How will Obama play overseas?

Anne Applebaum has an interesting but sobering take on how a President Obama might play overseas.

Of course the Illinois Senator overcame historic bias against those of African descent here in the US. So should be optimistic about his reception throughout the rest of the world? Given my travel abroad this year I found great optimism. But her piece is well worth considering.

For more on Obama, race and the changing American electorate, check out my recent essay, On Obama, Race and the End of the Southern Strategy.

Also, it is worth noting, that in many people's opinions, President Bush, a white leader, caused serious harm to America's global standing, particularly because of his policies in the Middle East. I recently re-posted an essay on The Bush legacy in the Middle East.