[complete results attached]
The latest FRANCE 24 / Harris Interactive poll in partnership with the International Herald Tribune reveals some surprising results concerning expectations in Europe and the United States regarding the impending election of the 44th American President. Whilst Europeans declare themselves to be fascinated by this election, nearly one in two British respondents (47%) say that they are not at all interested in the vote. Conversely, Germans are the most enthusiastic Europeans with 85% of those interviewed interested in the election.
The 5 largest European countries are unanimous in their desire to see Barack Obama elected whilst John McCain´s rating is extremely low. If they could vote, only 1% of French, 5% of German and 8% of Spanish respondents would elect John McCain. In the United States, the Republican candidate is behind by 10 points.
The principal reasons given for this marked preference for the Democratic candidate are his personality, the values that he represents and his capacity for change from current American policy.
The new American President will face a number of challenges. In all the surveyed countries, 3 subjects stand out as priorities: the military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, the economic situation in the United States and the question of global warming. In Europe, finding a positive outcome in Iraq and Afghanistan remains the most important priority. In the United States, 85% believe that improvement in the national economic situation is of primary importance.
Across all the populations surveyed, Barack Obama is considered to be the most capable to treat these issues as well as the most apt for promoting better relations with the "˜Old Continent´.
However, John McCain is perceived as more credible on security questions and reducing terrorism. On these two issues, he is 15 points ahead of Barack Obama among American respondents.
Finally, for the first time there is a real possibility that a person of colour is elected President of the United States. In the 6 countries, a majority of respondents think this will have a positive effect on the United States: 71% of Germans and 54% of Spanish respondents affirm this view. Conversely, 14% of Americans think it will have a negative impact.
THE RESULTS OF THIS POLL WILL BE BROADCAST ON FRANCE 24 IN "WHITE HOUSE 2008" ON FRIDAY THE 24TH OF OCTOBER AT 22:15 AND COMMENTED IN THE DAILY INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE ON THE SAME DAY.
