The World Welcomes Obama's Victory

A Log Of Reactions From Around The Globe To Barack Obama's Election Win

(CBS/AP)  CBSNews.com is compiling a constantly-updated log of reaction from leaders and citizens of countries around the world, where American Election 2008 has captured the eyes, ears and imaginations of millions.

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FRANCE:

The French have made no secret of the fact that they wanted to see real change in the White House. Now, most believe transatlantic relations will improve, reports CBS News' Elaine Cobbe. "With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a congratulatory letter to Obama. “At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond."

France's black junior minister for human rights Rama Yade, who is black, said, "This is the fall of the Berlin Wall times ten. America is re-becoming a New World. … On this morning, we all want to be American so we can take a bite of this dream unfolding before our eyes."

Expats in Paris thronged American bars from early Tuesday evening. Most went straight from work, keen to get a good seat and prepared for a long night. Irish bars unfurled the giant screens usually reserved for sporting events and became election HQs, and cell phones buzzed all night as the election pub crawl continued. In all the throngs, it was hard to find a Republican voice. Obama was the face on T-shirts everywhere.

Many of the young expats, in particular, say they’re tired of apologizing for their nationality. Now, they say, they can hold their heads with pride and say “I’m American”.

UNITED KINGDOM:

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was looking forward to working with the new U.S. President. "This is a moment that will live in history, as long as history books are written," he said. "I've talked to Senator Obama on many occasions and I know that he is a true friend of Britain, and I know that the values we share in common and the policies on which we can work together will enable us as two countries to come through these difficult economic times and build a safer and more secure society for the future."

The new editions of the papers are on the streets, and CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar says they are embracing the idea of historic change. The Independent: Dignified, full page color photo of a smiling Obama. Headline: "Mr. President."

SPAIN:

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said, "President Obama will have in Spain and its government a friend and a loyal ally. I want us to work together in such issues where the Spanish experience is wider and where the shared interests will make us closer."

GERMANY:

"America is electing a new president, but for the Germans, for the Europeans, it is electing the next world leader," said Alexander Rahr, director of the German Council on Foreign Relations.

In Berlin, where Obama "soared like a rock star" in front of hundreds of thousands of people this summer, poll after poll showed that if they had a vote, Germans would have overwhelmingly chosen him. "Finally, a victory over racism in the whole world. I hope it’s going to be the end of racism," said one man. And over and over again, people spoke of hope. "I hope that all the dreams the people have now are coming true. So let’s keep fingers crossed that he will be able to fulfill what America, but also the whole world, is expecting from him."

POLAND:

Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski spoke of "a new America with a new credit of trust in the world."

RUSSIA:

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a congratulatory telegram, reports CBS News Moscow bureau chief Svetlana Berdnikova. "I expect to develop a constructive dialogue with you on the basis of confidence and respect for each other's interests," he said.

He said Russia is not inherently anti-American but suggested it is up to the United States to take the initiative in improving ties. Medvedev said Russia hopes that Obama's administration will "make a choice in favor of full-fledged relations with Russia."

At the same time, however, Medvedev promised to place missiles on his European borders if U.S. plans for an anti-missile system go ahead, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips.

Berdnikova reports Russia's other political entities were more generous. Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov welcomed Obama's win. "His election is a choice in favor of a younger and more modern America, which is now completely disappointed in George W. Bush's policy … The Americans also cannot forgive the Republicans two lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Denis Bilunov, executive director of the United Civil Front, told Russia's Interfax news agency that Obama's election will result in considerable changes in the attitude to the U.S. among third world countries. "A black president is a new unusual tendency. All old propaganda clichés about America are now history." If the new U.S. administration criticizes Russia on democracy and human rights issues, "it won't be based on the same ideology as it would if McCain had won," he said.

AFGHANISTAN:

On Wednesday came news from the southern province of Kandahar that U.S. warplanes bombed a wedding party on Monday afternoon, killing 37 people (including 23 children and 10 women).

CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar reports Afghan President Hamid Karzai has demanded that President-elect Obama act immediately to prevent civilian casualties.

