Obama's ideas are unrealistic, Nancy Pelosi has already supported tax cuts for the biggest auto makers. The economists of the country believe tax raises on the top 5% will affect the stock market and ruin the economy even more. So much for his brilliant economic plans.

Jonathan, South Windsor,

The only word I can describe how I feel about our pres-elect is SCARED! If I could move someplace for the next 4 years, I'd be gone. This man is not prepared or ready to be president of anything, much less American. Socialism is alive and well!

Sandy, Geneva, USA

For everything who things that its fine to tax the rich, especially those making over 250K think about this. If you company has to pay more taxes they are not going to except profit decreases they will just decrease your raises and increase their products costs. Raising corporate tax doesn't work.

Nathan, Atlanta,

What you are talking about is socialism, Marxism. Wealth redistribution is not going to fix our economy anymore than the $7 billion bailout. Since Obama keeps lowering the amount defining "rich", those working two jobs might want to quit one, lest the new "Robin Hood" steals from them too!

Michele, Pembroke, United States

I have never been given a job by a poor person. You may not like "rich" people but where do you think jobs come from. General Motors, IBM, HP etc. started as small business. If they were not allowed to prosper they would not employ MILLIONS of people now. It is easy to kill a new venture, tax it

David Menchen, Cincinnati, USA

The "work hard - achieve everything" attitude is a pure myth. Millions of Americans lives in in poverty and have several jobs to support themselves, maybe 2 or 3 - and yet they are poor. Why? It's because of the low wages and a minimum public sector. Did you guys know that?

Robert, Vänersborg, Sweden

ok people lets be realistic whoever gets elected wether is McCain or Obama is gonna take alot to fix this mess. Now for all those ignorant people who say that "well if you poor you should work harder rather than take away from the rich" do some research and find out why they cant advance.

estefany, jersey city, usa

I wish the Amearican -McCain supporters- would consider their Christianity before expressing their greed. How can you be "religious" and not care about the less fortunate. And to say that the likes of cleaners, cooks, bin men etc don't work as hard as office workers. They work twice as hard!

Chris, Preston, UK

McCain does not live in the real world! Tax the rich less because of the trickle down effect does not exist! Soon there will not be a middle class if McCain gets in! Bush has really messed us up. The only reason McCain changed his about not following Bush is because his ratings are now so low!!!

Jamie, commerce,

I have a good job. I have a home I can afford. I have health insurance. So do most of the people I know. Telling me he is going to change things doesn't exactly excite me. I just want a government that allows me to succeed or fail, so that I can learn from my poor choices and try again.

Kevin, Spokane, USA

Actually health and education are a privilege not a right. The way to narrow the gap between rich and poor is for the poor to work harder. When you tax the rich more, they pay less and charge more. So yes, it affects me. Great thing about this country, you want more you can work hard and get it.

Monica, Birmingham, America

It's so sad to see how many US citizens believe all the lies and smears thrown by the negative campaign of McCain, (the only way he can possibly win). Do you even know what a Marxist or a Socialist is?! If you don't make over 250k (and %95 of you don't and never will) you would be stupid to vote McC

Chris, Preston, UK

It is a bit of an exaggeration to call Obama a socialist he is just proposing a small tax rise on the more wealthy. Anything that does something to narrow the huge chasm between rich and poor has got to be a good thing. Health and education not a privilege but a right. Go Obama !!!

Tarin Unwin, London, UK

Obama will be a disaster for this country. I love my country, but sometimes we have to find things out the hard way. As for you in other countries - the majority of us don't waste our time caring about who you'd like for us to elect. Look at YOUR countries - we don't want to be like YOU - get it?

lisa, Birmingham, USA

He is not a socialist by any political compass whatsoever.
He does not trace his ideology to the second international(when communists and socialists went their separate ways), he does not belong to the Socialist International(where most Democratic Socialists and social democrats parties are).

Saul Pereira, Lisbon, Portugal

Obama would be a disaster several orders of magnitude greater than G W Bush has ever been or McCain / Palin could be. This is a fight over the future of freedom, rule of law, and Enlightenment principles. Obama represents the ideals of Socialists and Marxists, not those of patriotic true Americans.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

The ignorance displayed by the right-wing saddens me. They fail to see the hypocrisy that McCain/Palin offer. She rants against Socialism, but a few months ago she called her state "America's Socialist State". And McCain calling us "my fellow prisoners"? Sheesh.

