Name some of his achievements - you will find none!!!
All he can do is use borrowed speeches and exploit good decent americans. He has the backing of Oprah and friends.
We will see how long he can live his fakeness.
How dare he speak ill of President Clinton, when he was just
taking up for his wife!!!!
Any day I would prefer Hillary who is a real classy Stateswoman. She will definitely be helped by her husband.
The fact remains that President Clinton is dammed if he does; and dammed if he doesn’t. So many people are so quick to judge President Clinton on anything he says. All I know is that under his watch he balanced the budget and left a surplus when he left office. Under his watch my 401k plan did the best ever. Schools improved so much. This president was and is welcomed with open arms anywhere on earth. Every world leader respects him, even Mr. Putin. The dollar is down, foreign investments are moving away from America and we are in a recession. If America chooses Hillary, the Clinton team will be productive from day one. There will NOT be a 2 to 4 year learning curve. Foreign investment will start pouring back in to our country
Our dollar will start getting stronger and America will be out of a recession.
President Clinton has earned the right to speak his mind. Will any American Husband let anybody belittle his wife????
Come on people, what you are seeing is one of the most brilliant Presidents of this century, taking up for his wife in a mild manner, controlling himself in everything he says. Did anybody else raise a Billion for the Tsunami??? A poor kid from Arkansas worked his way up, became a Rhodes scholar, governed a state many times and did what he said he will do, when he came to the White House.
America did prosper under his watch!!!!
Hillary forgave him when he stumbled. So who the hell are we to hold anything against him? All I can say is the Whole world thanks God for Bill Clinton. By the way, I'm not a Democrat. I take a person for what they have done for others

GC, hillsborough,

What we need is another 8 years neo conservative power in the white house. An adventure to Iran will bring the decline of the American empire and the rise of china and India.

sofia michael, vancouver, canada

Dear, dear Mr Baker - are you really a sign of The Times?
Mr Obama seems a breath of fresh air in a country that appears to run on ideologies allegedly espoused by the likes of James Buchanan and the Neo-Conservative cabal represented by the Bush dynasty. They seem to borrow from John Ford's adage: 'If you have a choice between printing the truth and printing the legend, print the legend', or, as the rest of the world might see it, lies. America has already dragged a number of economically subservient countries, shamefully including the UK, into a blatant grab for middle eastern oil. If Mr Obama is elected we may see an end to this disgusting attempt at armed robbery. As for Mrs Obama's comment, I believe them to be misrepresented, but, even if not, please explain what cause black Americans have to be proud of a nation that has dealt with them so dishonourably, so cruelly, and dishonestly for so long? Who really shot Malcolm X and used the Mafia drugs trade to combat black militancy

Graham Warwick, Ipswich, United Kingdom

Besides the whole Obama issue, there is something else to consider. There is a bigger problem out there. The fall of the Berlin Wall, a triumph? How about the fact that in a round about way, our good president Roosevelt, who guided us through World War II was the one to blame for September 11th. If he had not made the Soviet Union so powerful that later on we had to support anyone who was "anti-Russia" which included the tyrannical leaders of Iraq and Iran, so that their people hated the U.S. for our support of these murderers, the Trade Towers probably would have still be standing today. And why in the world were we in the Gulf Wars? As Thomas Jefferson aptly said, which applies to the whole world now, "Europe is nations of eternal war." Makes me want to join in . (sarcasm intended)

Danielle Shirley, Pecatonica, IL, U.S.A.

Hmmmm.

Obama: Is America ready for this dangerous left winger?

listen to the rhetoric of Barack Obama...


Eighteen paragraphs in this 'story' without a single direct quotation.

The bar is set pretty low the The Times

Arthurstone, Seattle, USA

Well, as my father always said, "the unspoken question in most conversations is 'compared to what?'.

First, we have a former prisoner of war with serious anger management issues who admits to little knowledge or interest in economics, but a great admiration for Wilsonian foreign policy. Save us!

Second we have a retread of eight dismal years of utterly unprincipled leadership and moral relativism.

Then we have someone who promises change and puts fourth an utterly socialist agenda.

I'm too depressed, I have to stop.

Jim Walton, Washington DC,

In last recent years America has become one of the world's most unpopular first world country.Due to its wrong political policy their image aroulnd the world is kaputt so I think the only Messiah who can rescue America right now would be Mr. Obama. Its pity to see how some Hindu Indians born americans, Indians around India are judging Mr.Obama according to his muslim middle name and skin color and not by his intelligence and honesty. They don't like black people because the funny thing is Indian don't consider themselves black. By the way I myself is an Indian I have no insecureness feeling about my dark skin.
Sonam Zurich Switzerland

Sonia , Zurich, Switzerland

Bush ran on the promise to be a uniter also, where is our country now? It is more divided than ever across all demographics. Bush ran on bringing economic properity to all Americans not just the rich. Where is the country now? We function on a deficit with no end in sight. Futhermore, Bush is supose to be patriotic but has not brought in Bin Landin. Instead he lied or worse was incapable of leadership, intellegence, and composure to defend our honer and pride by sticking to the course and finishing the job in Afaganistan. Where is Bin Landin? Bush is at best the worst president this country has produced.

Michael O'Malley, South Boston, MA

Fairly poor article I'm afraid. Firstly, if you are going to talk about what Michelle Obama actually said, please actually quote her so we can review the evidence for ourselves. Allow me:

“For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback… not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

What Michelle Obama was clearly saying - and has reiterated since that point - is that for the first time in her adult life she is proud of the way her country is coming together; the way millions and millions of Americans are getting behind a common cause: to move beyond the partisan politics of yesteryear and I quote 'not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change'.

Instead, your article should be entitled 'Is America ready for this leftwinger?' There's nothing dangerous about Universal Healthcare or a revised sense of diplomacy.

Max, Oxford, UK

I think what Michelle Obama said was that this is the first time she is "really proud" of her country. To give her some credit the word "really" makes a difference. She is not unpatriotic just realistic, what should she be "really proud" of????? Good for her! Her honesty is so refreshing in the political race where I feel as though everything is almost pure rhetoric.

Also, to respond to some of the other comments on this wall (although it is at a slight tangent) I think that if you think Obama's popularity is because of his race I think that that says something negative about yourself and that we should not bring race into the debate. However I do see his ethnicity as a positive aspect because he does inherently represent change and tolerance.

Claire, London,

Wow, finally a refreshing view on the current United States Presidential race. Is it just coincidence that such a well written reality-check happens to come from our brothers and sisters across the Pond? I for one am so tired of the apparent gullibility of this generation of fellow Americans. Being a College Student myself, I live everyday amongst the most liberal and left-wing that society has to offer. Yet, I have always wondered, if the majority of the Democrat Candidates receive their support from my naive, inexperienced peers, what does that truly state about the Democrat Party? In Obama I currently see a true danger to America, in the sheer fact that he not only resents any attempts to uncover his past, but also his empty, hollow, cavernous rhetoric which has entranced constituents despite there being a severe lack of any logical susbtance. I am reminded of the dangers 75 years ago which came about through a gullible citizenry, who were moved by falsified "Hope", and "Change".

JAK, Washington, D.C. / U.S.A

This is an honest and eminently intelligent discussion of the problem we in the USA face. If either of the radical liberals is elected, we shall see taxes and our cost of living skyrocket as FDR's socialist dream attains its fruition. Our quality of life will decline to 3rd world style as the socialists extort further the income of the producers to achieve their dream of egalitarianism, both financial and social. Their pandering for votes has no end nor does their taxation in the effort to achieve the socialist dream. If socialism is so great a system, why has it not succeeded in any country as of yet, especially yours, the UK..

