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While President Obama’s approval rating has slipped in the United States after the partisan fight over health care and during a struggling economy, a survey released today by the Pew Research Center indicates that Obama is more popular abroad than he is at home.
It also suggests that his presidency has increased the United States' favorability in other countries, particularly in Europe, since the Bush years.
The Pew Global Attitudes poll found that a majority of individuals in 16 of the 21 countries surveyed feel confident in Obama as an international leader. Ten of these countries, in fact, express a higher confidence in the president than America does (at 65%). Obama’s popularity remains high in Europe, especially in Germany (where he enjoys a 90% confidence rating), France (87%), and Great Britain (84%).
That said, confidence in Obama fell in Asian countries. Still, more than seven in 10 in Japan (76%), South Korea (75%), and India (73%) approve of the president and his actions. Even in China, a slim majority of the population (52%) has confidence in the American president. Global support for Obama’s foreign policies is not as widespread as it was when he first took office in 2009, but still remains favorable in most countries.
Also in the poll, 17 out of the 21 countries surveyed reported a very favorable or somewhat favorable opinion of the United States, including significant popularity increases over the past year in Russia (up 13%) and China (up 11%). The rehabilitation of the American image after the steep decline in popularity during the Bush presidency is especially visible in Western European nations, where American favorability ratings remained positive and relatively stable, with little change from last year’s numbers.
“We are documenting a revival of the global image in many parts of the world ... reflecting confidence in Barack Obama. Opinions about the U.S. are now about as positive as they were at the beginning of the decade before George W. Bush took office,” says Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Project, noting the overall revival of America’s global image in the past year.
Obama’s popularity abroad is directly responsible for the improved view of America internationally, Kohut added. “Analysis of the survey ... shows that this new attitude toward the United States is being driven by personal views of Obama and confidence in him. I don’t only mean style but confidence in him rather than opinions about his policies or expectations about specific things he is going to do.”
Yet despite Obama’s repeated rhetorical efforts to promote approval of the United States in the Muslim world -- from his call to “seek a new way forward” in his inaugural address, to his speech to the Muslim world from Cairo last year -- Obama’s (and America’s) biggest decline in popularity over the past year occurred in predominately in Muslim countries. A majority of the population in five out of the six Muslim nations surveyed lack confidence in the president. The exception is Indonesia, where the president lived as a child. But even there Obama’s popularity has slipped 4% in the past year.
It remains to be seen whether this overall improvement in the American global image will encourage other nations to support the United States in the implementation of American foreign policy. “World opinion likes the idea of Obama more than the reality of Obama,” said former GOP Sen. John Danforth, a co-chair of the Pew Global Attitudes Project, at a breakfast with reporters this morning. “The numbers fall off very dramatically the more concrete the issue…the harder the issue, the more concrete the problem, the more concrete the actions, the less support they receive.”
Danforth, a former ambassador to the United Nations, debated the effect of the president’s popularity on America’s international relations with his fellow co-chair, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
“It is going to be very important for [Obama] to translate his personal popularity into the actions that are supportive of a different agenda,” Albright said.
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I am so sorry, but there is absolutely no way that I believe 65% of Americans have confidence in this President. I would say its more like 30%. He's a joke. America was founded on freedom and Capitalism, not dictatorship and Marxism!
I agree, Fights. But notice how they had to lump together "a lot" and "some" confidence. That's pretty vague. Besides, I could say that I have confidence in Obama - - I'm pretty confident that he is flushing our country down the drain......pretty confident that he is well on his way to being the worst person to ever occupy our White House.
KLM, I am not trying to dump on you, but I am very curious - in what ways do you feel that President Obama is 'flushing this country down the drain'? Could it be that we are actually spending money on Americans for once? Could it be that we are taking care of OUR infrastructure? Could it be that we are taking care of US for once? Is it just that you dislike the President (if you do, that's OK, this President is not for everyone)?
I disagree with your position, but I am willing to hear your arguments. At least you didn't throw out 'buzzwords' like Communist, Marxist in your post.
Careful not to choke on that teabag.
What I would like to hear from the critics who claim Pres Obama as marxism, communism, and all the other fear-driven "isms" is exactly what Reagan, Bush, Bush/Cheney and republican party have accomplished for the good of the American people. Don't tell me tax cuts or small government because taxes are the lowest under this administration since Truman and the GOP presidents increased its size. And don't tell me they were fiscally responsible because the facts prove otherwise--"deficits don't matter"; that is they don't matter when republicans are in charge.
