He is OUR president, not yours

Actually his decisions have a huge impact on the world. So in essence yes everyone does have a right to put so much faith in him. He will determine how long or how short this deficit is. By your theory alone the states should be the only country baring the brunt of this recession. Truth is countries came in and helped out banks loaned where they could and other countries such as my own (Canada) are suffering because the US is the biggest place we export our goods to. US has their foot in many disputes right now so in essence other countries reserve the right to say what they're saying. Yes he's 'your' president. But look at your last president who entirely botched the world over and has now caused this huge recession for the rest of the world.

Bravo! I think Obama has a big heart. But it would be wise for other nations to look at him, and America, as an EXAMPLE. Not as the solution. Im sure Pres. Obama will do whatever he can to help those in need, and the world should know that America is a generous and compassionate nation. But one country cannot shoulder the entire burdons of the world. "Get your own Obama" - hahaha... LOVE it! Of course time will tell of Obama is worth his salt. I'm glad we have given him the chance at least... we need amazing leaders at this moment in history. Can the rest of the free world elect leaders that inspire hope and good will the way Obamas has? Yes, they can. And yes, they should.

xfahctor, I will agree with you that he is the President of the United States of America, which means that he is OUR president (I am from California, so of course I am American), but I will disagree with you and say that by him becoming president, he is going to change the world a great deal because people will react differently towards Americans. We won't really be known as a racist nation anymore (I cannot tell you how many of my friends from other nations look down on Americans because of the treatment they received when coming to this country).

Who cares what other people say? Any of the US's allies are going to put faith and hope into Obama. How about all the war? Don't you think those countries might be putting faith in him to stop the war going on? If he was as selfish as you he would not get very far in this presidency. Whether you like it or not the surrounding countries to you will be going through a recession and if the US gets out of it then the other countries will too. So how does that not affect any other country but yours? I am from Canada and we have been told that we will go into recession and in my opinion if we can help eachother out is that not better than trying to make enemies out of people that may be able to help?????????????

Wow XFahct. I dont usually reply to the same discussion twice, but I'm am in awe over the responses you have gotten so far. Americans agree with you. The non-Americans are outraged, acting like Obama is president of the universe. Amazing.. I had no idea it was this bad. Hey. Cmon, I like Obama but seriously hes only the President of the United States. Hasent anyone ever heard the old proverb... "God helps those who help themselves." Sorry - but for a foreigner to hitch their wagon to Obamas star, to me, seems irresponsible, niave, and downright stupid. Nothing Obama has done could not be duplicated by someone else. Anyone with grey matter between their ears can make a difference. Isnt that what the Obama-mania is all about?

Lol, unfortunately it is important to the rest of the world what is going on in this country and what Obama's plans are. What happens in America does have an influence on the rest of the world, often a major influence. Over the last century or so the US has established itself as THE world leader, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It's the place most look up to and aspire to be like. Of course there is countries who would love nothing more than to take over that status such as China and Russia. But as of now that has not happened. American trade spans around the globe with many countries depending on it, even pegging their currency by the value of the dollar. This kind of economical power has been used quite frequently in the past by our leaders in order to pressure another country into doing whatever the US and/or the world thought was right. Trade embargoes are a powerful weapon especially if one can persuade so many other countries to follow ones lead. Sounds a bit like high school with the US being the leader of the popular crowd.... With Bush starting wars in two countries and having other countries join in ... along with the casualties and costs... the collapse of the economy... it very well illustrates how far the American influence reaches worldwide. So did the blame. People here blamed Bush for everything, so did people in other parts of the world... The hope for the people around the world is that Obama will be a better and kinder leader. They hope he'll bring peace but also will have understanding for their plight and offer a helping hand. And yes, they hope just like so many here that he'll somehow wave a magic wand and the American economy and with it the world economy, will recover. In short, if you are elected to be the leader of a world-leading country, then you are a world leader and the majority of the people around the world will hope that you do the right thing, don't abuse your power but use it to the betterment of the world. Like it or not, that comes with the superpower status the US has at the moment. It's just the way it is. So, sorry to say, you will have to share Obama with the rest of the world;)

"Get your own Obama." This is great advice. I'd like to point out that in the western world of all the countries with populations of a minority of blacks, the U.S.A. is the only one to have ever chosen a black man to be the leader of the nation. Others think blacks have no opportunity here? So, to all you other countries critical of the U.S.A. who think 0bama is so great, what's stopping you? As my friend said, "Get your own Obama!".

I am not really much into politics not even my own country politics. but I can understand what you mean. he is your leader so his people should be first and foremost in his list. Mine has done a good job reducing taxes although of course he has his flaws somewhere else but Harper is ours and if anything I would post discussion about him rather than Obama. I think people put so much hope in Obama fixing the US economy which later on will help improve global economy but then again global trade is about all countries in the world not only US. so while US is fixing theirs, other countries should find alternatives or contingency plans. pretty much we shouldn't be putting all the hopes on Obama alone because as a human being there is always possibility he fails. just my 2 cents.

That's a great line - "Get your own Obama"...lol! I both agree and disagree with you; I certainly agree he's OUR President and his first responsibility is to US, meaning the U.S. but I also realize that in so many ways as the U.S. goes so goes the rest of the world. So I guess I say let them pay attention, let them be as interested as they'd like to be and certainly let them express their opinion. However, they should also realize that we're not responsible for every other country in the world, we can't solve all their problems or give them everything we need especially when we have plenty of our OWN people who are in need. To those from other nations who are in envy of our way of life I say try to follow our example, try to elect your own leaders who will help you to have a life closer to what we in the U.S. enjoy even in bad times. To those of you who don't live in a country where you have a democracy or elections, it's up to you to try to change that and while we always do help when asked, and sometimes even when we're NOT asked, realize we're not going to be "nation builders". At least I hope our days of nation building are over especially for those who don't want us to do it. Annie

yes, he's yours. but I'll tell you what, here in the UK I feel safer with him running the US than Bush. the thought of that man having so much power was terrifying.