Larry Weber, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The US democratic presidential candidate will almost surely be a black male or a white female, and the US news media have already picked John "The Manchurian Candidate" McCain as the republican flunky.

Personally, I'd rather pick from among Moe, Larry and Curly.

But the US political and legislative systems have become so far out of whack--so distant from what they originally were and were intended to be--that no matter who it is, our next president will be a liar and an abomination to our country's foundational philosophy.

On the bright side, if the immanently unqualified black male or white female wins, we will be treated to new levels of rhetorical bandy-dancing as the civil rights and/or feminist spin doctors struggle to rationalize Barack's ("where soldiers sleep") or Hillary's (root for "hilarious") imminent buffoonery, gafs and screw-ups.

Andy Haraldson, Lake Worth, United States/Florida

If anyone really wishes to know more about Obama, visit the Southside of Chicago in the district where he was elected as an Illinois State Senator. That is Nation of Islam territory. Ride the 55th Street CTA Bus to the Science and Industry Museum for a first hand view. I can't say that I disagree with some of their views, but on the whole, many of their views are quite radical and divisive. Violence is a means to an end for that crew......

Jim, Belmont, California

Were Americans actually proud that they shot down a satellite as it approached Canada with a 25% chance of creating a 600 mile debris field on Canadian soil according to internal Royal Canadian Mounted Police documents?

It's not like the city of Vancouver with about 2 million people would have been missed much? Please give the Canadian public a heads up next time, neighbour!

Operation "Burnt Frost" -- Nice!

RAM, Canada,

I prefer Barack Obama wearing a turban, than Mr. Bush dropping bombs in Irak.

Julio, sevilla, Spain

The problem is not the democrat party in and of itself. The problem is that extreme anti-war, "feel good" hippy liberals have taken over this party. The democrats of the 1940's, 50's, and 60's are gone! OK, so George Bush made mistakes in the past 8 years. All presidents make mistakes.

The democrats say that George Bush's policies have inflamed terrorism by going into Iraq. Yet, the reality is that we haven't been attacked in over 7 years!

The democrats say our economy is bad because of George Bush, yet every economist has pointed to the bad housing market as the prime reason, because home loans were given to people without credit and income checks. People bought homes they couldn't afford. Plain and simple!

In America we have city, state and federal agencies. Days before Katrina, New Orleans and Louisiana state agencies failed to bus the poor out of the flood zones, when they damn well knew the consequences. Once again, it was much too easy and convenient to blame Bush.

Dan, New York, USA

As the old saying goes.. Americans and the British are a like people seperated by a common language. If Mr. Palmer genuinely believes Poland won the cold war and not the military/economic build up of the USA in the Reagan years, then we have proof positive of the influence of the left leaning BBC repleat with 'spin' bordering on the edge propaganda. Obama is an empty suit and is enjoying what can be described only as a brief period of infatuation from mindless individuals fooled by the promise of his hollow version of "change". We do not want to failied socialistic ways of Europe, your national health plan that is bankrupting your country, $10 a gallon for gas or your invasion by Muslims who have no intent on becoming British. We have been staunch allies for decades, but it's painful to see what has happened to our friends in the UK from rampant immigration and liberalism. Together I fear they have taken the "great" out of Great Britain.

skip woody, Chapel Hill, USA

Any article that starts out by setting up those "unencumbered by an expense education" as some kind of ideal isn't worth the paper it's printed on...and considering I'm reading this on the internet, that's sayin' something.

Eric, Nitro, WV

It is despicable that The Times has become a mouthpiece for this sort of sensationalist journalism. It is clear from US based Fox News that the proprieter of that channel is against the Obama candidacy.

On a point of a fact, how can you suggest that Americans should feel a sense of pride in the fall of the Berlin wall, it was nothing to do with the US and mostly to do with common people in Poland, czechoslovakia (as was) and East Germany. Also, how can you have pride in a victory in 1992 didn't provide any security from the same threat.

This is the very worst sort of croneyism that we in the UK can do without. Tubthump somehwere else please.

Steve Palmer

Steve palmer, Cambridge, UK

We need change in this country. When I see the middle class being slowly destoryed, more and more poor people stuck in their miserable lives, a growing trade deficit, and a vicious, aggressive foreign policy I say we definitley need change. Where is the justice in some hedge fund mangager being able to buy a $63 million painting and millions unemployed unable to find decent jobs? The wealthy have essentially been paying very little in taxes for many years now. I don't mind paying taxes but would like something for them such as help in paying health insurance. When I think of all the taxes my family paid over the years and I couldn't get help for my mother when she needed it, yes we need change in this country. When our foreign policy alienates most of the world because it is so brutal, when the Pentagon has no trouble getting what it wants and our infrastucture is falling apart then I know something is wrong. We need change. It's no wonder Obama is so popular.

Greg, Brooklyn, NY U.S.A.

As am American who has lived on the continent for over 13 years, I am utterly confused as to why my compatriots would choose to vote for a man who espouses the views which have made Europe so non-competitive in the modern age. As the eloquent column by Gerard Baker highlights, I fervently believe that the lack of basic economic understanding of the "middle American" is the base of his support. The demographics indicate that most, highly-educated persons who are economically savvy are genuinely frightened of this man. I could go on and on about the failure of government schools to properly educate average Americans in basic economics is the root cause of this problem, but to underline my case I need only point at marxist-socialist countries and their abject failure in educating their populations to compete in the global economy. The bottom line is that this man is fundamentally dangerous and that most Americans are about to endure 4 years of hell similar to the Jimmy Carter years.

Dennis, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA

"But are Americans really ready to leap all the way across in one go to embrace a European-style Left?"

...i`d say so gerard...

...i have many friends in the united states who tell me, that after years of 'dangerous right winger' george bush and his nutty right wing policies...they are ready to leap all the way out of a 20 story window to get away from extreme right wing conservatism and free market /NAFTA madness...as long as the footpath they land on is on the left hand side of the road...this is the problem that many of them have with hillary clinton..and why many of them are looking at barak obama...hillary clinton represents to many americans more of bill clinton`s "republican lite"/"drag the democrats to the center-right" policy settings that the former president was justly known for....and that the clintons appear to be desperately trying to preserve...they don`t want a blairite "third way"...they want real change...hence the unthinkable..many americans are moving left...

wasi, auckland, nz

I find it interesting that the above two posters, like myself, are from President Bush's "home" state of Texas. We had several more years of him than the rest of the country, and are well glad to be rid of him soon. It would cause me great dismay to have to deal with even another four years of Bushness. I too am a proud American, and because of that, I am very excited to see the outpouring of genuine interest in this election. The numbers of people coming to the polls to cast their votes are far and away greater than they have been in a long time, and I am proud of my fellow Americans for getting off of their collective arses, and grateful to Mr. Obama for inspiring them to do so. As far as Mrs. Obama's comment, I feel people are reading waaaaay too much into it. I've found in this life that you find what you're looking for. Maybe folks should take another look.

tmspain, Katy, Texas, USA

The artcle is eloquently written but my comments are as follows: How a government fund the initiatives which are so desperately needed in a country that call itself one of the richest in the world but with so many poor people almost the standard of a developing country? How can they sponsor universal healthcare which all the citizens must benefit from?

