCain is so adept in.

The Alaskan special interest VP candidate isn't implicated?"

Lloyd, Austin, USA

Maybe Baker is right and the democrats are so disillusioned by Bush that they'll vote for anyone who makes promises for hope and change. I seriously hope that Obama can achieve the goals he has proposed. But just making those promises is a step in the right direction. What has McCain promised us?

T. Rathbun, Orange County, CA, USA

That a British journalist does what US journlaists will not, which is to actually explore O'Bama's record, is just to show how sad a shape american " journalism" is truly in. That Senator O'bama has not been vetted by the networks in 18 months as Mrs Plain has been in 18 days shows major problems.

Tom Moore, San Angelo, USA

Brilliant? Only as caricature of Obama's trajectory, as even the most cursory investigation would prove. Baker's conclusion is even more outlandish, implying that it would be more "rational" to elect McCain over Obama; patently stupid on every level: international relations, the economy, etc.

Boukman, Los Angeles, CA , USA

I think this article is spot on and is indeed why I will not vote for Obama. In the USA those on the left have developed a white hot hatred of Bush. It clouds their ability/desire to see what Mr. Baker accurately decribes. They would vote for any Dem. at this point, any at all.

Michael Kasun, Bristow, VA, USA

so there really are a few 'real' journalists around! and they appear to be in england, no less... how quaint.

jolly good show.

jack , midland, tx, usa

There are several problems with moving towards the America that Democrats desire.

No other economy flourishes like the USA. Regulation only hinders free enterprise.

The UN has proven itself to be ineffectual. Remember the sanctions against Sadaam and oil for food.

Kevin, Omaha, USA

Hi, I live in Germany. I pay taxes up the ying yang just so I can have this wonderful so called Social System. The only way this social thing going to work is that, everybody and their mama have a job...I'm not complaining too much cuz I'm use to the .34% tax. Those of you who are not...well GL..

Jessy, Leimen, Germany

"Politician Obama rose through a Chicago machine that is notoriously the most corrupt in the country"

Let us not forget a close second in the corruption standings had been Alaska, the machine that Palin turned upside down and kicked aside.

Mark, Atlanta, USA

Brilliant! A total demolition of the Obama fraud -it should be required reading for every American voter and circulated as widely as possible.

David, Uzes, France

Mr. Baker is not only too kind in his description of Obama's proclivities, but he doesn't go far enough.
He might have pointed out that the Europeans aren't as bothered by Obama's radical terrorist/racist friends as we are, or that Americans aren't likely to kowtow to foreign influence.
Having said that, Britain needs to deal with the creeping Dhimmification going on within its own territory before it gives lectures to others.

sfcmac, Lorain, Ohio, USA

Obama couldn't even pass the requirements for being his own body guard due to his ties to home-grown terrorists. Yet we're considering him for POTUS? I'm still trying to figure that one out...

Leilani, Nashville, TN, USA

The revisions to the Nunn-Lugar non-proliferation treaty had little to do with nuclear prolifreration. It did seek to limit access to Man Portable Anti Aircraft weapons (MANPADS) by getting suplus weapons off the market. The US got Georgia to give up weapons which would have been usefull recently

davod, Reston, USA

I'd expected something a bit more insightful with some real analysis of voting records, campaign proposals, etc. from the Times, rather than a rehash of Republcan Talking Points.

Jon G, Dallas, TX, USA

For those Europeans suggesting that Obama's potential failure here in the US is due to racism, I would ask them to point to the last racial minority nominated to run for leadership in their country. From my personal experiences, the US is much more tolerant and integrated than many European nations.

Todd Larkin, St Louis, MO, US

This analysis of Mr. Obama is frighteningly accurate. Well done.

Dave Olivette, St. Louis, USA

Anyone who feels we would be better off modelling ourselves on Europe would be well served to spend a month over there. The cost of living is outrageous, youth is running wild and the problems being brought by muslim extreemists is beginning to be felt in small towns in Spain, Italy and England.

Maria, Dekalb, Illinois

Mr. Baker,

Excellent points that clarify this race. The autonomists and the capitulates of the US are going head to head. You have great insight.

Sincerely,

Sam

Sam, Nashville, USA

Mr. Obama's exposed himself when he decided to reject government campaign money breaking a major campaign promise, and choosing Joe Biden. So much for change. Much of the American press coverage of him has been sickening to watch and had turned off many people.
Excellent writing Mr. Baker

Philip , Mt. SInai NY, USA

America is a difficult country to understand. Before anyone gets too far in to American political culture, they would do well to read Tocquville's Democracy in America. that old chestnut still, IMO, defines America. Has to do with America having a frontier. Palin taps into that frontier stream.

Roger Arango, memphis, USA

The Democratic party should hire you to understand why nominating the same candidate-McGovern, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, Kerry and Obama is a losing strategy.
Mr. Franks book was popular in New York, but not in Kansas. If you want to lead people, its better to understand
rather than belittle them.

Richard Lubens, Dedham, MA, U.S.A.

S. Kerr, El Paso, please don't insult Margaret Thatcher by asserting that Sarah Palin is in any way her equal.

Really you should know better, next you'll be saying McCain is another Reagan?

