USA are in a moral and economical decline since 10 years. With a 72 year old warmongler USA will be lost for ever. Europe and EU will chose its own way and USA have to confront both EU and Russia.

Peter, Stockholm, Sweden

I love Barac Obama so much, he has my vote anway, as a witte women from New york

Marta , New york , USA

It would be nice if the BBC Broadcasters pronounced Obama's first name correctly. The emphasis is on the last syllable.
This article really captures the absurdity of our presidential campaign.

Jane, New York City, USA

I also love the United States and hate my government. Everyone I know is for Obama because we're sick of
the war Bush needlessly created in Iraq and the secret but
massive program of rendition and torture that is slowly being
revealed as the greatest American scandal in decades. We've
had enough!

Dylan, Washington D.C., USA

I for one could never vote for a man who betrayed his country to get medical attention while others in cells around him went without. Then to come home and cheat on a wife who waited so many years for him. A man who is way too old to hold the office and has already shown signs of mental problems.

Gramps, St. Louis, US

At least Obama didn't betray his country for medical help while others suffered. And he didn't cheat on a wife who waited for him to come home. And he is not showing signs of old timers disease. Maybe it is time for a change and for the positive and stop the destruction of America.

Gramps, St. Louis, USA

Obama is a bogus media creation. I am voting for McCain, who will keep this country safe from terrorists.

kbr, Charlotte, NC

What we are seeing across Europe, in the Middle East, and the Americas is a reaction to leadership. Any thinking person can see that this is a man to steer America back to greatness. Now we can only hope the American people will do the right thing.

MikeCanada, London, Ontario, Canada

He also went to Israel, but such things are conveniently omitted.

Marvin Gaye, London,

When America sneezes, the whole world catches cold, the more reason why the whole world should have a say in who rules America. Carry on Obama, we the world are behind you and the French President has spoken for us all. Take care. ADEGOKE OLANREWAJU O. Lagos Nigeria

Adegoke, Lagos, Nigeria

My son pointed out to me that Obama was asking David Cameron where did the Queen live!
Surely this is not the man heralded to the world as an intellectual.
One thing for sure he is not a seasoned traveller and historian of any note!

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, LONDON, ENGLAND.UK.

I understand wanting to speak with world leaders, and he should. But could someone please explain to me why Obama is campaigning overseas. Doesn't play well on this side of the pond.

I think the annointed one is setting himself up for a very painful fall.

Dawn, Montague, NJ, U.S.A.

T here is no way that a racist America will elect a black man instead they are going to elect a George Bush clone and continue the New Imperialism, thuggery and larceny so manifest during Bush's tenure.

hortense vaughan, london, uk

I live in Chicago - He lost a primary election to 1960's radical activist Bobby Rush in 2000. His mentor is on trial for campaign financing and political bribery. He "grew up" politically in our corrupt and clout riddled system, a city that has seen a Daley as Mayor for all but 13 years since 1955!

mark cassidy, chicago, United States

Obama is sure footed? What's beneath the surface is the very thing the media WILL NOT report on. His facade is well ingrained and it should be. He's been the golden boy on the horizon far longer than anyone realizes. Cracks began showing but the media will not report on deeper questions.

Tom Hurston, Detroit, USA

I don't know how anyone could vote for Obama over McCain. This election will be fun to watch. Yeah

Stu, MountainTop, US

concurred?

peter c, devizes, wessex

To anybody buying Barrack Hussein Obama's snake
oil I have one message: please call me, I have a few
used vacuum cleaners for sale.

Lutzito, Rancho Cucamanga, USA

Obama was created by the corrupt American media. The media ran the primary debates and are now trying to shove this socialist, closet-Muslim down our throats. Obama is a fraud.

Garland, Warwick, RI, USA

Stuart Grunther, uniting people is good. Obama has never reached out to Republicans, not once. His voting record is one of the most left-leaning in the Senate. Contrast this with McCain, who has reached across the aisle so many times his base doesn't like him now. If you want a uniter, vote McCain

Gerald, Dallas, TX, USA

From the comments I read looks like all you Libs can't wait to have a Communist empty suit for President.

Gil, Boston, US of A

I'm an American, a democrat, and an Obama supporter. For those who believe he's a shallow phenom, I'd refer you to his two books. He's a wonderful writer and a fine critical thinker. We are delirious at the prospect of having a president who can add two plus two and speak English...

Deborah, Niverville, USA

"... but you have to have enough knowledge to make good judgments...” Was it good judgment to dismiss the military intelligence and opinions of his fellow liberals about the WMDs of his namesake in Iraq? How will he know who to believe if elected and given new choices?

Ken, Georgia, USA

If right wing America wins the next election then nation deserves everything that is coming at them like the piano falling towards the sidewalk.

By dumbing down the populace through substandard schooling the Republican party has achieved its goal: an idiotic nation bankrupted by a greedy elite.

Bondy, New York,

Obama might have made a half decent Chicago Alderman, a cog in the Daley machine but as President of the United States, no. He's in over his head every time they take his telepropmpter away.

Jim, Milwaukee, USA

What is that gibberish Obama was saying in that conversation with Cameron? No wonder Cameron's advising him to take a break. Worrying.

Alex, Buenos Aires,

It seems to me that Sen. Obama is auditioning for the role of President of the US, while Sen. McCain is auditioning for a remake of the film: "Grumpy Old Men." Of course, the title would be "Grumpiest Old Men." It is sad to see an American hero fade into irrelevance.

Jim Campbell, Saint Paul, US

This unfounded adoration of Obama is, scary.....he's a Socialist, even has Communists supporting him.....plus, I believe he even thinks he is the savior of the world now!