I personally do not see the difference between Obama and Clinton policies - much of the same which I gues is to the left but hell was is so wrong with the rich supporting the poor.
The problem I have is the taxation from $75,000 is a little steep. I do not undertand why Americans are so anti-tax - no wonder why they re living on the credit card of China.

yaw prempeh, hamburg, Germany

I am a Libertarian and opposed to big federal government. I have found the candidates offered by the two major parties to be increasingly EVIL for my entire voting age life. Every four years I grow more and more apprehensive as candidates offer draconian solutions, proposing more legislation where the repealling of poor legislation is the better option. Obama is NOT my ideal candidate. However in the war between evils, Obama is by far the least of the three dragons. McCain and Clinton are, in fact the ones offering talk instead of solutions. Hillary will make many promises she can't keep and blame others for failure. She is only interested in making "accomplishments" for herself and not for America. McCain is trying to appease the evangelists while getting just enough of the left to win the election. He represents more Bush style oppression of the middle class in favor of multinational corporate gains. Obama is, in my opinion the most electable, least offensive candidates.

Brian Conroy, Camarillo, California

Electing either Mrs Clinton or Obama will be disaster not just for the United States but also for the entire world. Both of them remind me Carter.

Subramaniam. P, Paris,

We all have opinions about high taxes & low taxes what benefits the rich and what benefits the poor. America hates any candidate that wants to help the poor & homeless, single mothers & minorities. America is comfortable spending trillions of dollars on war but God forbid you try to put computers in schools and create jobs.

What exactly are Americans afraid of.?????
How can we call ourselves unpatriotic when we don't support a war..then call us liberals when we try to feed & shelter the poor.
Last time I checked, America was suppose to be a Democracy, one vote one person, why is it necessary to put down one candidate to make your candidate look qualified. Senator Clinton has not been clear on her agenda, and McCain had no competition..The only issue McCain stands for is WAR.. a Presidential candidate should be taken to task for wishing anyone death ( Marx-Castro comment) . Un Presidential and unhumane.
Putting down Senator Obama does not improve the credentials of anyone

ParisienneDiva, Georgia, USA

It sounds as though Smith Abilene TX just needs to use that masters degree and go get a job.

Nick, West Chester, OH

In response to Ster, Tampa, Fl

Here are your two "things" for you.

Obama worked with Republican Senator Tom Coburn to pass the Senate "Pork" bill.

Obama is working with Republican Richard Lugar and Chuck Hagel on the "Global Poverty Act".

Mark, Flowery Branch, GA

Why anyone would want to end the veritable utopia that the candidates of Gerald Baker have created here in the last 8 years is mindboggling to me.

Join Gerald and scream "FOUR MORE YEARS!"

It's the patriotic thing to do, we can't have commies running this country and renaming Freedom Fries and not wearing their patriotism literally and figuratively on their lapel.

srv, Austin, TX

How do you define "ordinary American"? I consider myself one. I am college educated (master's degree), and thus, deeply in debt. My household meets federal poverty guidelines, and can't afford housing without help from extended family. We have no health insurance; I provide the only possible child care for my grandchildren. As a 45 year old white female, I could be considered a "mature" voter. I am also one of those disenfranchised independents--"far left liberals"--supporting Mr. Obama. The Bush administration has packaged self serving greed as patriotism, leaving many "ordinary Americans" deeply angry and embarrassed by our country's behavior worldwide and at home. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, where the rich get richer on the backs of the poor, and a nation of immigrants uses fear to bludgeon newer ones, while old men send young men and women to war for the sake of economic imperialism (my son among them)--damn straight, many of us embrace drastic change.

Smith, Abilene, Texas

This authour takes Michele Obama's words out of context. She was saying she was proud for the 1st time in regards to hope and the voters voting for change.

There is no cult like movement. I resent that implication. After 7 long years of despair under Bush's politics of fear for the first time Americans feel like they can breath again with renewed hope for the future.

Furthermore the "experience" factor is a false narrative. Judgment counts above all. Look where Cheney's and Rummy's "experience" got us.

Obama's foreign policy is superior to McCain' perpetual war and the hawkish stands Hillary takes. McCain will be like Bush only on steroids; Hillary a Bush-lite.

Not only does Obama have the experience & judgment with the record to prove it he inspires & unites people in a shared common cause.

Obama is authentic. Given the chance he will be one of the finest presidents this country has seen in a long, long time.

serena1313, Dallas, Texas

I saw a similar article on redvsbluereport.com.
Thank you Mr Baker for so articulately providing a warning to Americans to not follow this pied piper.

jb reed, Atlanta, USA/Ga

Mike Cato ~ Thank you very much for putting in words what many of us are thinking. Obama has absolutely nothing to offer except platitudes and pie in the sky.

Nona, New York City, USA

Dear saud,

Fear of his policy?
What policy?

Other than spend, spend, spend.

He is supposed to ne a uniter.... name one thing, just one that he did WITH Republicans. A bill, a meeting, legislation.. there is nothing. He isn't a uniter... at least, hasn't been.

Ster, Tampa, FL

For an article beckoning to "listen to the rhetoric"- there were not many examples of the rhetoric. Instead, there was the same fear- mongering that has been pervading the current president' s politics.

Ashley R, Texas, US

I am surprised at the hysteria about Mrs. Obama's remarks. She may be a Harvard educated, living the American dream, but she grew up as an African American, in Chicago, a city in which African Americans every day are reminded of their racial identity. I suppose the right's view of a good African American is someone willing to sing "It's a wonderful world!"

J. Ram Ray, Silver Spring, MD, USA

America will reject Obama And Clinton. Mark my words.

s, freehold, NJ

This article claims:

But that was not what she said. She said this was the only time in her adult life that she had felt pride in America.

That is patently false. Michelle said:

"...for the first time in my adult lifetime, I’m really proud of my country"

The way it is clearly meant to be taken is that she has an intensity feeling which she hasn't had before and I think there is profound meaning in what she is saying.

Many elections in my adult life have struggled to turn out 40 percent of the voting population - there appeared to be far more interest in American Idol than voting.

Although I might have some pride in my country, a 40 percent turnout in an election leaves me feeling fairly empty and somewhat disillusioned with my fellow Americans. To see people flock to the polls and to participate with the enthusiasm they have in this election... I can say I feel really proud in a way I haven't before...

TJ Weldy, Portland, OR

Please don't compare the US to Europe. We should be so lucky to have a society like theirs.

Sonny, Toronto, Canada

Mike is spot on. Having lived through a three decades old liberal disaster in India, I can see it coming here in America. Out here in San Francisco, you hear the loons all the time. I am going back to India before it happens. Sanity has returned to that country.

Kishore Jethanandani, San Francisco, California

Greetings,

My sister-in -law is proud to be an American at all times. She also thinks Elvis is alive and living in Vegas.

For many, many of us, patriotic pride in our country has been tempered by years of embarrassment. Perhaps it all began with Vietnam. We are Americans too, and those of you who hollar for our pride should be encouraged that we are finally begining to see something we want to be a part of. You cannot pretend we do not exist. Look for the good news in this.

thanks,

mf.

Mark Flanders, Bellingham, Wa, USA

Clearly from the readers responses to Mr. Baker's article (and to quote a prior presidential hopeful) the amount of flak indicates that he is, indeed, over the target.

Jim Johnson, Dodge City, USA / Kansas

I am a white female, over 50 years of age, with a comfortable living, and up until two days ago, I was a registered Republican (and, incidentally, a tee-totaling person of Russian extraction). Mrs. Obama has no need to apologize for her statement. It not only referred to the US's egregious history of racism, but to the problems of poor education, inadequate health care for all, the eroding middle class, the war in Iraq, the obscenely rich becoming even more so, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, etc., and I agree with her completely.

Joyce, Rose Valley, PA

Having originally come from a country that is now on a firm path towards socialism (Venezuela), it worries me greatly to hear some of the same rhetoric being spewed in the U.S. Obama's far-left message of wealth redistribution, government interference with the free market, expanded welfare, and socialized medicine is at odds with everything America stands for, yet people seem to be blinded by his charisma and empty promise of non-partisanship (he has the most Liberal voting record in the Senate). Most of his supporters, which have grown to a cult-like status, have no idea what his policies are yet they follow him with a blind passion I find very troubling. I just hope and pray that by November centrist and independent Americans (who will decide the election) will see Obama for the wolf in sheep's clothing that he really is.