Oh, and Ronald Reagan is dead.

Wayne A. Schneider, Pawling, USA/NY

It is always nice to see who people live in other countries want elected in the US. I think when we voice our opinion for their country we are normally told to butt out.

If you remove white guilt from the equation, you really have an under qualified political hack whose only asset is his color.

joe, new york,

'Hard to achieve his goals?' He'll have more going for him than most presidents get: Congress, Supreme Court, top Dems, top Reps, the Islamic world, Africa, Indonesia....with all that going for him if he can't then put his money where his mouth's been there's more wrong with him than his rhetoric.

Liz T, Paso Robles, USA

I don't understand the attitude of many people around the world. Any one who doesn't believe Obama is at best a socialist (he is more of a Marxist) is blind to what his past has told us about him and is ignoring many of the things he feels are great such as spreading around the wealth.

Fred Jones, Chicago, USA

How can people say he's a socialist? The first thing he will do is withdraw from iraq. Will that cripple the economy? I don't think so! Obama will then try and give the middle class an opportunity to thrive.

sohiab, hemel , England

Cathy...You are a Great American!!!!! If any of you haven't seen the YouTube "Dear Mr. Obama" now is the time. For our friends in the UK and around the world, pray the Senator John McCain is elected. If he is not, I forseen MANY dark days ahead!

Steve, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America

Obama wants a "distribution of wealth". And he blelieves the wealthy should be taxed more. These are socialist ideas. Why should the wealthy be punished for the mistakes and
problems of the lower class. Everyone should be responsible for their own finances. Not expect handouts.

Ann Tomlin, Lubbock, United States

I just thank God that the people of the UK cannot vote in US elections.

Rob, Louisville, USA

This really comes to no suprise to most of the conservatives in America. How can you say cut taxes to 95% of the working population while at the same time giving health care to everybody? How can you claim to cut the military budget by 25% and still protect our interests abroad?

David H, Norfolk, VA, USA

We just wish America all the best. Because if America sneezes the rest of the world catches the cold. We are practically witnessing this now in the form near -global recession/depression. Whoever wins, we pray that the almighty GOD hold your country togather for the good of us all on this planet

Shadrack Joshua, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Lets be honest here, no matter who gets elected they will still have a tough road a head of them. None of them will be able to put all of their plans into action. They will first need to focus on stabilizing our economy.

Nicole, La Crosse, WI ,

I know it really hurts the Dems that the GOP has a successful woman on the ticket, and she has unified her party as Hillary failed to unify theirs.

Party of FDR, Kennedy, and Clinton, what will you do now that the party of Reagan has found it's voice?

Derek, Prairie Grove, US

He truly will destroy this great country. To my friends in the U.K. that I chat with if he becomes president don't look to the U.S. for anything but great speeches and hollow words. When he is done cutting the military if you have a problem you better look to a communist nation for help. God help us

Frank Yuroshoski, Niagara Falls, U.S.A.

Whoever gets to be president has a hell of a job in front of them, to be performed in front of all those Americans who are too blinkered to see beyond their personal pay packet. The problems are institutional and ingrained. You're lucky you have at least one man prepared to help you get past them.

Morag, Maidstone,

For 8 years this administration has spread the wealth, by taking from the middle class and keeping it for themselves. We have a progressive tax and if the top 5% must pay a higher tax, they will pay it and still remain wealthy. Obhama is a solid choice for fairness, hope and common sense.

jim gio, dearborn, michigan

Managing expectations is simply being clear about his agenda and the time it will take to realize goals. That's what mature leadership leadership looks like. I might not agree with everything he says, but I appreciate his level-headed honesty.

mitty, atlanta, USA

European and Bush haters, classic bait and switch, let's look at Africa, USELESS U.N. and even more useless European leaders led by do nothing France. Congo people and Kenyan's getting slaughtered. Enter Obama, he'll take U.S. to clean up useless U.N. in war, what will you say then?

Robert, Oakland, USA

His socialist tax plans will absolutely cripple our economy.And people are crazy if you think that Obama will keep this country safe! I pray for this country if Obama wins. God help us all.

Magan, California, USA

Lowered expectations huh? no kidding. Im not sure how he will change the direction of the national debt and provide healthcare to everyone including illegal aliens he and mcain tried to give citizenship to, much less make college "affordable" ,fight global warming, and "cut taxes"

jim, pacifica,

"He plans to make a major address in a big Muslim country early in his first term."

