Varun from London: " Why on earth is it so important for the US to be powerful again".

Answer: Because only Americans can be reliably counted on to risk life and limb to secure peace and freedom on this earth.

Prophet, Mooresville, USA

Why on earth is it so important for the US to be 'powerful" again?
They are amongst the most despised nations on earth for good reasons.

Varun , London, UK

Unfortunately, the stakes in this U.S. election are not as simplistic as the author portrays. It is not only about any divisions amongst ourselves or how the U.S. is perceived by the rest of the world - although both are very important. But there are major challenges facing the next U.S. president - a healthcare system that could eventually bankrupt the U.S. when baby-boomers start entering the Medicare system in 2011; the global warming crisis and dealing with India and China; three seriously unstable countries - Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; an economic recession; terrorism; nuclear proliferation; and on and on. The only person of the three who has the intelligence and capability to deal with these problems in some measurable way is Hillary Clinton. Any problem you may have with her personality is your problem. But we have more important problems to deal with.

Susie , Tuscaloosa, AL / USA

This article is as incongruous as Obama asking the electorate to trust him.

Tom, Perth, Australia

I always find the European views of American politics quite amusing. You don't seem to recognize that Barack Obama will have a very difficult time winning an election vs. John McCain. The simple reason is that McCain is a moderate with broad appeal while Obama's positions are very left wing with limited appeal outside of left wing Democrats. For example, McCain has been endorsed by a very recent Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate in Joe Lieberman. If McCain can win over moderate Democrats and former Democrats like Lieberman, Obama has no chance. You say this race makes you feel good about America. How will you feel when America elects a grumpy, old but seasoned white man rather than a hopeful, cheerful but novice minority personality.

I would also add that most Americans care much more about American security than American popularity among other nations. We would rather stop the next terrorist plot over polishing our image for Europeans.

Bryan, Minneapolis, U.S.A.

As an American living in the former capital of this country, Philadelphia, I have to say that I love your commentary from across the Atlantic. There is something special and very unique about Barack Obama; his ability to bring a vast, diverse electorate together around the common cause of making America great again, his remarkable leadership skills, and his firsthand understanding of the needs of the middle class and the poor.

Further, I honestly believe that he changes the landscape in the Middle East by appealing to the moderates in the region while alienating the extremists. Arabs will not be able to "pigeonhole" Obama the way they would with either Clinton (who voted for a resolution that called the entire Iranian government a terrorist regime after voting for the Iraq war) or McCain (who firmly believes the Iraq war is going well).

The very worst thing that can happen to Al Qaeda is an Obama presidency (just as the very best thing for Al Qaeda has been George Bush).

John, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What complete nonsense.
What America and the world needs is a capable leader and administrator who can be trusted to deal with issues such as health care international relations and infrastructure renewal in a sensible balanced way. All this talk of a new beginning etc is just that talk. The US is a vibrant and dynamic country that will quickly recover from the sub prime crisis. It simply needs an admiinistration that focuses on the real issues and stays away from isms. Hilary Clinton can be trusted to do this.Barak Obama cannot.

Colin Grant, Montreal, Canada

Dear Mary of New York: i seem to remember Hilary being given the task of working out how the USA was going to implement the kind of massive change in health care provision that you mention here but being, unfortunately, eventually, stalled by the vested interests. This is a genuine question: I don't live in the USA, so maybe I've missed whatever it was that changed during the G.W. Bush years to make it possible now?
On a smaller issue: Another feature of living in the UK is that i am probably unaware of subtle differences between US and UK English. Does calling someone 'sonny' sound as strident and patronising (even 'paternalistic') in US English as it does here?
I'd appreciate some enlightenment on these issues.

Steve, Preston, UK

Ahh, Camilla, you paint such a negative picture of Bush. Is the world so anti-American? Sure, they hate us in the terrorist camps, but Germany, France, yes, even England, have elected pro-American governments. Those who hate us do so because we stand strongly for freedom-- and frankly, gaining their love isn't high on my agenda. God Bless America, God Bless George Bush, and God Bless brave old England!

David Finch, Mytown, Pennsylvania

Yes, the problem with Hillary Clinton is that she has so much baggage and is part of so many scandals past and perhaps scandals to come. There is nothing sexist about expecting that whoever occupies the highest office in the land have integrity and character. I simply cannot understand how women as a group would squander this opportunity for the democrats to win the election. I am white, female and in my 'fifties; but I simply will not be able to vote for a return of the Clinton dynasty. My daughters will be voting in the West Virginia primary for the first time (just became eligible). Like them, I will vote for Obama. But if HRC wins the nomination, like so many others, I will hold my nose and vote McCain. I really do think that most of Hillary's supporters would support Obama. But the converse is just not true. There are enough people out there who feel that the Clintons disgraced the Presidency and are not entitled to one more day in Washington.