Carlos Alvarez, Miami, FL

I remember another goodlooking charismatic orator who in 1997 defeated a discredited and incompetent government by promising change without spelling out the policy details. Has Obama been taking advice from Tony Blair? Or this time will things really get better?

sheila, LEICESTER,

We voted for change and we got Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. We voted for change and we had two jackels in the white house who put this country up for sale to the highest bidders.
Perhaps we should work on improving what we have instead of overthrowing it. Freedoms once given up aren't easy to get back. Look at Obama's voting record on major issues; mostly 'no vote'. Would he have an opinion if we were in a crisis and he were president? What would his opinion be? We have no way of knowing. So let's take the little we do know, a man who won't wear the American flag on his lapel, who won't put his hand over his heart during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and who isn't outraged by a Cuban flag featuring Che Gueverra in his campaign HQ; a man whose wife isn't proud of the country that gave her so much; lets weigh that much and see if it adds up to the man we want to lead us in these dangerous times. God bless America.

Bonnie, Miami, Florida

As an American citizen, I feel it is my responsibility to take part in our system of electing leaders, and thereby choosing in some small way the course of my home country. I find myself deeply disappointed in the seemingly perpetual ignorance that a growing number of individuals, American citizens and noncitizens alike, display when they think they know what is best for America; this seemingly being done without the slightest consideration for history and what has truly made America the wonderful place that it is.

The rhetoric that Mr. Obama preaches, and yes “preaches” is the appropriate term, when addressing the American public, and the world in general, is truly freighting. America was founded on just a few, but very important, principals; the least of which are not the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. Obama advocates policy such as socialized healthcare, disproportionate and unfair tax practices, the withdrawal of troops from an admittedly unpopular and premature though vital war, and the further transformation of America into a welfare state to name a few. All of which will continue the erosion of personal liberty, personal responsibility, and personal values around this planet; which are vital not only to what it is to be an American, but to be a respectable human being!

In addition, the religious and racial undertones of Mr. Obama’s entire campaign leave an observant and objective person wondering what the true motivations of this man really are. One can certainly appreciate that this is a momentous occasion for the American people, and a wonderful mile marker of the progress that understanding and tolerance have made in the United States, although, to listen to Mr. Obama one is given the impression that this election is more about proving an African American can be elected then it is about whether Mr. Obama should be elected.

There is a growing belief in the world that America should feel bad about itself for one reason or another. And I am the first to admit that America is not perfect, it has made mistakes as all peoples of the world do, however, I will not apologize or be held emotionally hostage to an uninformed world because we are successful and vibrant and overwhelmingly, statistically, grossly, and obviously a good and just people. I am more proud of my country today than I have ever been, and that will be true tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that until the day that either I or America no longer inhabit this world.

Sean Howard, Sacramento, California

Mr. Baker has hit the nail on the head and this American voter thanks you for that. I am charmed by Sen. Obama's style and the lofty rhetoric of his speeches, but that alone will not win my vote for him in the general election - should he be the Democratic nominee. Aside from his complete lack of experience and preparedness to be President and Commander-in-Chief, I find the messianic tone of his campaign quite disturbing and his economic and foreign policies - what we know of them - leftist lunacy. My vote will go to Sen. McCain and maybe in another eight years, Sen. Obama will have matured politically enough to try for another run. He is only 46 years old and I have also wondered why he is such a hurry to grab presidential power when he could easily have waited for another four to eight years or longer. By doing so, he could have a list of serious accomplishments to offer the nation, proof, if you will of his readiness and competency to hold the highest office in the land.

Alex, BRANFORD , CT - USA

Barack Hussein Obama is another in a long line of liberal, fantasy candidates. He was pushed forth by some of the most liberal, electoral contests ever devised in America. When Obama reaches the real world of the general election he will meet mainstream America. I may be mistaken but I feel pretty sure that this black version of "Elmer Gantry" will be given a free, bus ticket back to Chicago. His wife will have to pay her own way.

Gary Mauer, Battle Ground, Indiana

I don't see what is so dangerously left-wing about someone saying that they are proud of their country.

Speaking as an outsider, I think it is very welcoming and positive that Americans are taking seriously someone who is a black man and who has a Muslim name. This has already improved America's standing in the world.

If that is dangerously left-wing, then it's a wonderful thing and I look forward to more of the same.

Bilal Patel, London, UK,

I voted for Obama in the Wisconsin primary despite being a political conservative and I will likely vote for him in the general election. If the polls are correct, many other conservatives did as well and Wisconsin will probably go from being the most purple of states to deep blue.

Unfortunately, George Bush divided the country into the have and have-nots. Should it be a surprise that the have-nots have finally figured out that they were left behind by this rather selfish version of Southern conservatism? President Bush is leading conservatives into the wilderness and we are going to have to find our own way out. Perhaps it will be with the compassionate conservatism George Bush first said he espoused but left so far behind after September 11. What a wasted presidency.

Bill , Green County, Wisconsin

I am a conservative at heart, I believe in small government, non-intervention in foreign policy (unless it is a national security issue i.e. actionable intelligence) and I believe in doing business and trading with other countries. I believe in low taxes not just for the rich. The Republican party has lost its way. The Iraq war was a fight that should never have been fought, Guantanamo bay should never have been opened, abu grahib should never have happened, the list goes on. The bad things that happened under bush are not American and I am not proud of them, but they happened. The only person I believe will stop the int rest groups who controlled the country and help these things happen is Barrack Obama. I believe he can unite and lead this country through this dark period like Regan did. I support Obama and many of my conservative friends do.

Zia , Yarm, UK

It is a very sad state of affairs in the US that the vast majority have such strong opinions but such weak political or historical knowledge. Especially sad is the populist left. They are the lot who are always so quick to point out that this percent or that percent of the world or America or their coffee shop or favorite lefty blog believes this or that. As if right and wrong were merely positions to be determined by popularity via a poll. One wonders when listening to such shallow drivel why on earth we in the US ever bothered to become a Republic and to declare ourselves a nation of laws and reason. Surely we could dispense with the difficulty of logic, history, and learning and just take polls on everything. Lynch mobs looking to assuage some rumor or half truth would fit well in with todays left. What great thinker of history would rise in todays shallow world where difficult unpopular positions are the real revolutions of thought.

Bill, Vancouver Washington, USA

"Above all, that its national goals were dictated, not by the dreadful halfwits who inhabit godforsaken places like Kansas and Mississippi, but by the counsels of the United Nations."

What's the need to be so inflammatory and presumptuous? Has Obama EVER said this? Where's the evidence that this is ACTUALLY what Obama himself thinks, which is really the point, no? John McCain might be the Republican candidate, and might even call himself the true "conservative" candidate, but that doesn't mean he agrees with everything the far-right or conservative elements in this country want to do. Why must it so for Obama?

Because Baker just wants to demonize people who don't agree with him in order to be divisive.

It's this kind of attitude - undemocratic, truly - that we've got to get rid of in this country.

Karl, Berkeley, CA

I love reading about conservatives like Gerard Baker wringing their hands over Democrat's plans to tax more and spend more, and throw out the fear of bigger government under the Democrats. It's with a very selective memory that such writers gloss over the last 8 years of Bush Republicanism where government size, interference and spending has grown beyond the stage of enormous. They might quibble about where that growth is (homeland security vs environmental regulation for example) but bigger government is still bigger government
Since when was it a bad thing for America to invest more in education and health care at home? Would it be better to tax those Americans who can afford it or does it make more sense to borrow the money from the Chinese to pay for it, like the present administration has done for the last 8 years? While McCain talks about smaller government and less spending, little that he's laid out as proposals actually lead towards that.