Barbara, Ky, USA

I can understand why people with intelligence and political policy background would be leery of B.O.'s lack of experience, BUT, the Bush Administration has done a lot of damage to Global and Domestic Stability. It is not a Democrat or Republican issue. It is who can once again unite the people.

Stuart J Grunther, Alburtis, PA

Now here's something that you won't hear from any of the networks when it comes to analyzing the European infatuation over Obama. Several months ago the Pew Research Center did some polling in Europe. That polling showed that 58 percent of Europeans want the United States to be weakened.

Jeff H., At;lanta, USA

Everyone said Gore will be President, then they said Kerry will be President, then they said Clinton will be president. Um, take it from me, a winner, McCain will win in a landslide!

Johnny Ullum, Titusville, USA

Obama--an empty shirt to say the least. As a retired career officer , USMC combat veteran of Viet Nam, I am not willing to entrust the security of the United States to a person whose only experience is 143 days in the Senate and several years as a Chicago community activist.
Semper Fi

Ted, Knoxville, USA

I don't know how anyone could vote for McCain over Obama. This election will be fun to watch. Yeah

Stu, Oceanside, USA

The complaint that McCain doesn't look like a leader - what in Hell does that mean? That he's stiff? Sure, 5 years as POW with broken bones will do that! I'ld rather still than a socialist empty suit. Remember, 40% not voting is Obamas record - and some think that's impressive!

Nona, New York City, USA

The "Chosen One." This never fails to make me laugh. Poor Obama. I wonder if he was prepared for all this. It's astonishing. I'm just happy that after eight years my candidate is actually going to win! I tell you there is a part of me that wishes it were Obama vs Bush. I'd relish seeing Bush lose

Maria, California, U.S.

BO, is a phenomenom, remember the Cabbage Patch Doll, I feel that is when all the hype by the media press went crazy with advertising to sell the doll. Then after, every Christmas they got a new doll or gimmic in order to sell, create confussion and chaos. The media does not report the news honestly

CMHinsley, AZ, USA

Thats OK JD from Honolulu. Vote any way you want. The GOP and McCain will be gone like the Tories of 97. Swept from power for a generation.

Fred Quimby, Portsmouth NH, USA

After the GOP's unblemished record of failure by every measure? JD is a person of faith indeed.

kr, San Francisco, United States

Foreign policy experience. Bush had none, but is a buffoon & surrounded himself w knowledgeable hawks, and they all conspired toward disaster. Truman, Carter, Clinton, Reagan, Kennedy, FDR and Nixon had none or skewed, levels of foreign policy ability when running for the office. So why not Obama?

Gareth, Wales,

No matter what people say about Obama, he sure does seem sure footed and a refreshing sight to see on the international stage. For someone always being criticised as having no experience, he has definately proved citics wrong.

Stephen, Missouri, USA

I know they all say that "hope" is a buzzword, but that really is what many of us have in mind in regards to Obama. I love that bumper sticker, "I love my country, I hate the government." That is how so many of us feel, but I truly believe Obama can change that. Obama represents me!

Ashley, Boone, NC, USA

After 8 years of Republican rule out of the White House and Congress that has been nothing short of nonsense on every level, domestic and international, only the deaf, dumb and blind would allow them any more power. Obama may be a bit of an un-known but I'm taking the risk and voting for him.

kevin , Boring, Oregon, USA

i doubt there were 200,000 people there plus they served free beer and hotdogs at a concert.

McCain 08

DEvans, petal, usa

McCain simply doesn't look like a leader. He looked awkward and unassure of himself in his photo-op with the Dalai Lama.

John Felcher, Tucson, USA

mccain is a simpleton, but mind you so are most americans, so thats why he will win the election. obama is too articulate. he needs to talk about burgers and bbq's on the ranch to win the core vote. perhaps if he wore a cowboy hat then he would stand a chance.

rob silver, bangkok, thailand

I cannot thank the Times Online for printing objective news. We can no longer obtain it in the USA.

As for the Republicans: Bush has an approval rating of 29%. Congress, who is controlled by the Democrats is at 9%. I do not see how it is refreshing that they should control the White House.

Becky, Fayetteville, NC, USA

Are you mad? More years of Republican leadership and we will all be destroyed.

Ilene Wolf, Fox Lake, IL, USA

Obama did his fly-by of the EU. Now what? Is he going to find a way to cut gas prices in the US? Is he going to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon to destroy Israel and hold the EU hostage? What has this guy ever done anyway, other than to puff himself up?

I am tired of this jerk!

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

My candidate;s more photogenic than your candidate, JD. What, you're in Honolulu and you're not voting for the candidate from Punahou?

MIta , New York, USA

Finally! An open mike picks up a politician's conversation, a conversation that actually sounds appropriate to the setting, and dare I say intellectually refreshing?

nancy, Philadelphia, USA

Obamania may prevail because McCain doesn't have the conservative base behind him. Many of us will not accept him just because we must & may sit this election out . VP choices may or may not help. This will be '04 all over again.

Kris, California, USA

Hooray! An actual person in Hawaii who ISN'T going to vote for Obama simply because he lived in the Islands at one time and attended Puunahou.

ab, Richland, USA

I'm also voting for McCain.

GN, Nashville, TN, USA

The Republicans are extraordinarily vexed and upset by the Obama phenomenon. They own a tired brand with a set of self-created problems that overwhelm even their few clear headed members. Obama is the next Roosevelt who will transcend his opponents. He's a major star.

Mark, Shepherdstown, US

I think religion and politics should not mix. I will not be voting for the messiah.

JoAnn, Escondido, USA

I'm with JD. It's gotta be McCain.

bt, bklyn, usa

I will be voting for the Republican party, and not for the Oprah W. candidate.....

JD, Honolulu, USA