The right talks about democrats redistribution of wealth--please explain how tax cuts to the highest earners is not redistribution of wealth to those who already have it. The graphs to prove that the middle class has been shrinking while the 10% rich get even richer since Reagan are easily googled. 15% capital gains tax by Bush 43, even Reagan would have blanched at that number. Hedge fund managers who made billions betting against success pay tax at the capital gains rate of 15% while the average American pays a much higher rate as income, they don't make enough for capital gains.
Fights
I truly Do believe that 65% of Americans approve of President Obama's handling of the mess GW & Dick left behind. Try listening to some other new than FOX!
Hey Fights? Aren't you late for that Tea Party you're attending tonight?
Followed by a Klan rally tomorrow morning....
Hey Lyn and Feisty,
Excuse me, but I'm black, so I doubt very seriously I would be attending a Klan rally.
I think there maybe something fishy in Fights. I don't care what your race is ignorance is pervasive in all races and you seem to choose to be that way if you really think that our President is Marxist. I guess anyone that promotes compassion and restraint on Corporate greed is a Marxist to you? If you really are looking for a joke try the mirror if you're not too black for that! And by the way I'm a proud AMERICAN of African descent, University of Maryland Alum, retired Army Veteran. to KLM I believe what's best for this country is what's best for all it's citizens not just it's privileged few after all with out it's people this land would be nothing. The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE) says it all. Rom 13
ucg,
So you think its fishy for a black person to not like the way Obama is running the country. Wow, looks like you only vote by skin color.
UCG,
Good words to live by. KLM and Fights are just displaying their hate of President Obama. It is not based in any rationale (ie TeaBagger). These people want everything to be the way they dictate and not neccessary what is good for everybody.
Have a great day.
I dont care what color you are, it means nothing to me but it doesn't help me think you are nothing but an idiot.
Nice to see you're so tolerant, Gingerbread Mamma! haha!
Obama enjoys more popularity in the U.S. than some may think. Most people realize that this guy has been dealt some pretty heavy and serious issues to face since becoming President. Many also consider the alternatives, McCain/Palin or any other indvidual on the right. In otherwords, the alternatives rank pretty low. Rush Limbaugh runs the Republican Party, Tea Partiers make up 25% to 30% of voters. Independents may disagree with Obama on some policy decisons, but over-all the American people like Obama. Most national polls give Obama a 50% rating on his over-all job perfromance. I can see a 65% popularity rating for Obama at home.
Just goes to show you that some foreign countries might appreciate what we have instead of what they are saddled with.
Wow-
I knew this already.
But I never expected to see this information posted at First Read.
I imagine that, when you actually live here, are a tax-paying U.S. citizen, and are directly impacted by the many unpopular policies of the Obama Administration, to include:
Obamacare, cap-and-trade, comprehensive immigration reform (including amnesty), civilian trials for KSM and the other 9/11 conspirators, the proposed closing of the Guantanamo terrorist detention center, et al...
Well...I'm guessing you're pretty likely to have a different opinion of President Obama than the rest of the world does.
This is not a surprise.
Actually...it makes perfect sense.
You pay a lower tax rate under Pres Obama than anyone has paid since Truman was president.
I, like many people, have yet to be effected by this. My rates went up this about 15% this year just like they always have.
You've been impacted by cap n trade???
You've been impacted by immigration reform???
You've been impacted by civilian trials for terrorists any more than you were when Bush did it???
You've been impacted by the proposed closing of guantanamo???
Could you please tell us how you've been impacted by these things? I mean, beyond healthcare, none of this stuff has yet come to pass so...I have a hard time understanding how they have impacted you unless you are somehow impacted by them not yet happening...
And, in consideration of civilian trials for terrorists, can you please explain how you are "impacted" in any way that is different from the civilian trial for the shoe bomber or any of the other terrorists who were tried in civilian court during bush's era?
I take it from the non-sequiturs in your response that you're unable to rebut the central point of my post...that these Obama Administration items are unpopular (in several instances, wildly unpopular) with the public?
However, if you insist on changing the subject...please explain in detail how you've been personally affected by the Patriot Act. I personally have not been impacted by it in a way that I'm aware of...but I do approve.
