While I enjoy the idealistic utopianism of the contributions from the colonies, I have to rain on their parade. We had a guy in the UK who fired us all up with hope, but when he was replaced we were mostly glad to see the back of him. Whoever they elect will ultimately disappoint. Plus ca change...

David B, LARKHALL, UK

Those of you who read these articles and think that gives you perspective on a candidate's platform are totally off base! If you're reading a quote and deciding that Obama is "like Blair" or "shallow" then you're not doing your homework. The problem the US has had is that people have relied too much on soundbites to make up their mind about a candidate. If you go to Obama's site, you'll find platform positions on most everything--more thought through than McCain's at the moment! Yes, he gives inspiring speeches and America needs to be inspired. But they're backed up with plans and substance.

Charles, Allston, USA

I applaude Senator Obama for what he is doing and he certainly has an insight into what plans would be instituted. This big "Hoopla" about experience, so what - experience only means you are older and more tired!!
Mrs Clinton needs to get off that band wagon and present facts. I don't want to know about the senators past I could read that on the net, tell me what you have to offer that makes you electable. Maintain the respectable composure that she initally presented, stop slinging mud, everyone else does that - be different.
Senator Obama inspires people by allowing them to see their own value and input, he never claims to have the answers. When I listen to his opponent it's always "I" ??
Senator Obama should continue what he is doing and not be moved to become like the other team, don't get bogged down with retaliation just shake it off and keep moving.

R.M, Virginia, USA

It was Winston Churchill who said something like: 'America usually does the right thing - after trying all the possible alternatives'.

Hope you folks don't have to go through the Hillary alternative!

Go Obama!

Ian, London,

Lets face it , Hilary is damaged goods. She could'nt control her husband, so why would anyone think she could control the biggest economy in the world ?

Being the second-in-command to the leader in a past presidency is not qualification for stepping into the commanders shoes and when she was allowd to be involved in policy making on health care she left the patient struggling on life support.

Graham Warley, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Both Obama and Clinton are first term senators. The only viable candidate with any experience in this campaign is McCain. Vote for McCain!

Mary, USA,

I do love reading comments from Americans. I am now a firm believer in scientology and agree with Tom Cruise et al that Americans come from Mars! You guys are so funny.

Heather, Wellington, New Zealand

I am so sad and frustrated to read what you all have to say. Shame on my fellow Americans for being led into such an obvious trap - into sounding like the ignorant fools that so many in the rest of the world would love us to be.

Neil Pederson, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Do you europeans actually think we vote based on how you of all people will feel about us? You got to be kidding. You killed my grandmother in one of your death camps; if anything I would vote against candidates you like, you fascists!

S. Siverman, Orlando, Florida

I love reading the Left Wing fantasies. (You people are good at that, living in fantasy worlds.) But in the real world, Obama doesn't have a chance. McCain will be the next president. He's also very anti-European and somewhat protectionist. This will destroy whatever there is of a European economy. I can't wait!

Karyn Balban, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

People can tell themselves they support Obama because of the content of his character (or at any rate of his speechifying), or because of his many detailed policies (even if they can't name any), but I don't buy it. He will get the nomination for the simple reason that he isn't Billary, and that's perfectly understandable.
But qualified to be President? Don't think so.

John B, Middlesbrough, UK

35 years of being a doer??? What is Hillary including in those 35 years. Let's see, 8 years as a US Senator, a number of years as a corporate attorney and the rest spent as First Lady (Govenor and then Presidential). Obama was a state Senator, US Senator and spent years as a non-profit activist attorney. I think the label "doer" clearly belongs to Obama. But then again, if you repeat something enough times people will begin to believe it.

Chris, Arlington, VA, USA

I challenge everyone who says they don't know what Senator Obama's policies are to please quote me the strong policies that Senator Clinton has. It is simply myth promoted by her campaign and then parroted by others to say she is the candidate of policies and solutions as opposed to Obama's "empty" words. On Senator Obama's website there are pages of his positions on issues. He uses words to challenge us as a nation to believe once again in the possibilities of America. That is why his candidacy is resonating with so many, including those in other nations. I choose hope and optimism over the fear and division that have made us a nation despised around the world. He is the 21st century candidate. Senator Clinton promises to take us back to the 1990's.She and her husband don't seem to understand we don't want to go back.

Sara, West Windsor, New Jersey

Why does Mrs Clinton think that her experience of living in the White House many years ago is some sort of reason to elect her?She just keeps saying it again and again,and no one is listening! It is no reason to vote for her-especially if you remember Bills grubby habits...her opponent has vision,clarity,charisma,and brings hope for the future.She brings the detritus of the past.No contest...

John Bennett, Exeter, England

Mr. Smith from England, I agree with your statement very much. It's disheartning to see and hear of people voting for someone just because of their color or gender and not for the values they stand for.

Steven, Kingston, Jamaica

The next President will undoubtably have to face unforseen, new challenges, what people should be voting for is not the person with the best CV (McCain) or the person who claims to have the best policy grasp (Clinton), but the person who they think will be the best decision maker. As far as I can see Obama has the ability to inspire, which is present in all of the best leaders; not wanting to drawn a false parallel with Churchill here, but rhetoric and oratory certainly has a place in politics.