Excuse me, Obama plans to do this? Why?

And people still believe that he is better than Bush? He is the same as Bush but on the opposite side of the coin. Do you really want 4 more years of an AUTHORITARIAN?

CH Klaver (Liberal, not Neo-Progressive), Wisconsin, USA

Get ready folks, you're about to see the truth! He's already preparing you for the reality of false promises.

larry, Kansas City, USA

Thank God that the Brits and other Euros are not electing our president...you have no clue, all you hear is the lefty BBC.

Maria McBean, Columbus, USA

No matter what he does, it can't be any worse than what the Bush administration has already done. Lets wait and see what happens before we go after Obama.

J. G., River Falls, United States

Neither of the candidates will live up to their expectations if elected. It's politics and both parties will say just about anything to get elected. Either way, I think Obama will do a better job fixing the mess that the Bush administration left behind.

Thad, Pittsburgh, USA

Good grief, the way you folks talk about these past 8 years sounds like you all are now living in a cardboard box. A good 95% of you had a decent life these past 8 years, no thanks to the govt. Stop looking at Obama like he can get you a mansion and a yacht.

Rachel, Virginia, USA

No wonder he's been pushing the early vote...

Margaret Reed, Washington, USA

Unless you call deceptive smart - Obama isn't it. I hate to say it but most Americans don't care what Europe thinks of us. My parents are American but we lived in the UK from age 5 to 16. I came back for college and decided to stay. Voting for McCain because he offers REAL change. I hate Bush though

Sara, Harrisburg, PA, USA

jimmy and james if McCain is borderline then you are over the line,He is a great american and served our country and deserves the best from us, Sarah Palin sure makes men shake in your shoes , cause she can do it all, what a great lady. President Bush has had to live down the mess the Clintons left

cathy, roanoke, usa

Obama is the king of bait and switch. He has sold people on hope with no plan for the future. The people want hand outs and he is promising them to open the government coffers. It will by tyranny of the minority. Governor Sarah Palin is a bright light in American politics. She scares the left silly.

Fallon, Chicago, IL, USA

spin spin spin just what we expected

Dave, medford, ussa

He raised expectations of what he could do if he was elected to get votes and now he has to lower those expectations if he is elected. That makes sense...not!

M Cheek, Beaufort, North Carolina

I am an American living in New Zealand. It is a beautiful country but a very socialistic country. What's wrong with that??? Just come over and see. Every country that is socialistic is screaming for help. I am an American that will take capitalism over socialism any day. McCain/ Palin 08

Cindy, Auckland, New Zealand

Obama will still be a superior President compared to McCain, and frankly as one man said "He's not Jesus Christ". Sure he will be great, but it is not only the President who can cure economic troubles.

Kazuki, Tokyo, Japan

Wake up America and smell the recession. Noone said it was going to be easy. At least with Obama you have a chance to turn things around for the better. Gain some global respect again. Obama entering the White house will be a truly momentus day for the USA and the rest of the world! Ombama to win!!

Amy, Manchester, England

As an American, yes we can remember it was the care-less Republicans who led the USA into the Great Depression. Mr. Obama is in a similar position to FDR, having to clean up a mismanagement mess. If he does a competent job of running the country, he will succceed and serve for 2 terms.

Warren, Cambridge, UK

You raise people's expectations in order for them to support you and plan to lower them once elected. What is that called? I think- the next US President. Hopefully this is not political double talk and we will see greatness when big dreams materialize from a candidate of substance. Time will tell.

Joe, Atlanta, USA

Kiki,

RE: "If the Pres can be blamed for a hurricane, he can be blamed for anything."

Are you suggestion that the criticism Bush faced over Katrina was unfair or unmerited? If yes,where should the accountability lie?

'Hope you're not busy imposing some very low standards for a US President . .

hendrik, Stinson Beach, California

Watching the American election is facinating and you can't help but be taken in and that is the point. Rhetoric appears to rule and reality is nowhere to be seen. Obama offers youth but his plans dont stack up, McCain offers experience but his heath is dubious. Who ever wins I say God Save America

Robert D Marshall, london, UK

Obama has charisma and intelligence, coupled with good intentions. He has a mountain to climb to overcome the ravages inflicted by the previous administration and to restore. America's reputation world wide. My hope is that Obama is not a mirror image of Tony Blair - a complete charismatic failure!