"My first demand from the newly-elected President of America when he takes office is to end the civilian casualities in Afghanistan and take the war to the safe havens and training comps of terrorism," Karzai said.

That’s a change from the warm welcome offered by Karzai just hours ago:

"The American people have taken themselves, and the rest of the world into a new era, the era where race, color and ethnicity will also disappear as a factor in politics in the rest of the world."

Obama has not been so polite about Karzai. During the campaign he criticized the Afghan leader's failure to tackle corruption, the growing trade in illegal opium, and the ineffectiveness of his government.


President Obama will also have to make some decisions about the U.S. troop posture in Afghanistan. Gen. David Petraeus, chief of U.S. Central Command, is arguing for an Iraqi-like surge to combat increasingly effective Taliban fighters.

CUBA:

There’s still no official reaction in Cuba to last night’s election of Barack Obama, writes CBS's Portia Siegelbaum in Havana. But ordinary Cubans are asking: Will the new President lift the U.S. economic and trade embargo on the island? (He can’t, it's up to Congress to do that.) Will he loosen the restrictions on travel to and from the U.S. so that they can see relatives who have immigrated? And will he lift the ceiling imposed in 2004 on how much money family members living in South Florida or elsewhere in the United States can send home? They are hopeful that he will do all these things and more.

Expectations have been running high ever since Obama became the Democratic Party candidate. The Cuban population, predominately young, Black or mixed race (like Obama), identify with him. People would have liked to watch the round-the-clock coverage available in many countries around the world. But except for hotel workers with access to CNN in Spanish and English or those with illegal satellite dishes, Cubans had to wait for the State-run media to announce Obama’s victory, with little of the excitement heard elsewhere. Even this morning the Cuban Communist Party daily Granma ran only an analysis of the campaign written before the polls closed by Ramon Sanchez Parodi, a former head of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, Cuba’s lone diplomatic outpost in the United States.

In a blog published yesterday former Cuban President Fidel Castro stopped short of endorsing Obama but did praise him as being “surely more clever, better educated and calm than his Republican adversary … He has well articulated ideas” and his election would reduce the danger of war and “increase the peoples’ opportunities to progress” that a McCain victory would hamper.

In hushed voices those watching with us at CBS News' Havana office asked the really big question: "Is there really a chance he might meet with Raul [Castro]?"

During the campaign Obama expressed a willingness to sit down with the U.S.'s enemies, including the heads of Iran and Cuba, with whom Washington broke relations nearly fifty years ago. In several speeches over the past two years the Cuban President has held out an olive branch, saying Havana was willing to sit down with the new U.S. Administration on basis of equality and mutual respect.

[eroosevelt08]

It is my hope that President-Elect Obama will look back on his presidency satisfied that he did the best he could. It was an honor to vote for him.

[rcgreene1]

CBSisPravda has missed the point entirely. Not only is there a new president, but a new score card. Beating up on countries is no longer a top priority. Behaving responsibly in the world is. Being king of the hill is no longer a priority. Promoting peace and a right-relationship among sovereign nations is. Saving the old unregulated profiteering economic system is bad. Finding a way to save the millions of people whose lives have been hurt and in many cases demolished by irresponsible banking practices is finally at the top of the list. Reducing government and lowering taxes -- always important to those who continually seek unnecessary wealth and the regulation-free environment that makes it easier -- are objectives that pander to the un-informed. The shallow economic and political thinking in post-WWII America, and especially the massive, foolhardy military tactics of the Bush administration have now saddled the American people with huge debt and a desperate plea from those who are being raped by the predator corporate culture that demands extraordinary effort and resources that must be coordinated at the federal level. The priority is to save America, not to reduce taxes and help out the very people who have profited from irresponsible practices.

And you can be sure the Democrats -- and quite a few Republicans as well -- are ready to meet the challenge.

[objectivist3]

It pains me (an Obama supporter) to see that while John McCain gave a classy speech urging all of us to reunite, many of the comments I read remain hateful and partisan. (Neither Democrats nor Republicans have a monopoly on nasty comments, of course.) Sometimes platitudes are correct: we are all in the same boat, and sink or swim together. Please, can''t we try to think of solutions to our problems and stop the hate-mongering, no matter who or what is the target?