Tom, Tokyo , Japan

Mr. Baker... well written.

I'm seeing a sea change of American Opinion. The last weeks of gutter politics has taken the shine off the Obama Armour. People are seeing behind the pleasant smile and the rhetoric there isn't much substance.

Obama demands talking issues only when caught slinging mud.

Dan O, Twentynine Palms, CA, USA

Obama's slide began when he stood in front of a crowd of cheering German's, basking in being called a "citizen of the world', when he should have been visiting wouded GIs in the nearby military hospital. To American ears "citizen of the world" = he won't act in America's interest.

James Durso, Alexandria, USA

Wow - a concise objective analysis of the principal issue of this presidential election. I am still not convinced that Obama will lose - I think he'll probably win. But, just imagine if the media actually brought up his past political history?

M. O'Toole, California, USA

As an American, I agree with Mr. Baker's comments for the most part. America does not want to be like Europe. Small Government, lower taxes is the way to go. Obama is basically a snake oil salesman, very eloquent, but just a huckster in disguise

Jim Noble, Atlanta, USA

As you can see, McCain has managed to stir up hatred in America: of Europeans, of ideologies that may hold (some) of the solutions to our problems, of Blacks, of the future.
Americans are not, as the author notes, reasonable people. Reason cannot get them to abandon their outworn positions.

Gloria, Wisconsin, USA

Obama will lose. Americans do not elect liberal democrats. Clinton was centerist. All the other Democratic contenders since Jimmy Carter (also a centerist) have been defeated. Obama is not only far left, his ties to Black Liberation Theology and organized crime are enormous liabilities.

Michael Spencer, Conway, Arkansas, United States of America

I am from Chicago and it is full of corrupt politics, even its priests are mesmerized by it's evilness. Obama was only in the Senate for 143 days before stating his wish to run for president. I looked up his record, very liberal. I don't want Europes politics, I want my democratic freedom.

Phyllis, Illinois, USA

I am a world traveler/American...it amazes me that people think we actually WANT to be europe...we detest socialism AND the UN over here...a bunch of fat cats sitting in a room saying "if you do that again we will be really mad at you" really hasnt done much for the world. Thank god for McCain!

alamo, Colorado, USA

If Europe enjoys Obama so much why not invite him over to lead the EU? Europe is a mess, the EU is a joke.

The US is predominately Conservative. And NO John McCain isn't obsessed with war. And no Sarah isn't a crackpot. She is our Margaret Thatcher, whom you most likely detest.

S. Kerr, El Paso, TX. , US

As a correspondent in The Australian newspaper wrote recently..."where is Hunter S. Thompson when you need him to make sense of the US elections?"

Alison , Noosa, Australia

This artical is funny. No wonder we kicked the british back accross the pond.

barrack obama, somewhre , kenya

Amen, Grazia in NYC. If Europeans hope Americans will elect Obama, he can't possibly be good for us.
Obama sees himself as citizen of the world - a world that largely detests America. McCain is an American at heart, and has proved it. I'm voting for McCain-Palin, and so are all three of my daughters

Cathy, Walla Walla, USA

Americans take pride in helping out, donating our time, and contributing to charities around the WORLD. We don't want a socialist gov't telling us we "have" to donate or we "have" to help. Every area of our economy where our gov't has its hands is falling apart due to mismanagement and regulations.

JBlair, Snellville, United States

Obama is always hailed in the press as a great orator, using clips of happy phrasing to back this up. The 'lipstick' passage undermines this; there was no thought preceding the phrases - here was a mind freewheeling and a mouth catching the cliches.

John Ledbury, Kings Lynn, England

There are many blue-collar Americans who don't think of themselves as racist, and are on good terms with the African-Americans they know, but feel uncomfortable at the prospect of a black president. Sure, African-Americans will vote for Obama, but they're only 13% of the population.

Nigel, Berkeley, CA, USA

Europe was able to experiment with their socialist utopia only because American taxpayers kept the USSR at bay in the East. Without American rubes in Germany, Italy and France sleeping in bomber planes throughout the 50's and 60's, the European's Great Society of today would not have been possible.

Rafael, Ricjland, USA

Yes Andrew- If I spent as much $ on my petrol as I do on groceries ($1000/mo) then I could also fund govt health. Our system has some issues, but none is perfect. I am a nurse, married to a Brit and have also lived in Germany. We have work to do, but would prefer private, not govt, solutions.

Jennifer, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Neither the writer nor many in Europe understand or mention a more subtle point. Many in America like divided government, i.e, Congress controlled by one party and the Presidency by the other, for compromise solutions. With a Democratic Congress, many support McCain for that reason.

Sam, Dallas, USA

Obama is an elitist phony. We have many of them in Congress. Elite lawyers and college graduates who look down on ordinary Americans. These annointed ones gave us the energy, social security, medicare, illegal alien, border security, and education fiascos.No wonder their approval rating is 9%

John, Naples, USA

I do not have any problem with Mr. Obama, but we could do with someone practical like Sarah Palin over here in the U.K. It is a great asset for her NOT to have had a lot of experience in international diplomacy. Most of the numerous wars in the past have been caused by 'experienced' politicians.

