Barack Obama is ‘In Trouble’: Le Figaro Editorial
Europeans have taken note of Barack Obama’s ever-more apparent vulnerability. Given the tightening of the polls, how dire is his situation – in the eyes of people across the Atlantic? According to Pierre Rousselin of France’s Le Figaro:
“The international crisis in Georgia has reminded Americans that they should perhaps choose a president with experience, who is able to respond with firmness and determination in a world where the interests of the United States are being increasingly challenged. … McCain’s strategists have succeeded quite well in defining the choice between the two men. … The Republican campaign has made spectacular progress in recent weeks by entering a hyper-offensive phase.”
In regard to the Denver convention and what Obama needs to do, Rousselin writes:
“The convention in Denver will be even more decisive than these generally grand celebrations of partisanship usually are. Its success or failure will depend on three issues: Will Obama’s arrival there transform his character onto something more presidential? Will he finally add substance to his slogan of ‘change’? And above all, will he succeed in imposing the terms of debate for the rest of the campaign and the three televised duels with McCain?”
In regard to Obama’s VP pick, Rousselin asks a question that may in time be seen as critical:
“While we wait to hear of Obama’s decision, one may wonder why he waited until the last minute, leaving the field open to his rival before the conventions.”
EDITORIAL By Pierre Rousselin
Translated By Philippe Guittard
August 22, 2008
France – French – Original Article (French)
On the eve of the designation of his running mate at the Democratic convention which opens Monday in Denver, Barack Obama is on the defensive. The polls show that Republican John McCain has closed the gap and has entered the decisive phase of the White House race perhaps even with a slight advantage over his opponent.
The international crisis in Georgia has reminded Americans that they should perhaps choose a president with experience, who is able to respond with firmness and determination in a world where the interests of the United States are being increasingly challenged. The triumphant tour that Barack Obama completed in July has increased his popularity abroad tenfold, but has had no effect where it counts, ie: among American voters. On the contrary, the rock star element of his trip to Europe has a difference between he and McCain. At the Democrat made statements that were hollow and full of good intentions in the service of improving his own image; the Republican has taken courageous positions in the service of national interest.
READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated and English-language press coverage of of the Democratic convention and the U.S. election race.
5 Responses to “Barack Obama is ‘In Trouble’: Le Figaro Editorial”
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Whether or not McCain said or did the right things with regard to Georgia is apparently irrelevant. As long as he's “firm”, he doesn't need to be correct.
Obama just made a few blunders recently, that's all. McCain has made quite a few himself, don't forget, and Obama remains the leader. (For Obama the public and Europe has higher expectations for Obama than how Obama is currently doing, whereas the opposite is true with McCain.) Even the lack of substance isn't a killer, least of all to his starry-eyed faithful, but to the rest of us: both sides are concealing whatever they can in order not to have it subjected to attack by the other.
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Obama needs to focus on the economy and talk more about the concerns of working families. The economy is issue number one and McCain is just pitching the same supply side snake oil. If Obama becomes a fighter for working families, he will win in November.