Trevor Dee, Torbay , UK

why is it that americans are so obsessed and scared of socialism? what have they achieved by their capitalism? well socialism !!! just take a look at the bail outs,if its not socialism then what is it? americans should spend a little more time on facts and history rather than baseball and football!

eebi britt, rome, italy

Kiki Cambridge, bush wasn't blamed for the hurricane. He was blamed for the poor response from federal agencies, which he cut funds too.

Ross, Dundee, Scotland

you couldn't do the kind of damage the Bush Administration and the Republicans have done to the country and expect large short term wins. I know Obama's heart is in the right place and so is his resolve. The country will get better under his leadership, it'll just take time.

Lee Millar, Las Vegas, NV,

I dont think it makes much difference who wins.If you look at American history then its foreign policy has always been the same no matter whether its Democrat or Repulican. Use the C.I.A to cause a problem, use its army and vast military expenditure to impose its own solution. Same song, dif singer!

Nigel, UK, UK

Good point Jeff! Even if you're a staunch Republican, surely you must be concerned about the suitability of Sarah Palin for VP?! As every day goes by, it becomes more apparent that having somebody like that in Office would be a complete failing of democracy as we know it. Depression really.

AT, Sydney,

I happened to be in New York with 2 prominent ex-Russians when the Berlin Wall came down. They talked about how the Russian people would struggle without the State to support them. I feel the same sense of denial in the USA as Americans cannot believe their free capitalist State has failed them.

a don, Sydney, Australia

You people who constantly bash Bush have only looked at the last 8 years through your blue lensed glasses. The so called "big business" tax cut early in his first term solidly improved MY take home pay, and I'm not wealthy. We've taken the fight to the terrorists and they've been stopped here

Ted, Lancaster, PA, USA

McCain is winning in Florida in an early voting poll

Sorry UK, we do not want the most liberal, socialist, least experienced politician running our country.

No new taxes for the libs to hand out to their voting base.

Mike, Tampa, USA

Barack claims he is for change. Thats good since he changes his stance whenever needed. If he wins god help our military. We do need change but not someone with no backbone to stand for what they beleive in. Palin has no less experience than Obama.

allen, washington twp, usa

Who said 'Be careful what you wish for it may come true'??
Obama is informing the lemmings who would follow him over a cliff that he cannot deliver.
If it wasn't so tragic it would be laughable.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

My economics teacher in college was fond of saying that a large % of economic success / failure is the result of psychology of the population. One good think about Obama winning is that the press will suddenly be talking about how the economy is improving, and wala, people will start buying things.

Bob, Paducah ky, usa

Months of hype about "hope & change" - and now the US is being told not to "hope" for too much "change".

I suspect big speeches are all Mr Obama will be remembered for.

Melissa, London,

Senator Obama is no messiah of "change" in any sort of a positive sense. He is a Chicago Machine Politician with all the baggage that carries and on top of that adheres to a fundamentally Marxist political philosophy. His Presidency, if it occurs will lead to catastrophe.

Mac, Illinois, USA

The most awful thing about this election cycle is that anyone voted for McCain or Obama when they can vote for Bob Barr and have a clear conscience instead of the lesser of two evils.

Terri Dance, Missouri, USA

Deaden expectations? For whom, pray? BO's speeches have always resonated with simplistic and emotionally rhetorical forms & flourishes typical of Jeremiah Wright. While the messianic tone of his chump change message has suckered in the usual herd of dreamers, BO will have the shelf life of a banana.

IceKo, Huntington, Canada

Once again we're asked to chose between two men who are not qualified. The country is filled with foaming at the mouth radicals, on both sides. If Obama loses I fear there will be trouble at home. If he wins I fear there will be trouble abroad. McCain? He never met a gimmick he didn't like.

Mark, Detroit, USA

mThere is little reason to beleive that all of the people will support Obama and rhe democratic congress.Why should the folks that do not share his liberal views support.Those who do not agree with President Bush have been critical of him for eight years.

M Harrison , Conway, U.S of America

Reagan was the Best! I pray for another Reagan.

Laurie, Denver, usa

[jon livesey] mentions Obama's cynicism. Could there be a more cynical move than the selection of palin for VP? Could the Repugs have a more disrespectful view of their followers? And, could there be anything more pathetic than that they were correct in their assessment of their supporters?

Stormport, Aloha, Oregon,

Its ok, if Obama wins we already know whats coming ( considering the Democrats already want to cut our Military budget 25% , raise taxes and more spending ) .