Michael Gosemann, Surrey , BC Canada

finally! an article that talks about the candidates substance and not their race and gender!

james , bournemouth,

People should seek to understand what Michelle meant. She did not say she has been ashamed of America all her life, as the article would suggest, but that she was REALLY proud for the first time. She added: "Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change." This last statement is very important.

It is obvious that she is referring to the fact that an enormous number of voters--young people and previously-disillusioned voters--are energized to join the political process in this campaign. For the first time, voters of all races, ages and socio-economic groups are uniting behind a multi-racial and multi-cultural candidate to bring about changes in the status quo (and I know what specific changes I want). That's something to be really proud of in a country as divided as America (I'm bi-racial, and I know about America's race issues).

I don't question Michelle's patriotism--she just has high expectations of America as everyone should.

Christine, Atlanta, USA

Proud of the1991 war on behalf of Kuwait? Are you kidding?

And what did the USA have to do with the dismantling of the Berlin wall? That was Gorbachev's accomplishment, not ours.

Obama is a 'dangerous leftwinger' in the same sense Gerard Baker is a 'thought-provoking journalist.' I'll vote for Obama, but I'd happily jump ship for a candidate who is genuinely on the left.

Jack, Los Angeles, CA, USA

What the "dangerous" right-wing warmongers fail to understand is that Mrs. Obama's sentiments are shared by millions of Americans, the 70% of Americans who deplore the direction this country has taken under the neocons, who have committed and condoned acts that no real, patriotic American could possibly support, Americans who have seen the values that they have been raised to believe formed the core of what it is to be "an American" summarily discarded and defecated upon.

The candidate we should fear is the one who shills for "campaign reform" while striking a deal with a major bank to use public campaign funds as collateral, who condemns the politics of Washington, then fills his campaign with corporate lobbyists, who feels just fine about maintaining a 100-year presence in the God-forsaken country we have devastated (perhaps he would like to return to active duty).

Obama is our last best hope and in the last the last few months Americans have come to realize just that.

David C. Schrader, Stillwater, OK, USA

What USA needs is a young politician who isn't afraid of changes.
Mr Gorbachev did a lot for USSR, lets hope that Obama will do the same for USA.

Ignas, Tallinn, Estonia

Am I the only one who feels like I'm "snapping out" of this trance that Obama's had on me? The more I read about the guy I voted for, the more I feel like I've made a big mistake...

David, oakland, CA

while I like O'Bama's style, idealism and smooth talk, I doubt that most Americans are ready for him to become their President.

This should be Al Gore's comeback year.

Richard, Indianapolis, USA/Indiana

Why did Gerard Baker have to use the "F" word in this piece? He could have used other words of equal validity. I'm talking of course about his accusation that Obama would like America to be more like France. I see his problem though - if he'd written that Obama would like America to be more like Europe - or Britain for that matter - it would rather take the edge off the article - not to mention sound rather odd coming from a British correspondent of a British newspaper. So the "F" word it just had to be - the reliable execrable French once again.

A word that does seem relevant is "healing" - vox pop interviews on the streets seem to throw up this unusual word from Obama supporters. If Obama eventually wins the Presidency then this is a word of much more importance than the tired old “F” word. But what is it that these white Americans want to see healed and why is Obama the person to do it?

Bob T, London, UK

When McCain draws out Obama and discredits him, the democrats will abandon him for someone who can beat McCain. With Obama ahead in the count, but short of the required number, a deal will be struck between Clinton and superdelegates in favor of Gore.

mark, madera, usa/ca

America has hardly any history anyway - 600 years at best.

Good luck Obama!

Ben, York,

Is patriotism necessarily a virtue?
Anyway, Michelle Obama said that it was the first time she'd felt pride in American POLITCS - what's wrong with that?
Real change is always scary. But if we elect McCain, I don't think we'll get a real change, and, since people are instinctively afraid of change (therein lies McCain's main appeal), we may very well not get change. Just a continuation of Bush-style disasterous policies.

Teresa, Portland, Oregon

What if a white women saying Mrs Obama statement?
and it reads" I am REALLY proud for the first time in my adulte life life that I felt pride in her country"...because I feel this nation needs healing...after less than 50 years of Apartheid policy...remind me of Nelson Mandela - and SA owe him a peaceful transition because he asked Safricains to foresee future together regardless their color...so rather commenting Ms Obama statement, we should say it loud ourselves and tell our african American fdudes , we are proud for the first time to see this change in our country. So Mr Baker, you shoud be as proud as Michele Obama...and not misreading in lines to discredit the chance for our country to become one ...through actually a man who is also borne from a white mother...why this does make him 100% black ??? Mathematically speaking, he is equally white and black ...this is what America needs to heal from, stop the labelling and let us be just Americans. Period

Evan, Washington dc, dc

As an American,I agree with most of your editorial. I love my country. Howdver, part of the problem is that Americans are clueless for the most part. People in America have generally had a better standard of living than most of the world. They have not fought on their own soil for many years. Many do not understand the freedom we have. They really don't. American traditional thought and values are losing out at present. Knowing how my country works, it will take some sort of major disaster. However, with the way the world is now, we will not have the luxury of time to straighten it out. I predict that Obama will probably be the next president unless Hilary is nominated. Then it's hard to know.

People want change. They're angry, but they're not willing to do their homework and do any thing about, just yell at the government. I am conservative, but do not think that either of the parties have a decent candidate.

Betsy Phillips, Columbia, Missouri, USA

You Brits do not understand the American way of life. We trust the individual to make his decision and not a centrist govt.

Wes, Chattanooga, TN, USA

After the disaster of Bush in the last eight years the US is in no position to experiment with an arch novice that is Obama. What they need is a person who has a mind of his own and the strength of character that can withstand the likes of Dick Cheney. Experience certainly counts a great deal and the trait more important to the job is not being awed by men with more experience and, perhaps, achievement to their credit proferring advice with supercilious disdain to the new President. MaCain comes to mind, again again, despite his waffling over Iraq. Forget that lobbyist, for heaven's sake!

Narayan, Bangalore, India

Eight years ago, the Extreme Right Wing declared a vicious campaign of exclusion against moderate Americans. If you questioned any of the coarse rhetoric coming from the ruling party, you were no longer "patriotic". The Flag no longer waved for anti-War Christians. "Support the Troops" became code for "I am a Bush loving, Shoot 'Em All, Let God Sort 'Em Out, Close Minded Christian Extremist." Being a pacifist meant you were a coward and an Anti-American. Good Samaritans who wanted a more inclusive Health Care system and Christ-like hospitality to the illegal immigrants, were branded as "Communists." Being educated, or thinking for yourself, meant you were a dangerous, left-wing nut.

The average American is disgusted with the hollow, mean-spirited, glorification of ignorance that the Extreme Right Wing has gleefully nurtured. Honestly, at times, it has been frightening.

I am white and I too have felt victimized and ashamed.

Susan Widdowson, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Insightful commentary - Americans usually elect candidates from the center. Far left (McGovern, Mondale) and far right (Goldwater, Dole) usually do not do well in a general election. Our friends in Europe should not confuse the elation over Obama from the Moveon.org crowd with the general electorate which is much more conservative. Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri do matter.