Yony, Bournemouth, U.K.

Finally, a succinct, detailed column about Obama that puts together all the valid reasons NOT to vote for him.

RebeccaH, Ohio, USA

To Sam from Auckland,

I'm New Zealander in US, outsider looking in - please refrain from making political comments unless you're Americans who have their country interest at heart. Rest of World does not care about average Americans, only what US can do to help Rest of the World.

Marriane

Marriane, New Hampshire, USA

Good analysis.

Steve (Conservative), HARLINGEN, TX, USA

Western European countries do pretty well compared with the US - the main difference is that we do lack your huge natural resources.

Funny though how we do managed to spend money on healthcare for all

Andrew, Cambridge,

@Olivier
I don't see the contradiction. All of the Democrats who Obama refused to join (on that abortion survivors bill) - THEY were the ones breaking with their party's traditional total support for abortionists' right to yield a dead baby. Obama was in perfect keeping with that tradition.

Bob, Kansas City, USA

It's too bad you really don't have a clue about American Politics. Most of us reject the Socialism many of you Europeans seem to love. We don't want the chains of Big Government thwarting our dreams by restricting our opportunities to do better. We call that individual Freedom and Liberty. Try it.

Bill , Niantic, USA

I am a native US midwesterner who came to the Obama campaign BECAUSE his state and fed senate voting record's difference from party line. Freddoso shows insufficient knowledge of Illinois politics and is a known measure of partisan punditry here--toss him out, he's not cogent or brilliant!

Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth, South Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA

With Russia celebrating renewed feelings of the "good old days", Europeans need to be hoping McCain is elected. American "guns and religion" are handy when a good speech won't do.

Art, Alabama, USA

As a conservative in the USA, I would say that, yes, we do not want a 'European' system because we understand that our system holds many more opportunities to its people than European countries do - hence, much bigger unemployment in Europe.

Brian , Barrington, USA

the problem with American politics is....... AMERICA -it's far too big and diverse an area for one person/group/view to properly encapsulate everyones best interests.

or its that the US is really run by the big business interests of the super rich; not that david rockafella, etc want to take over..

richard, Hull,

You contradict yourself saying on the one hand that "He has never challenged his party's line on any issue of substance." and on the other that "Politician Obama's support for abortion rights is the most extreme of any Democratic senator. In the Illinois legislature he refused to join Democrats ..."

Olivier Mullie, Carignan, Canada

Rest of the World want a sensible leader for the United States - These Republicans are just too Gun-hoo

Sam, Auckland, New Zealand

Wow, someone finally gets it! Senator Obama has never 'walked his talk.' He is largely an unknown and untested entity, with a razor thin resume. On the other hand Senator McCain is a well known, steel tested, and experienced leader whose life is an example of American heroism.

Phillip Lee, Florida, USA

So America should be more like Europe. This is the same Europe that started how many World Wars? Has killed or persecuted millions of people. How many slaves did Europeans bring to the Americas? You're right. The battle is between values. Christian values vs. Evolutionist?

Barry Powell, Navarre, USA

Thank you very very much for the article. The least we can do is research. But will we? Do we really want to know the truth?

I am African American and could care less about race. I dare not vote for any candidate without knowing the facts.

Germany made that mistake with Hitler.

Ernestine Mattison, Memphis, USA

Obama seems to have forgotten that the 13 original colonies of the United States were spawned in the old Europe with the despotism of Kings and they didn't like it. They formed a country that still resonates with rugged individualism, love of liberty and a desire for small government, low taxes etc

marcy harris, Seattle, USA

I think personalities will play a big role in this election. McCain is bearable and Palin is very personable. While Biden comes off as closed up and Obama is, well, pretty pompous and conceded. When your answer to 'attacks' is to chuckle and joke about what McCain has said, how far can you get?

Adam, Champaign, IL,

@ Nathan
That same point can be used to show that McCain hasn't been nearly in as lockstep with Bush as Liberals have insinuated, but you still hear them trying to use the "95%" line. It works both ways, and Factcheck has a piece on that, too. Plus, being the 10th and 16th isn't a whole lot better.

Undakai, Travis AFB, USA

"Here's the real problem with Mr Obama: the jarring gap between his promises of change and his status quo performance. There are just too many contradictions between the eloquent poetry of the man's stirring rhetoric and the dull, familiar prose of his political record."

Perfectly on point!!

Judy, Choctaw,

"to break the chains of empiricism and embrace the possibility of the imagination"

One of the last acts of Bush '41 was the selection of the construction site for the US 'SSC' and one of the first actions of the newly elected WJClinton was the cancellation of that same construction.

Willys, Dallas, Texas

Obama of 2008 is the John Kerry of 2004: A candidate whose central identity as a candidate is incoherent. Kerry sought to portray himself as a hero of a war he loathed. Obama portrays himself as an agent of change with a message taken from the dead hand of collectivism. Dissonance doubled.

Richard Lewis, Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Hi Europe and America have different values for reason much too numerous to elaborate. Those differences should be respected not changed.
senator Obama's change is intended to make America more like Europe and we won't allow it.

john brophy, weston, usa

Re: April Corday's assertion: No need to issue any "correction". Obama not only voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, he worked hard to undermine its passage. Even NARAL remained neutral on this bill. I guess they didn't have to take a position with Obama in their hip pocket!!

