America’s Truly ‘Planetary Election’: From Les Dernieres Nouvelles d’Alscace of France

According to this article from northwest France’s Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace, the U.S. presidential election belongs to the world as much as it does Americans – and the race is reviving our image – lost during eight years under the Bush Administration.

For Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace, Olivier Picard writes in part:

“The global financial crisis has served to mask the historic magnitude of November 4th. On that day, the American presidential election will be held – but not just for the citizens of the United States. It will concern all continents, all peoples, all cultures, all races; it will be, in a way, a planetary election. … Of course, there’s the Obama phenomenon. And even if the Senator from Illinois is far from being promised a victory at the polls, his status as the favorite is in itself an extraordinary sign. A Black [man] at the doors of the White House! The world’s leading nation ready to entrust itself to a president from its minority population! Who would have bet a dollar on such a scenario only twelve months ago? …

By Olivier Picard

Translated By Sandrine Ageorges

October 23, 2008

France – Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace – Home Page (French)

The global financial crisis has served to mask the historic magnitude of November 4th. On that day, the American presidential election will be held – but not just for the citizens of the United States. It will concern all continents, all peoples, all cultures, all races; it will be, in a way, a planetary election.

Of course, there’s the Obama phenomenon. And even if the Senator from Illinois is far from being promised a victory at the polls, his status as the favorite is in itself an extraordinary sign. A Black [man] at the doors of the White House! The world’s leading nation ready to entrust itself to a president from its minority population! Who would have bet a dollar on such a scenario only twelve months ago?

Such an occurrence goes beyond the usual electoral twists and turns that occur every so often in the political history of the United States. It goes far beyond the exceptional brilliance of the candidate and his masterful campaign management. This is beyond all calculation, strategizing and even the possibility of victory for John McCain.

READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated and English-language foreign press coverage of the U.S. election