Martin, South Miami, USA/Florida

Americans,
Look at the state of Europe, then vote for Obama or Clinton (If you dare!).
Europe is showing the result of 60 years of left wing claptrrap.
Yes, I can say that, I mounted the barricades of the protest movement in the 60s, took part in the marches for Civil Rights.
I was brought up a socialist, my parents dragged themselves up to middle class (if their was ever such a thing).
I believed in the right of a man to have a job, Free education, free health care. I Still believe that. I have always, however believed in an individuals responsibilities as well.
The people of Europe have allowed thewir freedom to be taken away, with out even a whimper.
That is Socialism, a creeping night mare. Europe no longer willing to died for freedom, therefore in the words (I believe of Martin Luther King) we will live as Slaves, well fed slaves it is true.
America look hard and long before you vote for the night mare that is Socialism.

Howard, Basildon, England

"Michelle Obama said: "This is the first time I have been REALLY proud of my country."

...MSNBC actually edited the word REALLY out of her speech when they broadcast it (how this is not illegal, I am not sure). "

Probably because 'really' is bit of a redundant word which adds little to the meaning of the sentence! If you edit it back in then we understand that on the other occasions she has just pretended to be proud? That's probably even worse!

andrew holden, oxford, uk

The United States has to step up its game and needs to catch up with the European economy. As a country the US needs to step up and start to care more about its people, about healthcare, about education, in order to clean up the terrible mess that this simply negligent Bush Administration has created. If we keep on going the way we are going, the US might find itself in another great depression, which is would ruin the great nation that has been growing for years. Bring in change in order to safe the country from itself! OBAMA 08!!!

A, Salford, UK

Rajesh: "To chose Hussein over Rhodam is not pride but disgrace."

What on earth has a person's middle name got to do with their suitability for office? That's as stupid as me saying your name being 'Rajesh' negates your suitability for commenting.

Andrew Ryan, London, UK

But maybe its time for Americans to distance themselves from what they consider to be 'mainstream' America. After all, think of how well American society has disenfranchised the poor, the black community, the mentally ill through 'trickle-down' capitalism which patently only advantaged the white and the wealthy. The Soviets made great use of this and of the American homeless in their propaganda and this no doubt emboldened the communists and helped their longevity no end- dare I say the same is true in Al Qaeda's jihad (Islamic extremist ideology and rhetoric aside, of course).

America needs a visionary president like Obama who is sufficiently enlightened and intelligent to realise this.

Time for change? You better believe it.

Darren P. , Greenhithe, Kent, U.K

Mr Baker takes up the neocon war call when he claims that many Americans wish that the US were more like France, as if it were the worst model of civilization imaginable.
And yet, millions of Americans visit France every year and hundreds of thousands of Brits and American live in this great country!
But living without affordable health insurance is no barrel of monkeys either!
And yet, no one in America wants the US to adopt the French govt and fiscal model: just because a band of mendacious neocons repeat this endlessly lie does NOT make it so!
As for Ms Obama's remarks, political spouses do not speak with the precision of a politician so why are you judging her husband by one single statement she made.
I am no supporter of Obama and distrust the polls and pundits, but I hate some of the demagoguery spouted so freely by reporters who use their podium to support their presidential choices.
Vive la France!
Paris, Franc

Val Dere, Victor, Paris, France

If you like things the way they are now vote republican and it will all keep moving in the current direction. It is that simple

dave nuss, morris, illinois

I am a 73 year old white woman and I understood immediately what Michelle Obama meant in her comments. American has a checkered history. Slavery was around not that long ago! The treatment of the native Indian is certainly not something to be proud of. Because you love your country, you have a duty to point out where things can be improved.

I love Michelle and I think she'll be a wonderful First Lady! And her husband Barack will make a fine president and the whole world will benefit.

Joan, NB, Canada

Last time I looked, pride was still one of the seven deadly sins. Having pride in our country is bred into us through evolution. Those societies that had pride in their country (or tribe, or family) were better at killing those who didn't, so the trait has survived and flourished. Wonder if that is why there is such a strong correlation between those with pride in their country and those who are happy to kill the rest of the world.
This type of pride, called nationalism, is what our leaders rely on to further their economic domination of the world. through the exploitation of the masses. Religion tells us to 'love our enemies', but why should we do something that hard when its so much easier to just follow our animal instincts?

Dan, Leesburg, VA

Was America ready for the dangerous Right-winger it has had for the last 8 years?

Tom Poynton, Bristol, England

Again Racism rearing it's ugly head. Is it simply that people are afraid that they will no longer be able to dominate and prosper strictly because of skin color? Or could it be that those racist that have viewed blacks as non existent and ignorant are forced to view them differently? Could it be that the arrogant have just been outplayed at there own capitalistic games and now they want to poke their lips out like spoiled, rotten, children? White supremacy has proven to be a farce and the bullies it once produced have proven to be cowards. Please, let's not forget the past and how this great country actually prospered over the years. It was through blood sweat and tears, but unfortunately a disproportionate number of minorities bore the brunt of the pain. And it is ironic that the same Gospel that America claimed to embrace (Christianity) is actually coming true. Isn't it ironic that here we are 2000 years after the cruxifiction of Christ and you have a black man at the helm. Hmmmm.

Tony Oh, Atlanta, U.S.A

Our country is in desperate need of a figure like Obama. It is he, who is calling on Americans to participate in the democratic process to collectively change the status quo towards a European-style democracy that the author discusses, through peaceful revolution, cooperation, and hope.

Our government under Republican and pseudo-Republican rule has failed the American people and brought anguish to many parts of the globe. People can't get health care here. People can't afford to attend university or even acquire technical education. Good paying jobs are difficult to come by, and many of us are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck under mountains of debt

Enough is enough. We're tired of the free trade neo-liberals and the neo-conservative warmongers. We're tired of unresponsiveness to public needs and global problems. The strength of the Obama campaign is demonstrating that America is ready to join the world as a mature, secular, cooperative, international, social democracy

Chris Karnes, Tacoma, USA, Washington

You must me a white man. I agree with Michelle. This country has deviated from its founding principles for so long that the national anthem has become a joke. If Obama can change that trend and bring about a return to justice and peace, I will again feel pride in America. Right now its an embarassment.

lsfarnum, Washington, DC, USA

Having come from a country that is on a firm path towards socialism (Venezuela), it troubles me greatly to hear some of the same rhetoric being spewed in the United States. Obama's far-left agenda of wealth redistribution, government interference in free markets, expansion of the welfare state, and socialized medicine go against everything America stands for, yet people seem to blindly flock to him because of his charisma and alleged promises of unity (yet he has the most Liberal voting record in the Senate). His supporters, which have reached a cult-like status, follow him mostly without any knowledge or concern for his policies, they merely want "hope" and "change". I have seen first hand what a movement like this can do to a nation and I warn Americans not to be fooled by this wolf in sheep's clothing.

Carlos Alvarez, Miami, FL

cmon obama for the good of america

paul, barcelona,

"Bertrand, Australia," "its national goals were dictated, not by the dreadful halfwits who inhabit godforsaken places like Kansas and Mississippi, but by the counsels of the United Nations". Is that bad?

What part of self government don't you understand?

Don D'Antony, Miami, USA, Florida

The question should be, is the US ready for the likes of Gerald Baker? Well, Mr Baker certainly seems like a eloquent chap, but we you cut through the verbiage (good use of the wordage by Baker), basically, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it is a game of two half's John. And, last but not least, he is a black man, bill. So, in conclusion, man united 1 arsenal 2.

Niall, London, UK

Our country is in desperate need of a figure like Obama. It is he, who is calling on Americans to participate in the democratic process to collectively change the status quo towards a European-style democracy that the author discusses, through peaceful revolution, cooperation, and hope.