People can accuse him of being false or underprepared, but what I've seen of him I've been impressed with. The guy hasn't had the ideal childhood, with his father leaving them when he was young, and being moved around the world, but he has pulled himself through college to become a leader at the most presigous law school in the world.

Now is the time for Obama, despite, the establishment backlash we are now starting to see. Right man, right time, the rest as they say will be history.

Mike, Cheltenham, UK

Hey Wisconsin, you Cheeseheads got it right!! As a former Cheesehead, I'm proud of you.

Now, people the world over who have votes in your own governments, let's prepare for the future. Let your own elected officials know what changes you want to accomplish, what direction you want the USA to take regarding relations with your own country as well as on global issues. This man we're going to elect will motivate us all to work together for a better USA and a better world.

Inauguration is in January next year--eleven months for your representatives to design proposals for change, for working together if you want the White House to have your ideas on Day One. Bless us all.

Kathy Noltze, Arizona, AZ USA

The fact that Mrs Clinton was married to the President does NOT count as "experience, no matter what she may think.

Liz, London,

For the people that talk about policy how many presidents (or politicians in general) have talked a lot of policy, promises..and not fulfilled anything when they get there. who can remember Blair or Bush's policies? we only know them for what they did or didn't do in the end. A policy is only a promise, countries need to vote for people that have learnt to keep their promises and are capable.

Ola, Kent, UK

As R Williams pointed out, it is very heartening to see that as a nation we do appear to be voting on character. I have always mistrusted Hilary Clinton; she seems to me to be a thinly veneered mass of angry manipulation. I am happy to see that she is increasingly unable to maintain her veil of dignity and strength. It does appear that the greater the lead Barack takes, the more Hilary will be her own undoing as she reveals her true lack of character.

Ashley, Cambridge, UK

I find it odd that people are still questioning Obama's mettle and leadership, after he's pulled off the impossible and become the front runner in a long, bruising and frequently ugly (thanks to the Clintons) campaign. He started off as an underdog running against an established brand name synonymous with economic prosperity and relative peace. He's been down a few times, but he's come back stronger. He lost the three big states on February 5th, but he's not only still in the race, but on the verge of winning. What's Hillary done when she's been down? Cried, denied and whined. Oh, and she played the race card when she couldn't lay a glove on Obama. In short, Obama's the person for the job. He's shown leadership and he's shown guts. He's shown he can unite the country. The record turnout you're seeing at the polls? It isn't for Hillary, it's for Obama.

Ian Frank, Miami, FL, USA

Should the US vote for Obama then my faith in America and it's people will be instantly restored - it's ok to make mistakes, so long as you don't make them again ...... an experienced candidate is the last thing the US needs, they need a fresh energetic face (and mind), someone not burdened by time spent in "the system" - this 'lack of experience' taunt from the Hillary camp should be used to bury them

Richard, London, UK

I have read his website... That's why I asked the question. There are no policies on there just aspirations. For example:

"I don't want to send another generation of American children to failing schools. I don't want that future for my daughters. I don't want that future for your sons. I do not want that future for America.”

And on the economy:

“I believe that America's free market has been the engine of America's great progress. It's created a prosperity that is the envy of the world. It's led to a standard of living unmatched in history. And it has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery…We are all in this together. From CEOs to shareholders, from financiers to factory workers, we all have a stake in each other's success because the more America prospers, the more American prosper"

This is rhetoric not policy....

DickW, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

There are many many Americans with dangerous and extreme views on the concept of a black African-American president. This type of threat in the West's most violent and gun-loving country makes me very fearful for Mr Obama. I hope I am wrong.

O'Dalaigh, Munich, Germany

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Tam, Northants, UK

"As my mother would have said Obama is "all frills and no knickers".. I haven't a clue what his policies are.. Does anyone else? He just strikes me as another Blair.."

Whit all due respect... If you don't know Obamas policies are by now then you have just simply not paid any attention. That's your own fault. Good news is, since barrack is for open gov't... Firstly he touches on policy ALL the time in his speeches.. Have you listened to any? Also it's easy for you to find out not only about all of his policies, but also all of his accomplishments on his website... www.barackobama.com. It doesn't take long and you wouldn't have to worry anymore about making yourself look foolish, and uninformed by claiming something so asinine as "obama is all frills and no knickers"... Don't blame him for you laziness.

Andrew, Allentown, PA

If you would read his Web site and have actually listened to his speech last night, you would know his policies. To compare him to Blair is silly.

Josh, Cincinnati, Ohio

All of Obama's views are clearly outlined on his webpage; to read them, go to www.barackobama.com.

Zack Anderson, Austin, Texas

Herbert Hoover was also very popular, in 1928.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Read the Audacity of Hope and you will find a strong pragmatic political philosophy that will disperse any idea that Barack Obama
is not equipped to deal with any problems that he will have to face. he will not be frightened of admitting a mistake but at the same time he maintains that judgement is more important than experience. I wish he would give more weight to the time he spent in Indonesia and his experience of a Moslem society.