Jane Thomas, Shepherdstown , WV

Mr Obama talks about HOPE and CHANGE...but he has not spelled out how intends to implement anything...
I would be very interested in details...
Anyone can say ANYTHING...but knowing how to fix it is something different entirely

Ginger, Weslaco, TX

Time for a woman at the helm for a change men seem to have messed everything up for a long time so she cannot fail to be an improvement on previous presidents especially the last few. Bush who has no intelligence, an ex cowboy and these folk had their finger on the nuclear button.
Seems to me men usually cause most wars think of all those happening now and there is always a guy involved.

D Britton, Nottingham, ENGLAND

In regards to Bob Evan's comments about Obama's experience... (Part 1 due to the 100 char limit here.)

Someone had posted this as a comment on another site - am reproducing it here:

On Legislative Experience:

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law,

(20) twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I'll post them

here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

Jon, California, USA

To jean wesson and Mark, Harrogate-The US elections are a big interest all over the world. I was just out of the country for business, and so many people I've met have asked me about the elections including the process and the candidates. Given the amount of coverage the US elections has on this site as well as other international sites show huge interests all over the world about America electing a new president.
It's also great to see record voter turnouts, and many more younger voters are out there to vote! I'm ecstatic that there were more democratic votes out there during Super Tuesday, New Hampshire primary and Iowa Caucus! It really shows how so many people are psst off with the current administration and really want change!
Regarding Obama, it's amazing how he overwhelmingly won(in a landslide), in states not really considered to be diverse like North Dakota, Idaho, Utah, Kansas. To those who say America isn't ready for a black president, you better think again!

Arlene, Arlene, LA, CA, USA

Part 2.

8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are,

more substantive. 16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.

Jon, California, USA

Part 3

19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first (8) eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded
**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),

Jon, California, USA

Final Part.

**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more.

In all since enter the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record.

Jon, California, USA

Obama would be another Deval Patrick but at the national level. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!

Reggie, Boston, MA

Clinton (Bill) left the White House with the US Economy at its strongest.......

What is wrong with a 2 for 1 approach - especially when the track record of the presidential adviser is bluechip.

Richard, Bucharest,

NOBODY knows what Obama thinks. He is completely evasive. And for some reason the media loves him...but what does he exactly want to "change." What is the "change" that he believe in? He is the worst choice we can have and people just like to nit-pick about Hillary because she is a strong confident woman. Why are people so scared to choose such a competent woman? I am saddened that women like the author do not think it is important to have a woman for President of the US.

If you write an article about Obama unifying the US..you should at least back up your ideas!
Hillary for PRESIDENT!!!

Chloe, McLean, VA

Er, Steven Fulbright, honey, check your facts. My girl Hillary has 1060 delegates to yo' O at 981. Three little words, sonny: "universal health care." Go Hillary!

Mary, New York, USA

The narrative the pundits have chosen for Obama is "hope and change", for Clinton it is cold calculation and McCain is the "maverick". I find all these descriptors simplisitc and naive. Bush was embraced for his election themes of hope and healing, compassion and unity and it all proved to be rubbish (as many Democrats knew then and many of Bush's adherents have finally learned). Obama clearly isn't Bush, but he's not a messiah about to turn the US into a magical kingdom either. As to 'healing' what's really needed is extensive purging, not some afternoon talkshow pop-therapy between commercials. And the US public needs to stop imagining the candidates as saviours and start treating them as ordinary accountable public servants. Visceral appeal ( or the lack of it) is an unavoidable factor but blind faith and hope is what delivered Bush to the US and the world in the first place. Some people apparently never learn.

Simon W. , Jersey City, USA

A President can't do much without a compliant Congress. Whoever wins will either have to make deals with the opposite party running one or two parts of the Legislaive branch, or rein in a rampant Congress of his/her own party. Who's best equipped to do that? But in some scenarios the Congress will have to try to rein in a scary President (in my opinion McCain).

Brigid Elson, Toronto, Canada

What is it about the US Presidential election that makes fine minds gush forth idealistic blubber? The crazed notion that the office is always a force for change or good centered in one inspired saviour needs to end otherwise this circus act will get worse.

Paul McCloskey, London, UK

Very easy to criticise Hillary as we know her every foible. Not so Senator Obama - I do not feel that I know any of the things that would make him a good President.