Our government under Republican and pseudo-Republican rule has failed the American people and brought anguish to many parts of the globe. People can't get health care here. People can't afford to attend university or even acquire technical education. Good paying jobs are difficult to come by, and many of us are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck under mountains of debt.

Enough is enough. We're tired of the free trade neo-liberals and the neo-conservative warmongers. We're tired of unresponsiveness to public needs and global problems.

The strength of the Obama campaign is demonstrating that America is ready to join the world as a mature, secular, cooperative, international, social democracy

Chris Karnes, Tacoma, USA, Washington

Gerry is right on the money about Mrs Obamas revealing comment. I could never vote for someone who has so much distaste for this country, who has never felt anything but shame while living her adult life here and whose paper from Princeton states from the outset that she feels like an outsider.

The Obama's are worshiped now but this messianic ascendancy will wear thin for a great deal of Americans who will finally see through this pie in the sky lefty.

Mark, CT, CT

When Barack Obama came to Kenya a few months ago, at the Univeristy of Nairobi auditorium, he was asked if he could ran for president by a Kenyan. I don't know what made that gentleman saw in him. Is it actually what the Amreicans are seeing. I can't rule out the ideas of Messianicship in him if that is the case. Then America is very lucky for that. If America decides that Obama is their Comm-In-Ch, then the whole world will respect their decision, even here in Africa.

James, Nairobi, Kenya

There is little point complaining about Obama and what he might do - having wasted most of this article your final paragraph says it all: The Republicans have effectively created him and buried themselves (and the US with it).

Within my lifetime America is going to be subservient to China, and unbelievably idiotic Republican policies have accelerated that trend rather than slowed it. Don't criticise Obama until he's started illegal wars, sanctioned state torture, bugged US citizens and ruined the US economy so that most US financial institutions are owned by the Chinese and Dubaians. Like Bush and most Americans (I assume you to be a US citizen) you were asleep on the job and the entire West is going to pay the price.

Tony, London,

I doubt Obama is as left-wing as the writer is suggesting, but you forget the little guy called George Bush. Probably the worst President to get 2 terms, made America the most unpopular nation in the world, ruined the economy and lost global respect for the USA. After having the most right-wing President in ages fail, maybe the American public wants more left-wing or socialist President. The USA has not had socialist President in a 50 years, which makes it very strange compared to other Western Countries. Obama is like Blair by being right of Centre.

Derek, New York, USA

I think Obama’s fundamental appeal, assisted by linguistic talent, is Jimmy Carter-like liberalism. It’s quite true the thousands of people who attend his town meetings crave change. The change they crave for is socialist, isolationist, and pacifist in nature, and the expectation of his followers is that he will fulfill that craving. His town meeting attendees are a tiny fraction of the US population, which is fundamentally conservative.

Some of the specific changes Obama supporters hope for, that Obama has already put on motion, or is likely to put in motion, are:

1. Send $845 Billion to the UN over a 13 year period, and more if there will be GDP growth. This is approximately $15,000 per family not including administrative expenses.
2. Let the Bush tax cuts expire.
3. Suspend taxation of 50 percent of the population at the $75 K income cut off, creating a permanent untaxed majority to near-majority voting class.
4. Place the burden of government funding increasingly on upper income folks and on corporations. Right now the US has the second highest corporate tax rate in the world. Obama will make the US easily number one. Obama’s corporate hostility stance will accelerate the movement of corporations off shore, further starving the US job market and slide to third world status.
5. Enact a fairness doctrine designed to choke free speech by right wing talk radio, killing a prime source of right wing opposition.
6. Expand entitlement programs starting with universal medical care. End excellence in US medical care, End or reduce incentive as a source of recruitment of doctors, nurses, and hospital expansion. End or reduce incentive for drug research and manufacture. Allow earmarks.
7. Establish a wide range of new controls on business with depressing to paralyzing effect.
8. Enact trade barriers.
9. Liberalize tort and encourage the growth of lawsuits, with attendant costs.
10. Unilaterally suspend the war on terror. Relax pressure on Arab states to suppress radical Islam. Suspend or relax US efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and elsewhere.
11. Adopt European style disarmament. Reduce military expenditures and military preparedness.
12. Suspend efforts to control illegal immigration.
13. Encourage gay marriage and abortion. End government efforts to discourage smoking drugs.
14. Appoint Federal judges with world views that will supersede the Constitution.
15. Unilaterally embrace Kyoto. Will not insist that China and Russia accept Kyoto. Will exempt developing nations.
16. Not allow nuclear to play a role in energy independence. Deemphasize important energy source expansion, including coastal drilling and oil and coal processing, and emphasize dependence on energy saving measures.

Rod, Santa Rosa, USA/CA

If Obama or Hillary become our president it won't be God Bless America anymore it will be God Help America. I don't want the "Nanny" state, I don't believe the government can run my life any better than I can myself. I am a capitalist and like lower taxes, the left like neither. I dread the thought of either becoming our president and I fear they will be very detrimental to our security. I am an British ex-pat, I have lived here for 34 years and love this country.

Diana Matthews, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA

Reading G. Baker's take on Obama reads like a snatch from the Republican party's playbook: Every accusation is short on real facts and long on the standard GOP interpretation that all Democrats are just too leftwing and unpatriotic.

Mr. Baker basically says nothing about the fact that what makes Obama attractive is that the Republican agenda has been a total bust: war, declining economy, the sheer fearmongering and lawlessnes of the Bush admininstration, the most cynical and corrosive form of politics. The staggering incompetence and corruption...

So corrosive is American politics that it is now called the "Freak Show" by some journalists who take their cues from internet gossips like Matt Drudge. And let's not forget the phony Christian fundamentalism preached by GW Bush.

Obama may well be overselling reconciliation and may have trouble delivering his agenda if elected. But most Americans are tired of the GOP's so-called conservative agenda. They want something new: Obama!

Norman Kelley, Washington, DC, USA

One can only hope ...

"its national goals were dictated, not by the dreadful halfwits who inhabit godforsaken places like Kansas and Mississippi, but by the counsels of the United Nations". Is that bad?

I had a dream of the U.S.A becoming the beacon of the free world.
I had a dream of the U.S.A engaging in solid and constructive actions within the UN framework.
I had a dream of the U.S.A respecting their international engagement: Geneva contention (preventing torture of enemy combatants), UNFCCC and Rio treaty (and its subsequent addition the Kyoto protocol) ....

I had this dream and I guess a few other worldwide had it as well. Will it come true with B. Obama? I wouldn't bet on any of the other likely candidate to do it!

Bertrand, Australia,

Mr. Wragg...it is now that our United States is suffering a great disrespect from other nations...and with that...we've earned it! I couldn't agree more with you Mr. Wragg, our overt imperialism over the past 7+ years is a shame and I concur with Ms. Obama about the lack of pride amongst some of us in this country. We have such an ability to do good and I pray for that.

Barry Bailey, Morro Bay, CA, USA

I find the maligning of the so called wealthy a profound and recurring theme in the rhetoric of Senantor Obama. I find it a sadly small viewpoint to characterize the fruit of the labors of hardworking people and companies as something that is bad and that the answer is to 'allocate' their profits towards paying for nationalized healthcare or other social programs. I work hard to earn my living. I have gratitude for the opportunities life has presented. It is deeply troubling to me to hear that because of my hard work I am being painted as immoral.

Jarom Homer, Gilbert, Arizona

Michelle Obama's comment resonated with the great progressive movements of American history -- the anti-slavery movement, the child welfare movement, the women's rights movement, the universal education movement, the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, the universal healthcare movement.

America, America,
God Mend Thy Every Flaw,
Confirm Thy Soul in Self Control,
Thy Liberty in Law!

