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June 10, 2008
Obamamania Around the World
With Barack Obama officially securing the Democratic nomination and Hillary Clinton officially, albeit bitterly, endorsing him and offering him every ounce of her support, the rest of the world is cheering for the possibility of a new era of American foreign policy led by a man of racial minority, diverse upbringing, sensible outlook on foreign relations, and genuine commitment towards dialogue and diplomacy, even towards a country like Iran. Whether the United States' next president should engage Iran or not is no doubt a hotly debated topic within both the academic and the policymaking circle. No matter who comes on top in this debate, the mere possibility that the U.S. could have Obama as its next president has energized people in the rest of the world both in closed door cabinet meetings and in the neighborhood cafes. The very image of swearing in an articulate, intelligent, African American in January 2009 will, I believe, instantly restore American standing in the world, giving us a historic opportunity to reconstitute an effective, comprehensive and robust foreign policy. People in France and Germany, two of the most adamant opponents of the Iraq War, are already rejoicing over Obama nomination victory. In Japan, a new TV drama was released, starring the handsome and forever-popular Takuya Kimura (木村拓哉), who plays a young Japanese Prime Minister. This character embodies many of Obama's qualities and was repeatedly doubted and scolded by older Japanese politicians but eventually won the hearts of the Japanese people. Japanese TV rarely produces shows with political themes, but Obama's global popularity has swept the often self-contained and apathetic island by storm (and to have one of its cities share the same name as the Illinois Senator doesn't hurt either).
Ironically, his biggest opposition is at home. If Obama were to win the election, foreign policy will not be his trump card. His experience is thin and his track record is essentially non-existent. While there are many intangible appeals to his charisma and moving personal history, voters will look more towards experience and track record when they think about national security. McCain definitely has the edge in this debate, and it would be smart for Obama to steer the election towards the ailing economy, not on security, defense, or foreign policy. His team has already realized this it seems, as Obama embarks on a two-week tour through all the major battleground states to undermine McCains economic policies while re-introducing and re-enforcing his own.
I am confident that Obama's character and judgment will quickly and dramatically improve U.S. foreign policy and American standing in the world. But in order to do that, he must first win the election. And to win the election, he must first stick with the economy and exploit McCain's weakness.
Posted by Kevin Xu at June 10, 2008 12:36 AM
Comments
Interesting entry.
Why is it that Obama is weaker on FX issues, yet is more popular internationally?
Would like to hear your thoughts on this.
:)
Posted by: LeeAnn at June 10, 2008 10:51 PM
LeeAnn,
Thank you for your response. Very excited to see my post already generating questions on its second day.
In my opinion, Obama is weaker on foreign policy than McCain but popular abroad because Americans care about different things than foreigners do when looking at a U.S. presidential candidate.
For Americans, the overriding concern when it comes to foreign policy is national security--who can protect our country better. Experience and track record matters a lot more than rhetoric and argumentation. McCain has a steep national security record and is a celebrated patriot. Vietnam veteran, both his father and grandfather were admirals and he would have become one himself if he didn't decide to join politics. He's been in the center of almost all foreign policy decisions, especially the Iraq War, from a outspoken critic of Rumsfeld to a self-proclaimed architect of the "surge" that has apparently become a winning strategy.
Obama on the other hand is less credible on national security issues. Although I do not personally think he will do worse than McCain on foreign policy and national security if he becomes president, voters will have a harder time counting on him to protect the country due to a series of trivial scandals that has put his patriotism in doubt (e.g. Rev. Wright, flag pin, Muslim upbringing). Plus, he has done nothing on foreign policy, period.
Foreigners look at things differently. They care much less about America's national security and more about how will the U.S. treat their home country and what can they gain and accomplish from dealing with the next U.S. president. They want someone who cares about their feelings and take their positions seriously. Obama has so far been more willing to talk, engage and champion multilateralism than McCain. Many non-white countries also welcome the fresh prospect of doing business with an African American U.S. president because Obama takes away the white man arrogance that has been such a defining mark of Bush's foreign policy. I don't want to overemphasize the racial factor, but in foreign policy, image does matter.
In short, on foreign policy, Americans tend to care more about experience and substance, while foreigners care more about image and promise. Therefore, I think it would be much easier for Obama to win a world election than an American one.
Posted by: Kevin at June 11, 2008 01:54 AM
KX,
Thanks for becoming a blogger! The idea that Japanese television has decided to air a political drama at this time is very interesting, but is it actually the direct result of Obama's rising global popularity as you suggest in your entry? Is it Obama or a coincidental change in the political milieu?
Vicky
Posted by: Victoria Chao at June 12, 2008 02:43 PM
There is one Japanese town in particular that has been a stalwart of Obamamania: Obama, Japan.
Im not even kidding: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/19/asia/19japan.php
KX,
You are right on with this post. I just hope that WHEN Obama is elected, he does all to restore the American international image that I think he can (and that his campaign has insisted he will do).
The symbolism of an African-American citizen of the world (Im afraid Kevin that Obama might be more worldly than you) with the middle name Husseyn and last name Obama only goes so far; he needs to act to turn the swelling tides of international resentment--and that means policies, meetings, summits, and a serious rethinking of American foreign policy (in all regions of the world). While Obama talks a big pre-election foreign policy talk (his stance on Iran for instance), he has little experience and needs to surround himself with a circle of experienced advisors and like-minded thinkers. Thus, the first step, and a crucial one at that, is a shrewd selection of foreign policy advisors. That, unfortunately, will have to wait until November.
KX, any idea of who is currently advising Obama on his foreign policy? I've heard a lot of talk about Chuck Hagel as a potential inner-sanctum Foreign policy advisor...anyone else? Before looking to Obama, I think it is equally important to look at those around him. Given his lack of experience, Im sure he is looking to others for guidance and advice.
Posted by: David at June 13, 2008 12:04 PM