Colleen Reed, Flower Mound, TX, USA

It is clear to me that the poor young man Obama is a puppet. Whoever is pulling the strings is the one or ones to fear.

Maddie, Richmond, USA

Puuuh-lease Mr., If you knew anything, you would realize that America's cling to Faith is the very thing that makes this country great! God Bless America, and shame on you for claiming the Lord is powerless!

Rachel R., Missouri, U.S.A.

you are wrong about the abortion bill. He tried to say he opposed it because it did not contain the same restrictions as the national bill. e voted to add them. they were added. He still voted against it. look it up.

nonokeb, Nyc, usa

Yes your idealogical point is correct. But to affect change, you first have to obtain a position of power. Everybody knows that political campaigns are a game, and if Obama doesn't play to win he will end up being Ralph Nader.

Shawn Huff, Santa Barbara, USA

Mr. Baker gets it right again! Are you sure you live in England? You sound a lot like a right wing conservative Texan like me.

George Washington and the most of the framers of our constitution got their values and courage from the British Anglican Church--a long time ago. Thank you.

John Bibb, El Paso, Texas, USA

Please correct your paragraph on the abortion issue. Obama does support medical care for early birth babies. The bill in the reference was redundant to an already existing law the requires medical care for these infants.

Please issue a correction.

april corday, Avila Beach, USA

It is frightening that so many comments congratulate this articleon its support of the McCain campaign. Clearly the intent is not to support McCain but to explore the sentiments of the typical American . A similar piece on McCain might be just as damaging. This lack of perception tells its own story

John Mclenan, Irvine, USA

The ad also says Obama is "the Senate's 'most liberal,' " a claim that rests on flimsy evidence to say the least... that wasn’t the case during his first two years in the Senate, when he ranked 16th and 10th on the most-liberal scorecard.
-www.factcheck.org

nathan, montreal, canada

Hey world...mind your own damn business. We don't want your failed socialism, communism or facism....we have done just fine on our own with a democracy and capitalism. You all want us to change until it's time to bail you out or fix your messes.

Rick, Minneapolis, USA

When the exit polls in country still continue to show that race is still a factor ( up to 10-15% in some polls) it's easy to disclaim this is not the reason that Obama is not ahead. Over 30 yrs in Congress and only now you can claim you can fix things? McCain wants to win at all cost.

Rick, FLorida, USA

What America wants, America will get, though they may not want it once they get it.

Pascus League, Orange, VA,

Ummm...the part about "ignorant Americans clinging to their faith..." Yeah...precisely why I'm a proud American. It is a country founded by our forefathers on the precepts of God. Think what you will but don't judge me as ignorant because of my beliefs.

Alyson, Ogden, USA

Maybe Americans just aren't ready for the European way. If I am not wrong - that entails higher taxes, rationed medicine although it is "free" (if taxes are ignored), and a systemic unemployment that is significantly higher than the US. Entitlements are not the way to build a base.

DLF, Zionsville, USA

“His one act of bipartisanship, a transparency bill co-sponsored with a Republican senator”

Gerard Baker do facts matter?

In addition to working on nuclear non-proliferation, Obama and Lugar co-sponsored legislation expanding the Nunn-Lugar framework .
Brownback himself sent out a press release in May 2007, touting their co-sponsorship of the "Iran Sanctions Enabling Act," which would increase economic pressure on Iran.
Obama was an official co-sponsor of Brownback's Darfur Peace and
Accountability Act in 2006.
Brownback and Obama collaborated to introduce legislation establishing a clear U.S. policy towards the Congo in 2005
Legislation that would significantly revamp the structure of CAFE with Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.).

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2006/10/barack_obama.html 10/24/06
His legislation is often proposed with Republican co-sponsorship, which brings me to another point: he is bipartisan in a good way.
Obama tries to find people, both Democrats and Republicans, who actually care about a particular issue enough to try to get the policy right, and then he works with them. This does not involve compromising on principle. It does, however, involve preferring getting legislation passed to having a spectacular battle. (This is especially true when one is in the minority party, especially in this Senate: the chances that Obama's bills will actually become law increase dramatically when he has Republican co-sponsors).

Obama a smart politician.

KiwisCanFly, Massanutten VA, USA

To say that Obama rose through a Chicago machine that is the "most corrupt in the country" is polarizing and biased.
There is plenty of "good" politics in Chicago (I was raised there).
McCain is running on "the old soldier" platform. Enough of war mongering doublespeak - this is the RNC candidate.

Noreen, Rohnert Park , USA

Brilliant article. Words and acts do not match in Obama's career. McCain is a decent person that puts the country first. The choice is clear: McCain 2008 and Clinton 2012.

Anne, LA, USA

The emphasis on religion has been placed by Obama first and Biden second. BO emphasizes his Christianity at every opportunity except when leads to Wright, Pfleger and Farrakhan. Biden was chosen to appeal to 'blue-collar' Catholics despite the fact he's NOT blue collar and supports abortion rights!