And, I'm not impacted by a bullet fired at me either...that is, until it makes contact.
It will only get worse...
Pat, Shouldn't we be thinking of impeaching Bammy for this oil spill? I think so.
Well, look who it isn't!! Its Juven Bachan!!
Typical for you to want to impeach the President for HELPING Americans.
So are we all still BOLSHEVIKS to you (it is your favourite word, is it not)?
Well, well... I posted about this yesterday. I am glad that First Read bears me out with real numbers.
I STILL don't have any answers for my friends overseas who are wondering why Americans are so dense. As you can see from the numbers, this President is more loved OUTSIDE of his country than within.
Imagine that.
You don't think his race has anything to do with it, do you?
Steven, I do NOT think so. People overseas don't normally think in the black/white racial world like most Americans do. With Americans, EVERYTHING is a racial issue. What cannot be denied, from this article, are the very HIGH numbers from Europe, parts of Slovakia and the Asian countries. Pakistan is not feeling us right now, though.
Steven:
I tend to doubt it. I think Hillary Clinton would be receving roughly the same treatment, as would any other left wing candidate who won the election. To the majority of those on the right, the specifics of any given policy do not matter, only the rhetoric and hyperbole matters. Any left wing president, no matter how centrist or how far left, will be characterized as a socialist or a radical.
It's just the state of affairs in this country.
Amercans are lucky to have a smart, sincere and hardworking president. As an outsider I have observed that everything he is doing (or is trying to do) is for the benefit of the majority of human beings in America and the world. I would love to have him as my country's president.
Triple M,
We are in trouble not lucky. Everything he is doing is for the benefit of himself and his agenda, Marxism!
Can you provide some proof of your assertions?
Fights,
If you do not like it here then leave. I am sure this country will be better off with you and people like you moving out. I am tired of the complaining. LEAVE!
Yes he can; he just heard it on Beck, or O'Rielly, or Faux, or something.
The problem with a lot of Americans is that they don't know how good they have it until they lose it. THEN you hear the incessant whining and pining about how things COULDA been.
It's too bad that many Americans don't think ahead. I guess you can say it's too bad that many Americans don't think at ALL. They are too self-centered and think that the world revolves around them, especially since they have been told since they were small that as a Superpower, they are better than most people around the world.
It's sad, really. You should see how Americans treat people when they travel. I have seen the 'ugly American' more than once in my travels. I actually has to tell one of them when I was in Ireland that using 'please' and 'thank you' would get them what they want a lot better than the attitude they were displaying.
It's also sad that more Americans don't travel to other countries. Travelling is such a great learning experience. It's too bad many Americans really don't want to learn.
I guess that's what all of this is about, isn't it?
Pietro, what you say is true. I was born in Ireland and over the years have travelled all over Europe and other parts of the world, I know it really gives you a better understanding of people in general. What many Americans fail to understand that many people overseas have had a great deal of admiration for the US and really root for us to lead the way. Along comes a George Bush, to reinforce the ugly american image and there is less tolerance for poor manners or lack therof. Others overseas, see in President Obama, an American, who is well educated, well mannered and tolerant. After all good manners is just consideration of others, his skin color doesn't enter into the equation.
Travelling and getting to know the locals and showing an interest in their way of life, gives one a better understanding of our personal lives, letting us see that we are all very similar in our hopes and aspirations. We all appreciate a good meal, a good job, it helps give us tolerance for others opinions and enjoy the support of family and good friends, these things help us get through life.
I enjoy your posts Pietro, your experiences are reflected to your writings. Slainte
Gingerbread Mamma, thanks for the kind post. I don't normally have a lot of time to blog, but I do read the posts when I can.
You are SO right in your post. All of the people I have met overseas were kind, warm, and FUNNY!! I think that a lot of the people I have met were flattered that I would take the time to visit THEM in THEIR country. I take time to do some homework and at least be able to communicate somewhat in their language while I am visiting. I have to say that my time overseas goes by QUICKLY because there is so much to experience.
