US Election Grabs Intense Interest Overseas

A panel of foreign journalists, including YaleGlobal Editor Nayan Chanda, analyze for the News Hour and the Public Broadcasting Service why citizens around the world remain mesmerized by the US presidential election, with presumptive nominees John McCain and Barack Obama. In a transcript of the June 12, 2008, broadcast, Chanda explains that Obama draws tremendous interest, in part, because of the black American’s success in a country that has long battled segregation and racism. International observers anticipate positive changes in US foreign policy with either candidate. Many countries, especially those that value security, express respect for McCain and his war-hero background. In the end, many international observers view the election as a contest between old and new America. – YaleGlobal