Carl Palm, Carmel, usa

With many friends and relatives completely infatuated with Obama, I've wasted a lot of breath defending my position that his rhetoric does not match his record. As a fiscal conservative and social moderate, I was intrigued by his message, but he'll not get my vote. You've hit the nail on the head.

Jennifer, Indianapolis, USA

"Even if you think that Americans should want to turn their country into a European-style system . . ."

I can assure that a clear majority of American voters do not want to turn their country into a European-system. O'Bama wants to and has to hide it from American voters.

Paul, Cincinnati, USA

Finally, a good insight from outside the U.S. Thanks for seeing what we Americans see in our candidates.

Agnes, Encinitas, CA, USA

Perceptive essay. To our European friends: be careful what you wish for. If the iron fist of American military power is removed from the velvet glove of European soft power, what's left? Small wonder that Putin, Ahmadinajhad, and Bin Laden all hope for an Obama victory. Jim, Oakhurst, California

Jim Rice, Oakhurst, USA

Multilateralism and the UN, you say? The UN will claim it's "rightful place" when it lives up to it's "lofty ideals" and stops the circus of stupid it has become. Just maybe the US looks at the mess Europe has made of itself and wants nothing to do with "multilateralism." I don't blame them.

Warwick, London Ontario, Canada

The right was accused of 'swift boating' John Kerry in '04.

To bad they didn't think to protect themselves from Gov Palin's overwhelming popularity and charm of being change for the Republicans.

They were "Swiftboated" in '04

They might be "Baracked' in08

(didn't think of a plan for this one?)

Tom Johnson, Milwaukee WI, USA

If the presidency were a street someone would have to hold Obama's hand while crossed it. Obama has no practical executive experience to bring to the table. Can he be elected, yes he can, should he be elected, NO!!!!! He would be ruin's to America's economy and security. I vote to drill.

Roscoe Mendago, Citrus Heights, Ca., USA

The answer, Gerard, is you need to get yourself a new circle of aquintances - you seem to mix with a bunch with very singular views. So, in reality, the world beyond the confines of the media is in the state of being "nonplussed, horrified incomprehension" Some of us can actually figure it out!

Oxford Dom, Oxford,

Mr Baker is one of the most astute observers and writers on the US Presdiential race in 2008. An excellent article.

Gary, Davidson, USA

All right. It's nice to see a foreign journalist actually get it! Thank you sir!

Susan, Colorado, USA

Genius for McCain to pick underqualified Palin. It puts the focus on Obama's weak resume. Palin's weakness magnifies Obama's own shortcomings. He has no executive experience. In his little time in senate, he has rarely voted and then only along party lines. Show me real change or I vote McCain.

Adam, Berkeley, USA

Jim from Amsterdam,
How is one's voting record a tenuous example? If anything it's the most objective and complete evidence of a politician's true stance that there is. And the fact that one of the few times BO went against his party he went further left says a lot about his bipartisan claims too

Andre, San Francisco,

The Senators mentioned regarding the IL abortion bill were not in the Il Senate but they have voted for similar bills. Obama can't pay for what he has promised without tapping into the middle class. Tax increases he has proposed will not provide revenue needed and will cause more businesses to leave

Craig, Houston, USA

Great piece Gerard. How do you think the image of Mr Cain compares with the age, vibrancy, youth and vigor of European leaders, bearing in mind that rebuilding of US credibility abroad is clearly one of the main issues at hand?

Richard Francis, Mississauga , Canada

No matter what either candidate says, Obama is a Liberal, and McCain is a conservative. There may have been a time when McCain was a "maverick," but that time has passed.
Neither is perfect, but why Obama has my vote is that he doesn't have impulsed like McCain and Bush do, plus Iraq and Energy.

Matt, Dallas, TX, USA

I have to say, this article captures it perfectly. Thank God the rest of the world doesn't pick our President - and yes, thank God we still have God in our country...

Eric, Santa Fe, USA

America is anchored on the foundation of the enumerated individual rights in the Bill of Rights. Changing that style of government to one that puts Americans under more foreign rule, which no doubt would lead to fewer individual rights, is by definition un-constitutional and therefore un-American.

Tom, Minneapolis, USA

Being black, or being a woman, is an advantage in a culture that wants to break from its racist and sexist past. But any Democrat black running for office will be a creature of identity politics, whereas a Republican woman is not. Advantage: Republicans.

Steven, Huntley, IL, USA

This minister (religious) voted for McCain in 2000. I don't trust him now. I will go with Obama this time because he's a man of great depth, intelligence and steadiness. Why would I not want someone like that as my country's leader?

Alex, San Diego, CA

This article pretty much nailed down most of my concerns about Obama, but it doesn't mention another reason why he is losing in the polls. McCain is a great candidate! He has fought for the good of America on the battlefield and against his own party. His wisdom and experience is outstanding.

Andy, St Louis, USA

Wow, a piece that reflects real American thought from a non-US source. Good job. It's going to be a close election, and anyone who says differently probably doesn't understand the situation.

Joe, Raleigh, USA

Very good understanding of the big picture and entirely accurate. Those who support Obama are mainly the die-hard Democrat/Liberal who doesn't require a candidate who can run on a record, or whose record confirms his words.