[objectivist3]

It pains me (an Obama supporter) to see that while John McCain gave a classy speech urging all of us to reunite, many of the comments I read remain hateful and partisan. (Neither Democrats nor Republicans have a monopoly on nasty comments, of course.) Sometimes platitudes are correct: we are all in the same boat, and sink or swim together. Please, can''t we try to think of solutions to our problems and stop the hate-mongering, no matter who or what is the target?

[objectivist3]

It pains me (an Obama supporter) to see that while John McCain gave a classy speech urging all of us to reunite, many of the comments I read remain hateful and partisan. (Neither Democrats nor Republicans have a monopoly on nasty comments, of course.) Sometimes platitudes are correct: we are all in the same boat, and sink or swim together. Please, can''t we try to think of solutions to our problems and stop the hate-mongering, no matter who or what is the target?

[objectivist3]

It pains me (an Obama supporter) to see that while John McCain gave a classy speech urging all of us to reunite, many of the comments I read remain hateful and partisan. (Neither Democrats nor Republicans have a monopoly on nasty comments, of course.) Sometimes platitudes are correct: we are all in the same boat, and sink or swim together. Please, can''t we try to think of solutions to our problems and stop the hate-mongering, no matter who or what is the target?

[newmark3]

For everyone who keeps looking at a AFRICAN AMERICAN who is the next PRESIDENT REMEMBER AFRICANS were stole and bought to this country and treated less than animals. BUT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT BUILT AMERICA. Hello now GOD is saying that we need to get and AFRICAN AMERCIAN to lead to rebuild what the Bush Administration has torn down in the last 8 years. EVIL EVIL DEMONIC IGNORANT people can''t see that because all you see is colr. get over it. SATAN.

[dimhumb]

Yesterday we took a huge stride in returning from the brink of joining the pantheon of failed militaristic regimes. We must take steps to insure that we do not allow ourselves to come so close the edge again.

Posted by KMar20009 at 07:53 AM : Nov 05, 2008

That perspective has been exactly what it seemed like from abroad. Now I can get back to my keen interest in learning English and your literature feeling relief. Thank you for putting an end to Bush''s policies. I love America too. Ja ljublju Ameriku tozhe!

[pakaal]

""Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.

I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that."
-Sen. John McCain, November 4, 2008

[zietzke-2009]

Electing an African American or a woman could have signified the beginning of a new America. Instead it signifies the end.


Posted by Neo269

Some good points.......But, Look at what the GOP DID TO AMERICA over the last 8 years !!

1) Started a war based on a lie.
2) Destroyed the economy
3) Illegal wire tapping of U.S. citizens
4) Shreaded the U.S. constitution
5) Patriot Act.
6) No bid contracts for Halliburton
7) $ 700 Billion USD Bail out for Wall Street
8) Massive U.S. job losses
9) Massive U.S. job outsourcing
10) Gitmo, Torture, Geneva Convention Trashed
11) Mission Accomplished ?
12) Over 4000 American troops KIA, Over 150 Innocent Iraq citizens killed.
13) Americas reputation around the world destroyed.
14) The cost of the Iraq war is $ 1 trillion and counting. A burden that will be passed on to our children.

The American people had had enough....Our country was on a collision course with destruction under Bush.

Bush''s NEW WORLD ORDER WAS MAKING THE WORLD A DIVIDED AND VERY DANGEROUS PLACE. America has spoken, they want a new direction. Under the new President, the promise of a new and better life is just beginning.

[airboatboy1]

It seems like the whole world thinks about as much of Bush as Americans do. Amazing someone can screw things up so bad in 8 years. Looks like everyone is looking forward to the day he''s gone.

[andor3]

Today we are prouder, stronger, more respected as a nation. Bravo not only to Obama, but to all who supported him.

And condolences to the scum who thought they could rule the US by fear, intimidation, negativity, and through convincing people to give up hope. The people have again felt their power and money and corporate greed are no match for them.

[lucasnico]

And given the penchant of the "rest of the world" (mainly Europe) throughout history to get into war after war, I''''d hardly consider them a reliable source of advice on political issues.

