And just EXACTLY does "the world" know about Obama other than he is black and make sweet speeches? It is bad enough that the Yanks vote without thinking, but must the rest of "the world"?

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

That's an incredibly bold statement to make, Phil, what with racist pandering not existing outside of the US.

Obama's pretty popular out there, but many Illinoisans wish he would've helped legislating here at home, since our Governors past and present don't seem to have a clue.

Chris Anderson, Buffalo Grove, IL, United States

His detractors say he's not "experienced" enough.

NIXON was experienced..

LINCOLN was not.

You do the math.

OBAMA/WEBB 2008 !!!!

Shannon Wilks, philadelphia, pa

I voted for Hillary in this pole, though I'd probably be classed as a Republican so my vote (if I were American) wouldn't go towards her anyway but I would much rather have her over Obama anyday. America, if you do vote in Obama next November I will have lost all respect I have for you.

Morag, Scotland,

This is a great country that deserves a great woman. Hope you win Hillary!!!!

Anne , LA, USA

Hillary woman, it is over! Can't wait for the collective sigh of relief the world will breath when Barack Obama is inaugurated as President.............can I get a resounding Amen and Il ham dulileh!

patricia, Los Angeles, USA

The World needs Obama. I hope the Americans pull through after years of international disgrace.

Bill, Lindford,

Followers of Barack Obama should remember that it is easy to unite against something or somebody but much harder to unite to achieve something. Everyone "likes" Obama now because they can paint any fantasy they want onto him - just as he does with his rhetoric. Let's see how he does three years from now.

Right now Obama is benefitting from his "newness" - the very fact that he is largely an unknown quantity. He also benefits from the fact that he is not George Bush and he will score (initially), easy points from a precipitate withdrawal from Iraq. However, I can't wait to see what happens by 2011-12 (assuming he is elected president), because then we will have the "real" Obama record to examine.

British voters can surely remember the difference between their attitudes toward Gordon Brown the prime minister in waiting and Gordon Brown the actual prime minister. I believe that a similar fate will befall Mr. Obama by 2011-12.

Rhetoric does not a good president make ...

Andre, Machias, USA

I wanted to say to all, the reason why there is so much interest from Non-US is because the USA uses to lead by example: stepping in between country and settle dispute, give a helping hand to natural disasters etc...Between the Clintons and the Bush, we have had crisis in Kenya, 1990's Sierra Leone South African (Blood Diamond), Katrina and worse of all WAR. Now that we have a chance to change our future with Obama, Here they go with Cult or Fear or Race trying to divide us as always. But it will not work this time. Enough is Enough

Stacy, Stamford, CT

Hope and dreams don't fuel foreign policy or stimulate economic growth. God help us all if Barack Obama gets the Democratic nomination... I guess it just goes to show you how shallow voters are these days – they'll pick a pretty face over substance and experience. Yet, he would be better than McCain, who seemingly ignores the American public in favor of blindly following the failed, dated Republican views of the most hated president in history – George W. Bush. This election is exactly like the 2004 election... the good candidates were out of the race early, and the bad candidates end up in the General because they look good on TV and provide good soundbites. God save this country.

Tim, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

I think Hillary will in in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island (though it will be very close) while McCain will sweep the board.

http://thepoliticaltipster.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/final-projections-for-texas-and-ohio-r/
http://thepoliticaltipster.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/final-projections-for-ohio-and-texas-d/
http://thepoliticaltipster.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/could-there-be-an-upset-in-rhode-island/

joe bloggs, London,

I guess the racist ignorance that plays so well here in the U.S. doesn't work outside our borders. Those who disparage Obama for "empty rhetoric" have not bothered to compare his legislative record to Clinton's, nor read his books. Obama is by far our best hope to break the grip of the special interests on U.S. politics.

YOU!
YO' MAMA!
VOTE FOR OBAMA !