J. Resnikoff, San Diego, US

Baker wrote that people say "ignorant Americans cling to faith; enlightened Europeans... embraced the liberating power of reason." -- Anybody who ever said or wrote such a thing has clearly never been to Europe. Not to Spain, Italy, Greece, France or Portugal, anyway. Religious countries all.

Christi, Farnham, Surrey,

John McCain is 5' 6". There are obviously a number of politically wise women in the USA who would make excellent running mates for a resurgent Republican ticket, trouble is, they are too tall... hence the choice of Sara Palin and coincidentally,the reason why Barack Obama will replace George Bush.

Doug Miller, Fulham,

What an attrocious piece of journalism. In one paragraph you criticise Obama for always following the party line and the next criticise him for taking a stance which differed from both parties. And overall you use these two tenuous examples as a basis for your overall argument.

Jim, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Here's another reason: through more than 20 years in the military, and more than 20 years in Congress, John McCain always chose to do the RIGHT thing over the EASY thing... regardless of the personal cost to him.

B. Hussein Obama, however, has always done what's best for... B. Hussein Obama.

Dan, Columbus, USA

A little education for Owen. 40% of workers in the USA pay no income tax at this time (thanks to Bush). The top 10% of wage earners already pay 70+% of all income taxes. Obama's "tax cuts" are checks that he'll give to workers who already pay no income tax at all - pure wealth redistribution.

Bob, Dallas, USA

Andy: because a huge proportion of Americans hold views that are far more right-wing than those of Europeans

Is that really a problem. Look was socialism has done to Europe. The mass reliance on the governemnt is eating away at your lives.

Steven, London, UK

"Obama's image vs. reality problem" .
Question for Ellen, Sea. If you were in his shoes or even living something like close to it. Would you send your child to a public school?
Truthfully, are u sure u wanted to vote for him before? It's your choice & your country (maybe)!

Gbenga, Lagos, Nigeria

Ha! The fact that Europeans prefer Obama makes it MORE attractive for Americans to vote McCain. If Europeans want it, it can't be good for us...

Grazia, NYC, USA

Aligning the US with W.Europe has been a goal of democrats for the past 30 years but most Americans want America to be aligned with herself. Keep the EU on the other side of the drink. Barry O will loose because he is the most unqualified candidate in the history of the US.

Paul, Washington, D.C., USA

Spot on!
Obama is a snake-oil salesman backed by moneybags and Hollywood types who have nothing but conempt for the average American who " clingsto his gun and the bible".
RB, Denver, Co

Rivniz Bibargan, Denver, USA

It's just a close election, and there's still time for Obama and Biden to pull ahead and for Americans to realize that Obama and Biden will offer strong, wise leadership, vision and action, and will help lead America in a new direction. McCain and Palin would set the country and women back.

Don Stevens, Santa Ana, CA, USA

Kim K from the USA: What does Europe have for the US to emulate? Your lack of mutual cooperation has resulted in numerous wars. Your culture fails its citizens with socialism. That's why our country was started. To get away from your "culture". Keep it. I'll go our way with confidence.

Kim kensill, Plainfield, USA

Thanks for the fair and balanced comments. I am a Mccain supporter since 2000. I think he is the right man for the job, and he is not as right wing as some of the comments here seem to indicate. Most of that is based on campaign rhetoric. I think the moderate Mccain will show up.

Johnny W, Arcadia, USA

McCain/Obama meh... does anyone honestly believe either will change anything appreciably? The real power lies in the hands of the energy & arms corps, as long as the vast sums generated by conflict & oil continue to roll in status quo will be maintained

Nick, london,

Hey look, a Brit Republican! How rare. Way to hack it up. Fox News should open an office over there. I think I know just the guy to head up their fair and balanced London news desk.

If you lived here, you might understand that it really is just as simple as you stated at the start of your article.

William, Dallas, USA

Interesting comment about religion. I agree most wholeheartedly.

I lived in The Netherlands & Germany for 4 months shy of two decades. I came to realize this very point.

Personally, I attribute Europe's lack of faith with the establishment of "official" religions which the US bans.

Frank, Albuquerque, nm

I'm puzzled, Gerard, why you're so keen to focus on Obama's faults when the Republicans are lying, day in day out, and their record in office stinks.

In fact you seem to be repeating some of their lies, Obama would only raise taxes on the richest, the tax burden would be reduced on everyone else

Owen, London, UK

Add another detail to Obama's image vs. reality problem: like a good educated liberal he urges more funding for public schools, but like many other good educated liberals he sends his daughters to a very expensive (20k a year) private school. I was going to vote for him, but not now.

Ellen, Seattle,

Fred, Missouri, USA:"This election is about this one thing- do we not want to finally stop the absolute evil of the Republican Party?"

Er, I though it was simply about stopping the evil power of the Democrats. Silly me.

Derf, Iruossim, ASU

And now let's have a story on the outright lies of Sarah Palin and John McCain, and a good lie is worth repeating as someone in Germany noted in the 1930s.
The debate should be on the issues and, as you point out, it is in part. And Abama IS black, or half-black---that IS the elephant in the room.

stephen Petty, Landau/pfalz, Germany

Look back. There have been good, fair, and indifferent Republicans. Republicans tend to inherit financial problems and wars, started (Vietnam) or caused (Iraq, Gulf) by Dems.