Posted by txgrouch2007

unlike yourself, as you are the difference maker in world politics!

[farouk7]

It is so wonderful to have the world look at us with respect and admiration again. To look at us as a place where anything is possible. Where any American citizen can go as far as their ablilies will allow. That was always the beacon that drew millions of people from all over the world to the United States. That your blood-line, how much money your family had, your race, your religion, none of those things would stand in your way if you had a dream and worked hard to achieve it. This is the America that we love and I am so proud that my country resoundingly lived up to that American dream.

Posted by kansas1946 at 11:10 PM : Nov 05, 2008
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As an American who took advantage of his first opportunity to vote in this country, I commend you for your excellent post. This is the America I grew up reading about but was never sure until last night. God bless America.

[farouk7]

the world is happy that there is somebody in the white house that would kiss their fat AS SES

Posted by libluv2spit at 11:17 PM : Nov 05, 2008
_______________________

Last time I looked, Bush was still in the White House, that you you''re talking about? And they do have pretty fat azzes.

[rheola-2009]

Posted by finally2008 at 10:15 PM : Nov 05, 2008
+ report abuse

Absolute great call, Yours is the most sensible post I have
seen today.

You are to be congratulated.

Unfortunately there are to many small minded people, that will just ignore these FACTS.

[chyenna-2009]

THIS DAY HAS BEEN ALONG TIME COMING.FOR ALL YOU REPUBLICAN,IF YOU BEEN ON YOUR JOB WE WOULDNT BE HERE BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE ARE.WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS SUCK IT UP BECAUSE YOUR PRESIDENT IS BLACK. HA


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Posted by babyj0205 at

Correction. Mr. Obama will be our first "Bi-Racial" president. I would love to hear him say to the american people; I am a black and white man. I share my blood with both sides, and proud of it. God blessed me with the best from each side of the racial divide and I will bring this country together as one. We will erase racisim. I will be your president and America, I am your american "brother."

[kansas1946]

Okay so lets address this ridiculous issue of race Posted by finally2008 at 10:14 PM : Nov 05, 2008

GROAN! Would y''''all just GIVE UP on this lame argument? NOBODY CARES!!! Why is it so hard for you to understand that???

How''''s this for a compromise: He''''s the BLACKEST President since Bill Clinton.

And he''''s probably blacker than Clinton, even WITH his saxaphone.





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Posted by txgrouch2007 at 10:16 PM : Nov 05, 2008
+ report abuse
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LOL. Good point! I think it is grand that he is bi-racial. If there was any suspicion that he might not like white folks, that is nonsense because the people that he loved most in his early life were white. If there was any suspicion that he might not like black folks, that is nonsense, because he IS black. Grand day for America. Grand day for the WORLD. I am so happy that I am on the RIGHT side of history on this one.

[kansas1946]

It is so wonderful to have the world look at us with respect and admiration again. To look at us as a place where anything is possible. Where any American citizen can go as far as their ablilies will allow. That was always the beacon that drew millions of people from all over the world to the United States. That your blood-line, how much money your family had, your race, your religion, none of those things would stand in your way if you had a dream and worked hard to achieve it. This is the America that we love and I am so proud that my country resoundingly lived up to that American dream.

[chyenna-2009]

The world welcomes Obama. Is that Iran''s welcome listed below found on Reuters.com

Iran warns U.S. military after Obama win
By Parisa Hafezi
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran warned U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday that it would respond to any violation of Iranian airspace, a message analysts said seemed directed at the new U.S. president-elect more than neighboring American troops.
The Iranian army statement, reported by state radio, came after a cross-border raid last month by U.S. forces into Syria, a move that was condemned by Damascus and Tehran.
But an Iranian politician said the timing suggested it was directed at Barack Obama, who won Tuesday''s U.S. vote, more than the U.S. military, and might reflect concern by hardliners in Iran who thrived on confrontation with Washington.
Obama has said he would toughen sanctions on Iran but has also held out the possibility of direct talks to resolve rows, which include a dispute over Tehran''s nuclear ambitions.
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Mr. Obama, President-elect, I don''t envy your first monday in the Oval Office.