Bob Mann, Oneida, USA / New York

Those that claim GWB is a "mental midget" forget that he got his undergraduate degree from Yale and a Harvard MBA. You can't do that being stupid. The fact of the matter is that you just don't like what he has done because he doesn't care what the polls say (unlike the Clintons), he does what is right. Not everything George has done has been right but he has been much better than either Al Gore the bore or John Kerry would have been.

Obama is the most liberal Senator in the Senate and will be the same if he is President. The reason he does not include a lot of details in his speeches is because he would scare the ones that are enamored with him. God help us if he is in control. It will be a second coming of Jimmy Carter and his massively failed policies.

E Jorgan, Spotsylvania, VA

We are headed for disaster? Like we haven’t been in disaster already? One life lost for unconstitutional reasons is one life too many. But only a patriot would recognize that.

john, Cicero, Illinois

I wish I could get my 5 minutes back looking at this article. What a waste of time. You know what: I finally feel proud of my country when I have not for 8 years. Disregarding the fact that you took her comment out of context, the fact that you call Obama dangerous is never explained adequately.

Furthermore, the thought expressed by a reader that persons act by "guilt" is disgraceful. That suggests that I MUST vote for HC because I am a hardcore feminist. Please.

CC, Dallas, USA/Texas

When you are walking on eggs, don't jump.
I suspect with Northern Rock, impending housing bubble bursting and flight of capital from the City that you have much more to be concerned with than the comments of a politically unsophisticated, but none the less earnest spouse.
If you insist though, throw your stones and expedite the shattering of the myth of British ascendancy in finance.

Paul Walker, Memphis, Tennessee

I must first address your willful distortion of Mrs. Obama's words.

She said, "This is the first time I have been REALLY proud of my country."

There was, however, a specific scope to her words. She was referring to the unbelievable participation and voter turnout that we have seen so far in this election cycle.

You are not to be wholly blamed given that MSNBC actually edited the word REALLY out of her speech when they broadcast it (how this is not illegal, I am not sure).

As Senator Obama said in the debate last night, this is apparently "silly season" in politics.

Ian Christie, New York, New York

Thank you for your insightful explanation of Michelle Obama's statement that this is the first time in her adult life she has been proud of America. I am middle aged and did not understand this at all. I was raised to feel proud of my country especially after my father's service in WWII. I thought every American felt pride in the US - sometimes we may disagree with our country - but we are proud of America and Americans. Michelle Obama's statement was troubling. It left me cold.

Susan , Walker, MO

a dangerous leftwinger after an equally dangerous rightwinger - it shows that traditional politics don't produce the goods, the voter should reclaim control of politics and get a say in all political decisions - see www.dirdem.org

Heinz Geyer, London,

Gerard Baker should be ashamed of himself. He is mis quoting Mrs Obama. She said: this is the first time I have felt really proud of my country.
Note that phrase does not preclude previous pride in her country.

Keith Martin, Dubai, UAE

I've always been suspicious of leftists. The most outspoken ones tend to be more privileged than average, yet they seem to feel sorry for themselves because they're not as well off as the top 1%. Mrs. Obama should have always felt proud to be American. Does she think she could have risen as much as she has in any other country? She is rather self-absorbed, I think.

Carol Lazarus, New York, USA

Nobody likes change, even when it is full of great potential and promises to be refreshing, and Mr Baker here simply illustrates that.

Mia, London,

Why should Americans be proud of the Berlin Wall coming down? Wasn't it the internal decay of East Germany coupled with a sympathetic population on the west side of the wall that finally brought it down? This theory seemed to have materialized out of thin air after Michelle Obama spoke her mind.

Michael, Santa Monica, Ca.

If his rhetoric is so terrible, why do you spend less than half your article talking about it?

Joe, brussels, belgium

I congratulate you on managing to hit on every republican talking point. Obama is hardly a European style politico. That award would go to Kucinich and where is he now? I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we Americans are still capitalists to our core and if you bothered to scratch the surface I am sure you will find this Chicago politician is as tied into the system as any of his colleagues.

Also your piece is very misleading about Ms Obama’s comment. It was in reference to voter apathy. Nice try, but for that mud to land you have to have a very naive audience.

Annabel, New York, NY

Perhaps it difficult for others to understand; this is the ultimate experiment over here in America. We expect quite a bit out of our country (landing on the moon, freedom of thought, superpower, internet, etc.) Now we have a new generation of Americans who may possess a different type of energy; idealism which is not embedded in arrogance and competency married to daring. There's something happening here and you don't know what it is....do you Mr Baker

Joseph Chatmon, Rochester, USA New York

Wow, Am I The Only Person In America Who Saw This As A Racist
Comment By Her?? Or Am I The Only Person Willing To Be Politically INCORRECT??

Jena, Parkersburg, WV

Thank you, Gerard.

I will not vote for Michelle.

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

JUST AN FYI...Karl Rove has started to set his sights on Barry O just as it is becoming apparent that the left is performing a "late term abortion" on their previous "Clinton obsession". If I were in the Obama camp, I would be pretty nervous about what Rove will come up with. You all know he will...

Carl, New York,

Mr Baker, by asking the question you clearly are part of the problem.

John , Farnham, Surrey

Are you people serious? If Obama et al. are socialists, that puts FDR and Lyndon Johnson somewhere on the Trotskyist fringe -- typically ill-informed and alarmist right-wing tosh.

David, Edinburgh,

The real danger comes not from being having a left wing president but from having a group of people who think they have a right to rule. Left wing or right wing doesn't matter, if people get the idea that they have some sort of right to rule over people then it always ends in disaster.

A pattern has been set where the Presidency is handed around an "in" group, and they have started to feel that the office is theirs by right, this is the real danger.

The very fact that Obama is breaking the pattern and making the Washingtonian group realise that the Presidency is not something that "belongs" to their group and they can hand it on to wives, sons, daughters, friends, and other hangers on, is a good thing.

John Small, Faversham, UK

I'm glad to know that other countries have their version of Rush Limbaugh too. I'd love to know how a guy who is "espousing policies and striking a rhetorical pose that was well out of the mainstream of American politics" managed to collect more votes than the entire Republican field in Kansas. I guess we're just another bunch of left wing nuts out here on the plains.

Kyle, Wichita, Kansas

Mr Baker, with this article you have clearly underestimated the intelligence of all your readers, including those for and against Obama.

Antonio Sanchez, London, UK

Before you get too engulfed in a left wing idyll, don't write off Senator McCain. He may be a frightening possibility but he is nonetheless a possibility

leila , manchester, uk

Michelle Obama is totally correct and, God-willing, Barack Obama will be a smashing success as American President

Gbenga , Dallas, Texas/USA

I have to say I am always worried by 'messianic' fervour for politicians. Expectations are far too great and the fall-out can be nasty. We need only look at what happened to Tony Blair - people expected too much of a 'New Labour' government and we're still dealing with the disappointment instead of actually getting on and sorting out the endemic problems in the UK.

I worry particularly when this sort of messianic fervour is leading to the presidency of the most powerful nation in the world. The last time America was this excited about a politician they voted in the unknown John Kennedy, who promptly brought the world to the edge of global war through lack of experience. Luckily the media was much slower then, and more co-operative and disaster was averted. We do not have the luxury of allowing Obama to 'settle in' to the job in this day and age.

I am an American living in the UK. I am a Democrat.

Jeremy Trevathan, London, UK

Mr Baker, You appear to believe that politicians tell the truth during election (or nomination) campaigns.
In my experience politicians say things which appeal to their current audience. In the Pacific NW the emphasis will be quite different from the deep south. The policies spouted will be appropriate to the situation at that time in that place. In this place it’s job security in anot