There has been NO decent Democrat president. Probably because they are all the same, like Wilbur Smith characters.

Nick the Greek, Cape Town, South Africa

We all know politicians say one thing and do another, knowing the outcome is rarely favorable for the average person.

Many believe pols will say anything to be elected, that they have no true center other than the desire to make their way to the trough yet again.

The present lot is no exception.

Phil, Annapolis, MD, USA

Excellent analysis. I would add that the condescension shown to small-town Americans by Obama and the media has real consequences. When he railed about Pennsylvanians clinging to guns and God and fearing others both he and the media rushed to say he didn't mean it. He did, though, and we heard him.

Craig Sower, Kasaoka, Japan

Barack Obama is the least qualified candidate ever to stand for the Presidency. And there have been some very badly qualified ones. Unfortunately racism is raising its head in this election, because many Americans are determined to vote for a black candidate simply because he is black.

Bill Rees, Exeter,

The more I see and hear of Obama the less qualified I think he is to lead the USA. He's an American Blair,and just look at what that 'actor' did to Britain. Smug liberal European MPs can sneer all they like at the USA, but they're just third-rate wets who haven't the heart to fight Islamic terrorism

Nick Mortimer, London,

The close polls only make sense if people remember that there are many Americans who (1) voted for Hillary Clinton and will not vote for Obama, and (2) voted for Obama early on and have regretted it. If there's a Bradley effect, Obama will lose badly in November.

Elaine, egham,

As an American,I can say you have absolutely no idea what you're blathering on about.This election is about this one thing- do we not want to finally stop the absolute evil of the Republican Party?It's no more complicated than that.

Fred, Missouri, USA

This editorial is another example of how the Times has steadfastly resisted the urge to toe the wrong-headed, reductive, ignorant, arrogant and patronizing line about America that so many other British journalists adhere to. Well done.

Dave, Chicago, USA

Absolutely spot-on analysis.

FrankW, Philadelphia , USA

I would not give a hoot if Americans are going to elect McCain and stick to their suffocating religion, patriotism and political ignorance, honestly I really don't care, if it only wasn't so devastating for the rest of the world.

robert, vancouver, bc

A great analysis of the American election and the prism through which it is being viewed by the majority of Europeans. Show me a messianic politician and I will show you a snake oil salesman and having lived through the Blair years in the UK, it is quite easy to identify Obama is a charlatan .

Paul, Vancouver , Canada

WOW, I can't believe how many of the commenters on both sides of the pond "get it".
America will vote for a woman or a black man if they agree with their politics.
Obama has never done anything to qualify him for POUS.
He worked his way into speaking at the Kerry Convention and self promoted.

Charlie , Stuart , USA

Even in the US we have people who see what they want to see (Grigorovitch from Florida)... As for the gentleman with sons in the conflict in Afghanistan - I don't think Bush has exactly forgotten the Madrid and London bombings - rather, the radical elements of Islam are a bit busy elsewhere...

Steve Ellis, Fort Worth, USA

This is a well written, impartial article. But in the US, it's become almost impossible to find impartial information on the candidates. The news has become pure propaganda, with stories twisted or wholly left out. When news companies publish propaganda without question, where do people go for news?

Matthew K. , Los Angeles, USA

Excellent article.
The more one sees of Obama the less there is to see. He is an almost empty suit about whom we would not be discussing anything were it not for his black father.
Obama is the product first, last and always of the Cook County (Chicago) Democrat party machine. Say nothing more.

Mark Medvetz, New Hampshire, USA

I think you're actually placing too much focus on the candidates themselves. It looks - inconceivably to Europeans - like the Republicans have a chance of winning because a huge proportion of Americans hold views that are far more right-wing than those of Europeans.

Andy, London,

What has been unfortunate in this election is that the media's early infatuation with Obama made it impossible for them to perform their major responsibility: the investigation & vetting of a candidate. Had they done so, they would have discovered serious inconsistencies in his background $ career

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Mr. Baker, you have figured it out. I spent 45 years in Chicago. Obama has learned well. We can only hope the rest of the country catches up.. I nominate you the next Alistair Cooke and that's meant as a compliment

r. burns, Tampa, USA

A very accurate and perceptive commentary. Why IS it that so many on your side of the pond can't comprehend that there is common sense over here. The BBC news is incredibly biased in its reporting about US and our motives. The Times told you Lincoln was a bumbling hick in 1864. We are the good guys!

Carl Rose, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

He is also intolerably condescending. He condescended to Hillary. He condescends to anyone who is not his sycophant. Worse, he condescends to the American people. I am a Brit, living with and among them: he would have been drummed out of the Brownies in a UK election.

Michael Preston, Orangeburg, NY , USA

Uh, Gregorvitch? Did you read the entire article? My guess is that Mr. Baker would not be voting for Senator Obama if he had that right. You're making the rest of us Americans look bad.