Phil Jones, Buda, TX

I can't really comment on which of the two Democratic candidates - the apparently more experienced Mrs. Clinton or the big-brained Barak Obama - is the better and which would be the most likely person to win an American general election for their party.
What intrigues me is that Mr. Obama's speeches seem to consist almost entirely of warm words and promises of a new beginning for America - which will be great if it ever happens. He acts like a benign bible-thumper and, just like one of those creatures, doesn't give us any details of how he will achieve his objectives and at what cost to the American nation. What are his credentials for such high office other than vague promises of a better tomorrow ? - a mantra sung by all good and bad politicians of all parties in all countries on Earth. His speeches appear to boil down to the usual politician's claim that " Your country needs me ! Have faith in me ".
Is Mr. Obama all tip and no iceberg ?

Dr. Jimmy, Nottingham, England

Mr. Cunard,

I take it that you have interviewed both Clinton and Obama to be able to claim that the world's views are based on the media's reports, but yours are not? If you haven't interviewed them personally, than your point is condescending, silly and/or moot.

The truth is that the world in general disapproves of our war in Iraq. They see in Obama someone who did not support this immoral and illegal war and that attracts them.

Marie, Tampa, FL

did i miss that poll opppsss

well

HILLARY 08

how can plans and agendas be beaten by words. This clearly shows what desperate times the world and america is when they are fleeced by OBAMA's words. I pity thee.

HILLARY 08

if you want somebody that will solve americas problems will actually put plans into place. O well. Im sure america cant sink any lower than the bush administration... then again

Ryan (13), utoxeter,

Its important to note that when more than 20,000 Americans living abroad voted in the Democratic nomination contest last month, Obama also won by the same margin, 65% to Clinton's 35% which further solidifies the fact that Obama will likely be received positively by the rest of the world.

Peter, Seattle, WA

I am impressed that the rest of the world has been able to break down and properly analyze Mr. Obama’s most complex plans for resolving all the issues of the day. Those complex plans are “hope” and “change”. No need to worry about the details (because there are none).

Garry, Colorado Springs, Colorado/US

I doubt very much if voters in this poll have any in-depth knowledge of America and its political personalities, relying as they must on a media which has embraced Mr Obama and given short shrift to Mrs Clinton. David from London should remember that his own government - and opposition members - showed the same judgement as Mrs Clinton, relying on information with which they were provided at the time. Mr Obama was not then in the Senate and not privy to the intelligence which was made available, nor he did prevail upon his immediate predecessor to vote against the resolution. It is very easy to be critical with 20-20 hindsight. As for Mrs Clinton showing her face in public, I feel sure that a lot more of it will be seen in the weeks to come!

David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States

Go Obama. From your mother home state of Kansas.

Jake Katz, Kansas City, KS, USA

I think that the views of people who read the times will be slightly biased, so saying that the global choice is Obama seems a little silly. Infact, most of the people I know don't like him. Also if this is global, anyone with coloured skin will vote for him (the whole of Asia etc) so its not really suprising.

ps. as for that photo - it could be a screenshot from Men in Black!

Tam, Northants, UK

I look at the polls daily and I am yet to see a poll where Barack Obama has been ahead in Ohio.
So to say Mrs Clinton has 'pulled even' there is a bit dubious.

Feyi, London,

Everyone looks up to America to defend justice and fairplay .from what i watch and see i have lived in 3 continents Obamas straightfowardness would bring the world back from the abyss which cynical and dangerous people have moved us to.He commands respect and good judgement he has.it is not us against them it is WE can do all things if we put our mind and believe.Full stop keep it simple.

kolapo AREMU, Manchester, United kingdom

Any thinking person wants Obama to set the new tone of how the United States operates in the world. http://lightfromtheruins.blogspot.com/

Zachary Marcus, Shushan, New York, USA

As someone in the Times pointed out so astutely the problem with voting Clinton is that it would mean the last 20 years of American politics had been dominated by two families...

Jon, London, UK

Not surprising! Mrs Clinton is a politician of pitifully poor judgement. She voted for a pointless war that has destoyed and maimed countless human lives. The money that is being spent on that war could have solved innumerable problems in the world and the United States. She should be ashamed of herself. I am surprised that she has the audacity to show her face in public.

David, London,

May the best man win, and God bless us all!!

laureen, Leeds,