I hear what you are saying. It is agreed that big decisions are made that do effect the whole world, but I think what you were trying to say is he is not going to make decision based on helping the world for the United States citizens are frist on his mind. Fact if we go green the impact on the world would be huge because we would not be buying all that oil, but as he stated he is looking at every way to make us self reliant as far as energy therefore he did not take into consideration that many other countries will suffer the financial loss. Please let me know if I am mistaken, but I think I have it right.

Obama is a good man with really good ideas, ones that will help our country and as an after affect the whole world. He is a hope for the world as well as this country because we as somewhat leaders we affact the world. Yes there is a need for other countries to pick a better leader than they have. That is easier said than done considering the corruption in the political arena all over the world including the good ole USA. What everyone is so happy about is that we have a chance and with that so does the world. It is going to be a long hard trip. If Obama can stay true to his ideals then we have a chance.

Dont be possessive, no one is going to take your obama. Most of the problem of countries depends on which type of people live there. If in a country of white people , some black person become president its very good news for everybody. Now country who is highest in racism, depends on one black man.We, indian are strong enough to prove india as well as attract your president.

Hello world, I've read through every post on this discussion. I'm happy to see that the issue isn't racial in content. Someone mentioned Kentucky as well. I live in Kentucky and yes we are a state too lol. I personally think a lot has been placed on the plate of just one man. It not only takes a great president, but a great nation as well. I was so proud to see this man take office. I get a lot of static at work because I voted for the "black guy" with a "foreign name". I haven't watched a presidential election since Clinton appeared on MTV. Perhaps I like people with personalities who are not afraid to think outside the box. There may be an apparent Obama craze, but I'm just happy to see that we are taking notice of the world around us. That is definitely a change for the better. An overwhelming number of voters showed up to the polls. It is a sign of the times that we are changing as a nation. We have grown to accept different cultures and ideas. I can honestly say that in the small town in Kentucky that I live in, people voted for McCain just because he's white. Simple as that. They are clueless as to what he even campaigned or what Obama campaigned. That was the only basis for their decision. I hear discussions at work and they still don't even recall that he's from Hawaii! I'm not kidding! There's nothing sadder than voting for or against a leader based on personal prejudices. Maybe I'm off topic here. Sorry, but the input from all of you seems like a best selling novel compared to what I have to listen to daily. I commend everyone here for stating their points of view. All I really wanted to say is that I do hope Obama has some great helpers to guide him through this mess. That poor guy will likely have gray hair by the end of his first term! Anwyay, I hope I haven't offended anyone.

Yes, thank goodness all the best urban

I understand, i think, what you are trying to say here. The fact is that our president does actually have an impact on the rest of the world. If you don't think so, just ask the people in Iraq or better yet, Iran. Yes, he is our president first and formost but there can be no denying the impact that he can have either good or bad on the rest of the world. We all impact each other one way or another. Bush had such a negative impact on the world in general that I think this people are looking forward to a change as much as we are. I am in the U.S and I find it refreshing to hear people from other countries speaking good of our president as oppossed to how the spoke of Bush.

I have to disagree with you. Even if Obama is YOUR president, part of his job is to maintain good relations with other countries. the United States is one of the most "social" country in that you guys always step into other country's affairs. When the US government decides to import oil from Saudi Arabia, or when you send troops to fight in Iraq, when you allow migrants from Kashmir into your country, when you build military bases i the Philippines, when you allow Chinese goods into the country, or when you send spies to Russia, then you are affecting the social and economic environment in other countries. Everything that goes on in the US from the crashing of the stock market to the bombings in New York City affects the world.

I think the extent that people overseas can have faith in Obama is that he will not invoke an unnecessary war. And they're also expecting him to put more value in diplomacy - something that I am really hoping for as well. Although I must say, I have seen that he has been inspiring a lot of people to do community service and even volunteer overseas, so if people can put more effort into nonprofits and Obama can encourage that through USAID (which needs a lot of reformation) and just by his words, that would be great as well. I think the main thing that people over the world are excited about is a change in administration from Bush.

Let us all hope that Obama will be able to inspire the best in others.....cause as all of us Yanks know well.....it's all good as long as things are good for the majority. The minute he slips and falls and pisses off the wrong folks we will be getting the verbal attacks from all sides. Much like Bush didn't screw things up all by himself Obama can't fix it all by himself. What is needed now is diplomacy and a level head. Obama has a big mess facing him---honestly, ANYONE that got elected would be in a position to come out the hero. If he manages to fix ANY of the problems we've got we can rejoice. Our domestic issues are pretty numerous. I do agree with you that other countries should try to find an inspiring symbol for change in their own countries. think how mych better off the whole world would be if each leader was concentrating on finding domestic solutions to domestic issues.

I disagree with you. Although he might be the president of the United States, his actions will effect a lot more than your country. I think that you are being selfish and instead you should be happy and thankful that so many people are putting their faith in "your" president. I think honestly that he would be ashamed to hear you speak about the situation in this matter. The world is effected by our actions as a whole and yes that does include your president. You need to be a little more understanding as to why people think this way.