Mac, New York, USA

Ah yes, those Enlightened Europeans, who have given us the most murderous ideologies of the last 100 years, Fascism and Communism, are so superior to those yokel Americans who in the words of Obama , "cling to their guns and religion".

Not.

Mat Thompson, Phoenix Arizona, USA

Illinois legislature he refused to join in supporting a Bill that would require doctors to provide medical care for babies who survived abortions.No one in the Senate - not the arch feminist Hillary Clinton nor the superliberal Edward Kennedy - opposed this

HC and EK were never in Illinois' senate

Joe, Cincinnati, USA

Good for you Gregorovitch - I quite agree with you (from Canada)

Sylvia, Niagara, Canada

The ignorance of your comments Gregorovitch. I have two brothers currently serving in Afghanistan for your presidents "war on terror". They are in the front line as we speak fighting your war without end. Bush has forgotten the attacks on Madrid and London . I hope for change for mankind's sake.

Gareth Davies, london,

Mr Baker is an astute observer of American politics. Race has nothing to do with why a majority of Americans will not vote for Obama. His speeches sound oh so marvelous. But the reality is that he is a hardcore leftist Socialist ideologue. He is simply wrong for America, regardless of his color.

George, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Your American correspondents articuate the prejudices that may just push McCain over the top & many of the qualities of the post-Empire litte Englanders displayed during UK's decline . Let them have 1 last hurrah & then turn into the socially liberal fiscally conservative Republican party we need

paul, Cincinnati, USA

The detractors of Obama say he's elitist. Not necessarily true. His supporters most certainly ARE elitist, and given the current administration's actions, and the Bush/Biden ticket, I suspect there is good reason for it.

C.Magee, Fairfax, VA, USA

I'm far from a conservative, but as someone who grew up in a Britain governed by Tony Blair and the Labour Party I would urge all Amercans not to vote for Barack Obama. He is another empty chalice, and we know that can be very, very destructive.

Jack Johnson, Newcastle, UK

Thank you for this editorial. I have been trying to make this same point to family and friends for the last 10 months. I would go one step further: the issue isn't political, it's psychological. Obama is actually very conservative in his style; he has a free mind but a tight heart.

Daniel, New Mexico, USA,

He forgot the Nonproliferation Bill with Senator Lugar (a Republican), and then makes the foolish argument that Obama is somehow more a democrat than any other Democrat in history, in spite of blatant examples to the contrary like his believe in supporting faith-based charities. That's blindness.

Brett, Salt Lake City, USA

Excellent Article!

If Europe is so great why do the Americans have to keep going over there and win wars for them? Why do we need to keep our military there as a defense posture? If you don't like Americans then stop being ungrateful and get off your lazy behinds and fight your own wars.

Gregorovitch, Florida, USA

Well Mr. Baker it's good to see you spell 'colour' correctly.It is one word so many people who have spent time in N.America spell without the 'u'. Tell me do you have your computer programmed to GB English or maybe a little warning hot key that bleeps ominously when you try to type it incorrectly?

Jonathan T0M, Malta,

Obama has practically no experience. Most of his Senate career has been campaigning for President. He puts personal ambition above his job responsibilities. He poses as a man of the people, but has had the benefit of an Ivy League education and political jobs. Never worked in the private sector.

Bill, Ocean City, Md, USA

The reason why America is the sole superpower in history is an undying belief in traditional values. Europe has steadily declined since it's belief in the "liberating power of reason", America is choosing between Chamberlain, the flimsy pacifist, and Churchill, the principled intellectual.

Caleb Byrd, Bellville, TX, USA

Barack Obama is a snob who looks down on the people in the U.S. that he seeks to lead. He is panicked now that Palin has energized the ticket up 20 pts since his minions unleashed their vile attacks on her and her family. The more that the American people know of Obama, the more they distrust him.

Dian Marshall Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, USA

Mr. Baker, you are an Englishman who gets it. Thank you.

Judith Lown, San Marcos, CA, U.S.A.

Wow. I'm glad you people don't have any say in our politics, or we would be as messed up as you are on the other side of the pond. We want a leader who loves America -- the greatest country in the world (admit it) -- and not be subservient to some other governments!!

Bob, Atlanta, Georgia

If they think Palin's a bad choice, consider this: She's just an indicator of things to come. America is in the process of a cultural, political and social revolution, and it isn't the kind of revolution that socialism is going to win. Think: Enlightenment/Classical Liberal.

Warren Bonesteel, Rapid City, SD, U.S.A.

We don't like European politics. We like your arts and crafts- German cars, French wine, Italian shoes and British- scotch is the only thing that comes to mind. Keep your politics- monarchism, fascisim, communism and socialism- from the US it all seems a bit insane. Govt. is best that governs least.

hugh brennan, princeton, nj. USA

Brilliant writing. Obama is so totally opposite of everything he says he is that you have to shut him off and simply look at what he has not done for the last two decades. He's simply frightening in his misrepresentations.

Richard, Placerville, USA

Mr. Baker understands. Some would like to make the election about race; it isn't, except to those who want to assuage their "white guilt." Republicans look at Obama, gaze past his oratory, and find nothing to vote for. This election is important. It's cultural with a real, meaningful choice.

Doug Beaton, Sanford, USA