Rüdiger Lentz: In US presidential elections, Europeans tend to overwhelmingly support the Democratic candidate. Yet, Europe misplaced its bets in both 2000 and 2004. The qualities that Europeans value in a US president are not the same ones that matter to Americans. Europe should tone down its expectations, and come to terms with the possibility of another GOP presidency.
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US Liberals tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the pond. ++ These intellectuals look to other countries as evidence of America’s shortcomings. ++ The problem is that these people only see what they want to see and ignore each country’s unique context. ++ “The Soviets are in the dustbin of history; Japan Inc. is in its second “lost decade”; Europe is in an
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Pushing through a horrible stimulus package quickly was necessary, otherwise it would have been too late. ++ It may be too late for the economy, but at least money goes to the poor, who will spend it quickly on necessities. ++ The package lacks real innovation, like resources for re-integrating prisoners, flexible help for poor areas, things that would build up the assets of poor people rather
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Americans have proven that they are more united than ever, by clearly electing Obama the next president of the US as well as by chosing a strong Democratic Congress. ++ With regard to the political legacy of George W. Bush, Obama is facing the toughest presidency of all times. ++ At this point in history he can “reshape the country’s assumptions, change the terms of debate and transform
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