Bill Atkins, Rehoboth Beach, USA

I suggest that in addition to the opposing thumb, the ability to hope separates homo sapiens from our brethren life forms on earth. It has been 7 years without hope and I enthusiastically embrace the hope that Barak Obama offers. Unlike Bush, Obama is nobody's fool and will do a better than fine job.

Robert Leutheuser, Albuqueruque, USA

No brief for Hilary Clinton
BUT, why gloss over Obama's private sector connections?
And was JFK any good as a president?
Can the world afford another trigger-happy US president?
Which is deeper guilt over the treatment of blacks or women?
Can shibboleths act as substitute for thoughts?
Needs to be pondered over?
Unfortunate that there is a vacuum in US political leadership for about a decade now. And the world will continue to pay the price.
Acharya

Acharya, bangalore, India

The ability for change and release is the great thing about the "Anglo-Saxon" world and what is so interesting about these elections. No superpower needs to get involved, no NATO, no UN, no pompous "diplomats", just the people.

God Bless America.

Benjamin, Gloucester,

One would just like to remind the American readers of this site that as you claim your president is "leader of the free world", surely the rest of the world may pass comment on your presidential race. Just because your countries media is inward looking doesn't mean the rest of the world must follow suit.

Dan, Reading, England

There is so much wrong with this article it would take a book to write an adequate rebuff. First, the basic premiss: why would anyone want the US to be powerful again? Look what it did with the power it enjoyed as the world's only superpower!

Clinton has the experience of office even if it was by proxy, whereas Obama has not only no experience of office, but no knowledge of foreign affairs (Hard to reconcile that with maiking the US strong again?). He would also come with two hundred years of wrongs to be righted in the eyes of millions of his voters. If the military/industrial/intelligence cartel wouldn't let Kennedy do what he wanted, how long would Obama be given?

Much better to plough a safe furrow and vote in McCain. No ridiculous adventures in foriegn affairs as with Bush; no profligate squandering of the tax dollars of the hard working US citizen on 'social programmes', and a man wise enough to pick a talented younger man as his VP. Job done.

David, Wolverhampton,

Jean Wesson: no one could disagree that foreigners "interfering" in another's politics or "attempting to determine the best political face" of another country is unsavoury. But America is engaged full-time in precisely that: determining the political faces of other countries, for better or worse.

Ms Cavendish's piece is mere commentary: foreign opinions on the political face of America are the least that can be expected if its actions around the world, whether through war or trade, can have so profoundly determine the outcome of non-American lives.

Besitz Belastet, London,

If the elections were about feeling good, then Obama is your man. But might I remind you that millions of voters elected the crowd in Washington because they felt good about the Conservative agenda. We don't need cheerleading in America, we need an agenda that actually turns America around and not just 'lift the gloom.'

Walter Myers, Jersey City, USA

Keep in mind that while George Bush was not highly experienced, the people who (mis)led him were and are - in terms of political experience from all levels including a Secretary position, the private sector, and even in terms of five terms in Congress, there probably isn't anyone more experienced in the Bush White House than Dick Cheney. Look where that got us!

I'll freely admit that there is a risk in picking Obama. He might turn out to be a milquetoast once he actually gets in office, especially if the Democrats have a strong victory in the Congressional Elections , giving Pelosi and Reid stronger power bases. However, at the same time, the political experience he does have suggests that he won't simply bend over, and his familiarity with electoral politics will be useful in getting domestic programs passed - if he plays it right.

Brett, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Hillary would get my vote. She did a good job the last time she was runnng the country.

Mark, Glasgow,

sadly for all non-americans, we do admit that when america sneezes, the whole world catches cold. that explains the interest of outsiders in the coming american election. this is a fact that jean wesson seems not to know, the kind of ignorance or lack of understanding that precipitated questions like "why do they (non-americans) hate us (americans)?"

and bob evans, please, we are not naive. unlike some of those inside america swayed by swanky ads and focused-grouped lines, we do read on the candidates' achievements or non-achievements. so, no. i wouldn't say that obama is inexperienced or all fluff.

rey soriano. manila, philippines

Rey Soriano, Manila, Philippines

Here's a thought Camilla; stay out of America's business! Try worrying about politics in THIS country.

Mark, Harrogate, England

As a Brit expat living in Athens I have listened very carefully to the American presidential debates in recent weeks in an attempt to judge the quality of the candidates as objectively as possible. I have prejudices but none is American. Frankly, and brutally, I am impressed with neither McCain nor Obama. The former repeats phrases parrot-like, exhibits no intellectual depth of thought on any subject and has never run a business nor state. He claims his noble military experiences will help him run the USA but this is plainly absurd. Like me he's also too old for such an onerous job as US president. Obama is all soundbites. It's almost as if he's been watching and mimicking JFK's speeches. Fair enough but was JKF such a great role model in morals and politics? Didn't he initiate the Bay of Pigs disaster and start the Vietman offensive? By any objective criteria, Ms Clinton and Mr Romney are both streets ahead of the rest in both leadership skills and intellectual capabilities.

