Should the US have chosen Hillary Clinton instead of Barack Obama? | Timothy Garton Ash

The visionary statesman of 2008 has not lived up to expectations, especially in foreign policy

Whatever happened to the messiah? He for whom Americans danced in the streets chanting yes we can! on that unforgettable election night just six years ago. He whose name was on every European tongue. He who promised that humankind would look back and remember this moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.

As we approach the midterm congressional elections on 4 November, six years to the day after Barack Obama was elected, Democratic candidates dont want to be seen with him. Elizabeth Drew, a veteran observer of US politics, writes: Probably not since Richard Nixon have so many candidates shied away from being in the presence of their partys president when he shows up in their states. His approval rating is down to around 40%. In Europe, we barely talk about him any more: he has gone from being Obama! Obama!, via No-drama-Obama, to Nobama.

Continue reading...