I had just finished playing in a tournament in Edinburgh, Scotland, and I ended up going to Lucca, Italy for some R&R (you cannot beat Tuscany, by the way). I had a few extra t-shirts of my team with me, and after I checked out of the hotel where I was staying, I gave those t-shirts to the two very (nice looking) young ladies behind the counter, and I thanked them for their service to me in my best Italian. From the reaction that I got for that gesture, you would have thought I bought the place. They were SO HAPPY about that gesture, and it really was nothing more than me giving them a t-shirt!! I guess they never had an American give them something as thanks before.
I digress as I have a million stories like this one dealing with people in my travels. I REALLY enjoy Dublin, by the way, and the next time I get out there (probably next year), we are going to go to Cork and other parts of the west coast of Ireland for a few days. Ireland is hauntingly BEAUTIFUL and I cannot wait to go back!!
Wonderful story, that is what it is all about. I bet you were a hit. I love Tuscany, Lucca the capital of the olive oil industry. Love their food and their good wine. Dublin is my home town, it has changed since I lived there and is now a cosmopolitan city, still good, but different from my childhood. You will love all the other parts of Ireland, each is so beautiful, I so enjoy going back and being a tourist. the scenery is haunting no matter the time of year, I am glad you have enjoyed your time there. Tthe people are great, we love a party and a good story. If it wasn't for the weather, I'd spend more time there. By the way, what sport or tournament were you participating in?
I was in Columbus a couple of years ago to visit a cousin of my late husband, great city. Spent a lot of time in and around Germantown, some good food there. Spent some time at the conservatory and its splendid specimens especially bonzai.
For that trip, I was in Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Festival. I played in the Festiball tournament, which occurs at the same time as the Festival!! I play softball (sorta like baseball for those who don't already know), and my team has been invited to Belgium, Prague (Czech Republic) and Edinburgh again for next year. Needless to say, I am definitely excited about the trips!!
Oh yes, I MUST plug my favourite airline, Aer Lingus. Nicest people, best service, good food, nice NEW airplanes, great price. Been flying them for YEARS and I have never had a bad flight. And the flight attendants are stunning. Hey - I am a guy... I can look, can't I? Especially when you are stuck in an airplane for 6 hours...
Oh Gingerbread Mama, you make me laugh. I mean you talk about how tolerant you are but wait.....tolerant of everybody that agrees with you that is..... So very funny!
Fights,
CAn you back up your assertions that the President is a marxist or not? Facts and real evidence only please.
So the rest of the world approves of Oba-a-a-ma. They can have him, and his Communist agenda. Now someone will say "He is not a Communist/Socialist/Marxist. Then what will they say? Just his agenda and policies are? If it looks like a red, talks like a red and promotes Communist agendas, It's a Communist.
And this is bad because...?
Is the word 'Communist' supposed to be a BAD word? Is that supposed to engender a visceral response - like sweaty palms, heavy breathing, or watery eyes?
Well?
Yes, Pietro, Communism is responsible for more deaths than any other political party. How, ridiculous of you to not understand what communism promotes. A tyrannical leader and people that have no desire to do better for themselves due to distribution of wealth. LET'S ALL LIVE BY WHAT THE GOVERNMENT TELLS US TO INSTEAD OF GOD GIVEN FREEDOM! What a joke! BTW, you're not allowed to follow God if you live in a Communist country. Pathetic!
Yes Fights. You read correctly. A liberal actually had the nerve to admit that they think communism is a good thing. That's rare. A system that goes against all human nature, stifles ambition, ingenuity and creativity. Outlaws competition and entrepeneurship and guarantees all people will be equally poor and miserable. Deep down, all liberals think this is a good thing. Go figure.
And lets not get started on the fact that it has killed 100's of millions of people in the last century. Many for simply not going along with the program.
Well, well, well - we have CU Farley and Fights - the twin bloggers of doom and gloom, hurling the word 'Communist' as if they know what they are talking about. So I guess that hurling the word 'Communist' as an epithet is supposed to be 'offensive' to people, like these two were the bastion what is right and Holy. Please.
I mean, come on. Communist? Is this the BEST the both of you can do? Did you two lovebirds put your heads together and think REAL HARD for about a MONTH before you came up with that?
So, we are supposed to listen to you - WHY? Because you threw out the word 'Communist"? Because you are a legend in your own minds? If you haven't figured out, this is the United States of America. If I want to be a Communist, Bhuddist or live in the woods naked - I am free to do so.