Dr David Green, Athens, Greece

Very odd posting - only McCain and Obama - Obama hasn't a chance against McCain and people will realise that soon enough. Funny how you say how divisive Clinton is when Obama is basically drawing his support from the African-American population. Exit polls prove as much, and the white male support he is getting won't hold in a national election - they will decamp to McCain. Most of the states he won vote Republican in national elections anyway. People are conveniently forgetting that.
Clinton's support is more solid and will stand up well.
Also, if Obama wins the nomination - he will be blitzed by the Republicans. His record, his 'religion' and especially his colour - will be brought into play. If you think those conservative southern states will vote for him nationally you must be living in cloud cuckoo land. If Obama wins this, the keys to the WH might as well be handed in to McCain on a platter.
But then soaring rhetoric - which is all it is - always gets people afroth.

Bethany, Johannesburg,

Barack Obama will become the first black president of the USA and that will bring unprecedented fortune to that beleaguered country. Well done Barack!

Jon Bolton, Bolton,

As a Brit in the US it's refreshing to see such spot on analysis. Few have discussed Clinton's continued "Vote for me as first lady again" sales pitch. Why if she's so experienced, knowledgeable and capable does she need to pull out the Billary card at each turn. It's disappointing to see the flip-flop political commentaries which reference Bill's role as moderator, Svengali and lobbyist. Obama has two contestants when it suits the experience and change battle but one when Billary needs to underscore her (lack of) credentials.

Gooner, San Bernadino, California

One might say ...Ms Cavendish...It's not your country ..or your politics...I as an American would not attempt to determine what would be the best "political face" for Britain to present to the world.

Jean Wesson, Phoenix, US

There is much of the Blairs in the Clintons and vice-versa. With this in mind I would agree that anything would be better than the Clintons ( because it would be both) for America.
You do not want a pair of ruthless chancers running the country like we have suffered over the last decade.

J Chambers, melton mowbray,

I'm a white, male Republian who believes that Barack Obama is the right person at the right time to inspire America again. After eight years of George W. Bush, we need a change from the old style politics, which is to demonize anyone who dosen't follow party lines. Hillary once admitted that she disengaged from her emotions long ago because they "got in the way." America needs someone in the White House with intelligence, style, and heart. Hillary, I'm afraid, is a cartoon of a politician, not a uniter. She does not inspire me like Obama.

Thomas Burns, Livingston, Montana

Excuse me, Camilla, lofty speeches and pie in the sky when you die attitudes are all very well, but it's going to take 280 million working in concert to lift America's gloom... not one. That, I fear, isn't going to happen. As a relevant aside, you might be looking to yourself, Britain. Aren't hings getting a bit dicey there as well?

Stephen, Fayetteville, NC, US

One must wonder if Ms. Cavendish can name one policy or program Mr. Obama has offered to the voter, let alone detailed. Listen carefully, and all you will hear him say is that he is offering change. But WHAT change? How does he plan to accomplish it? Minor experience in a state legislature, and less than four years in the Senate, does he really have the experience? What economic experience does he bring to office? Does he have ANY foreign policy experience or understanding? (After all, he is the person who a few months ago said he would bomb Pakistan to make them provide more assistance to the U.S.

The naiveté of people is incredible!

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Steven Fullbright, which planet are you on? Obama won???

Camilla, McCain is unelectable. Watch him. He is so wooden he makes Pinochio look real. Obama is just as you say a cult. He is a undoubtedly a gifted orator. He is also without doubt inexperienced, untried, untested. He will be eaten alive on Capital Hill. The country needs strong leadership. Hillary.

Michael pearson, Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA

Nice article. Sadly more democrats, don't get. The key thing is to win in Nov. Only Obama can do that.

Obama Won!
He has the most delegates, he won the most states.
He is fighting against the establishment favourite and is looking solid for the next round.

Obama 08.

Steven Fullbright, Seattle, WA, USA

,,,,,,,I ask myself,would you like to have lunch with Mrs.Clinton?and somehow as a person I would not.She seems bossy,pushy and not very pleasant.May the best one win.

m. nadler, vancouver, canada

Right on CC. Hillary with no "balls"? Um, where on her body would that be situated?

Just teasing, CC. Couldn't agree more with you.

hometruth, San Diego, California