William Huntingdon, Kingsclere, England

Actually DickW, Obama has a very strong economic and social policy, the details of which I will not list here, but I think you would do very well to take a look at them before you keep posting the same comment on all the Obama articles...

AnneMarie, Cork,

DickW,
Your lack of knowledge of Obama's policies is a sad reflection on you, not him. Try looking at his website.

SteveB

SteveB, sydney,

To DickW and a host of others who make a pretence of not knowing Obama's policies but assume they do those of Hillary are advised to check out www.barackobama.com. And for contrast check out www.hillaryproject.com (showing her for what she is!) Cheers

Gilbert Phiri, Swindon, UK

To Tom Tull. The greatest since Lincoln? You can remember that far back?

Farrukh, Woking, UK

As my mother would have said Obama is "all frills and no knickers".. I haven't a clue what his policies are.. Does anyone else? He just strikes me as another Blair..

DickW, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

I've never met the lady so my opinion is made purely on her history as portrayed by the media. Based on that alone I don't like her and more important I don't trust her. The thought of Bill Clinton wielding power from the wings also disturbs me greatly. Time and time again he's been proven to be a liar, simple as that.

Her saying "But only one of us is ready on day one to be commander-in-chief" also bothers me. Why should she specifically mention this? It sounds as if she's power crazy and imagines herself in the turret of a tank, leading the troops into battle! One thing is for sure, Bill won't be with her, he'll dodge that option just as he dodged the draft before. He'll stay back in the White House, no doubt up to his old tricks!

From what I read she's like a boxer shuffling around the ring trying all kinds of different attacks on Obama but he easily brushes aside the blows. As each new attack is tried it's weaker, more obvious & more desperate than the one before.

michael, nice, france

the us needs obama more than he needs the us
it is high time a clean outsider comes to power
go obama god bles u

saud, riyadh,

"Instead, Mrs Clinton said voters needed to focus on the real choice they faced – beyond having the first woman or the first African American Democratic nominee."

Not just particularly referring to this quote, but it's ridiculous how race and gender can be dragged in when one thinks there's something to gain. Hillary has done this more often from what I've kept an eye on.

Voting for someone because they are female is the same as voting against someone because they're not. Hillary has said several times, "It would be great for America to elect its first woman president!" What's something you cannot choose got to do with it? It's not a virtue that makes you more special than someone else.

Repeat this process with "race" and it's the same, yet few are complaining.

Interesting how racism and misandry / mysogyny can rear their ugly heads, just so long as they're framed presentably.

The "real" choice is electing the person best for the job.

David Smith, Leicester, England.

The race towards the Oval office is getting closer as the results of US-election's primaries are being reflected and the tendency of American people regarding their final choice for Democratic Presidential candidate is becoming more and more prominent with the passing of election-moments.If one exercises the juxtaposition of personality traits of the two democratic candidates- Barack Obama and Mrs Hillary Clinton, one would definitely find himself or herself in a great fix while deciding to vote to whom.In my view, this task would yet to be continued for a little time more.But one thing is predominantly clear that senator Obama _holds leverage over his dynamic, resourceful counterpart, Mrs Clinton_ as shown by the results of the recently held primaries.

Syed Qamar Afzal Rizvi, KARACHI, Pakistan

Seeing a successful Obama, even from this side of the pond, is so inspiring. And I think this has been the key to success thus far, he really fires you up mentally. He is a natural born leader where as Hillary, though a great politician, is not. Yes, it is time for change, it is time for the states to no longer be the worlds enemy but it's inspiration once again. Go Obama!

Silvio, cambridge, uk

It is very refreshing to see Senator Obama campaign in a polite, positive and professional manner and not indulge in the traditional mud slinging his opponents are engaging into. No wonder he is loved by all concerned.

Ajay Kansal, Glen Carbon, IL USA

Tom great point,

The media and clinton campaign try to spin politics to make us believe that experience is the only factor that matters. But I say what this country needs is bi-partisan power that motivates people to get involved and Obama is doing just that. Abe Lincholn and J Kennedy focused on grand issues affecting our country and that is the focus of Obama!

Matthew Blackwood, Fresno, USA/CA

It's a great new day for the majority of americans. they are voting on the content of ones character.

what a young but maturing country! I know i'm proud!

r willams, capitol hill dc, usa

Its to early to predict, but I have to agree with Tom. Every single state since Iowa has seen record turnouts of voters from the Democratic party. And his popularity has been rising fast among every single group: white males, women, young voters, Hispanics and other minorities, middle age voters, incomes less than $50,000, incomes more than $50,000, even Republicans and even more independents. Obama alone had more votes than the entire Republican party tonight in Wisconsin. And tonight he spoke to a full, highly enthusiastic and packed house in Texas. The chances of the world seeing the first African-American president of the US is more likely.

ann, Pasadena, CA

I predict that Obama will be elected president of the United States, and that he will be the greatest one we have had since Lincoln.

Tom Tull, Scottsdale, AZ