I just want to see what his excuse will be when he runs for re-election ( and the republicans sweep both congress and the presidency ) .

Victor, San Diego,CA, USA

Well Obama flip-flopping again. He is the one who went out there and tooted those high expectations and now he is deflating them. What else is new? I agree that we have massive problems in this country right now, but I do not see any easy fixes for either candidate if they win.

Michele, Fairfax, USA

For all of you posters who claim that Sarah Palin isn't qualified to be the VP, I hope that you saw Joe Biden spout that Roosevelt did a TV addresses after the 1st stock market crash in 1929.

The only problem is that Roosevelt wasn't president and TV wasn't available at the time. Great choice.

Will , New Orleans, USA

McCain is borderline senile, so I suppose many Americans will vote for him. Bush wasn't exactly the brightest was he? It's sometimes frightening to see the ignorance and stupidity of the voters (in all countries), especially when they air their opinions on live TV (Joe The Plumber for instance!).

James J, London, UK

This news should reassure those who fear Obama is a 'loony leftwinger' hiding extreme socialist values. He's going to do things slowly&consensually and that will take time. What I like about him, is how he has raised the level of political discourse just by his candidancy.

Amanda, London,

A politician getting in the excuses early ? Who'd have thought it

David G, Carshalton, UK

YOU ALL know that NOTHING WILL CHANGE. Politicians don’t care for you.
They always have and will show priority to Bankers & Corporations interests over yours.
They are our real masters . Real reform of our fraudulent Monetary system is necessary before your wish for CHANGE can happen.

Zec, Athens,

If Obama/McCain really want to show the country that they have the US interests at heart, they should just donate their election funds to help out the US economy rather than make silly pledges. So much money wasted in campaigning when the money could be better used. Think what they will do after!

Andy John, Bicester, UK

Typical British "there's the silver lining - where's the cloud?" journalism.

You can put away your sharp pins now, you've already failed to burst our bubble.

John F, London,

I was scorned and laughed at when I first said it. No one is laughing any more now! The majority have come to accept the fact that Sarah Palin IS the downfall of John McCain!
And I agree with Jeff from Sacramento that she isn't even qualified to be Governor! Alaskans must choose better leaders.

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

"The last thing we need is a Marxist" are you going to believe everything the Republican campaign tells you about Obama?
You can't be serious, a Marxist?! Some advice to Republicans who do not support the obvious best choice -Obama- open your eyes and think for yourselves. Unless you're super-rich

Chris, Preston, UK

Obama has taken large sums of money from the Rockefellers and Goldman Sachs, two of the families that own the Federal Reserve, through family banks they own. This same group gave McKain big contributions as well, and Clinton. The Banks are now running America and will continue to do so. SAD!

victor.compton, Cherbourg, France

Hopefully after Obama wins the presidency the Republicans will look back to their Pre-Reagan Presidents and look for intelligent alternatives to the Democrats instead of the mental lightweights they've had starting with Reagan. Republican has become synonymous with Moron.

Martin, Bristol, UK

Pray for McCain !. The last thing we need is a Marxist with two Socialists such as Pelosi amd Reid. Can you spell Depression ?

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX

Well done America. If you vote Obama you are only falling for the Bush trap again! Trust my words as an outsider who can see which way you are being led.

Alex, London,

No matter how bad a mess Obama may make of things, Pres Bush will be blamed. if the actions already taken by the Pres and Congress prove successful in the next 9-18 months, Obama would take credit. If the Pres can be blamed for a hurricane, he can be blamed for anything.

Kiki, Cambridge, USA

It's nearly unfathomable to consider a Republican win at this point. In our present circumstances Americans have little to be happy about. Obama has a huge job ahead to turn this country around after 8 years of disastrous, failed leadership.

Mark Mulligan, Shepherdstown, US

Once again we see what a smart man Obama is, but also how cynical. He is dead right in saying that overinflated expectations need to be deflated to avoid disappointment - and Republican jeers - but we should ask who inflated these expectations in the first place. And who warned us against them.

jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/USA

This Sarah Palin is a real problem and I could never vote for McCain because of her. After seeing her throughout this campaign, I don't even think she's qualified to be governor let alone Vice President. Obama must win!

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

My expectations for the first few years are pretty low. This country is a mess and there is no quick fix. However, if Obama is elected and we all pull together then YES WE CAN!!!!

Linda, Kapaa, HI