Fights - you state the Communism is responsible for more deaths than any other political party. First of all, Communism is an IDEAOLOGY, not JUST a party. You don't even know the difference, and we are supposed to BELIEVE what you are spewing? Get back to me when you get a clue.
CU Farley - I just wanted to know WHY you feel the word 'Communist' has ANY power behind it (it does not). So you throw out the term Communist... AND? Does the world stop? Does ANYTHING happen? The short answer is NO, and it is just a word that is used OUT OF CONTEXT for your own political amusement.
I an neither impressed or amused.
I can understand people who are against aspects of the government, and that is fine - but to be as rabidly ANTI-Government as you two - well, I think that it is just self-serving. You want to see the FACE of YOUR Government? All you need to do is look in the mirror. Since you BOTH hate your Government, and have chosen NOT to do anything about it but whine and complain, we are supposed to listen to YOU?
Why is Hussain unpopular in so many of the countries with a predominate Muslum population? Did he let them down?
Leaders are often more popular in foreign countries than they are at home. One notable exception was George W., who wasn't liked anywhere.
Democrats voters recognize that the majority of people who campaigned against Obama during the last general elections became bitterly against him because he won the elections against their expectations. Many of them including some well known republican leaders publicly declared that they will never recognize him as their president and would wish him to fail. It is the first time in the history of America when some people have openly declared that they are not recognizing the duly elected president as being the president of the country. Some radio and TV channels that were against this president even before he was elected have continued to actively campaign against every good thing that he and the Democrats leadership are doing to help the people of this country and to rescue the economy. They directly and publicly throw insults at this president 24 hours a day and seven days a week with an intention of making him less popular among the voters. Democrats voters are aware that all these propaganda and insults and jealousy directed at the president all began during the campaign time and have continued non stop.
The majority of Americans who wanted health care reformed with public option may still respond to the polls that they don't like it as it is now because they really needed public option and they still want public option now. But in the end they are still happy and will be happy that at least something was done.
When polls show that Obama is still very popular abroad, it is a good thing for America.
You can kiss up to him all you want but the real thing people will need to focus on in the neer future is how the democratic far left loons have financaily destroyed this nation for many generations to come. What exactly has the Obama administration done for the people? Forced them on a health care program they did not want? Gave hugo chavez money? I am sure the people of the usa love that. Spent money like a insane idiot and turned his back on the oil spill for a week? How about he pulled out all the stops in getting the oil spill cleaned up? Yet another failure!
The people wanted reform not the overly expencive failure of the world health care. You far left liberals are only fooling yourselves!
Sandyshores - you state that the 'democratic far left loons' have financially destroyed this country for 'many generations to come'.
Really?
If that was the case, we would not be able to pay ANY of our bills NOW, would we? Could it be that we have been bankrupted by a $15 BILLION a month war that we have been paying for EIGHT years now? If we have money to pay for that - and we paying for it RIGHT NOW as we speak - then how has the 'DEMOCRATIC far left loons' bankrupted ANYTHING?
Let's face facts - you are angry because YOUR GOP leadership has taken their toys and money and thrown you to the wolves. Frankly, I would be kinda angry myself. However, you CANNOT 'project' the failings of the GOP onto the Democrats because you have been harmed. I would think that you would be stomping the guts out of your GOP leadership by now. But no - you are on here spouting vitriol aganist the Democrats when the GOP has stolen EVERYTHING from you and left you destitute.
Think I am wrong? Just look at the BP hearings yesterday. It certainly wasn't a DEMOCRAT that apologised to BP for making them clean up their mess - and later retracted that apology. The funy fact is that this is one of the RANKING MEMBERS of the subcomitee!! If this doesn't show you that the GOP does NOT have your best interest - as an American - at heart, then nothing will.
So who is fooling themselves NOW?
President Obama rocks! He is the people's president. I wish more people here would figure that out. HC is my biggest question mark but I think that after some knob tweaking it could be a really good thing. I really like that he forced BP to put up 20 billion as a "down payment" on reparations for the BP gulf spill and I like the way he has handled big business that was allowed to call all of the shots during the last administration. I'm really happy that I voted for him. Holy cow, can you imagine having to wake up and hear ding dong palin shrieking at us every day? Ack!
yawn....ho hum.....one and done....blah, blah, blah.......
yawn....ho hum.....one and done....blah, blah, blah.......