US election reactions

Wednesday, 5 November 2008 12:00 AM

Commuters hurrying to work in London give their views on the overnight news that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.

Hyde, IT sales
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"I think it's great, he's good. I quite like the man; he stands for good policy."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I don't know yet. We'll have to see in a year's time. I think it will stay the same, with no real dramatic improvements."

Stephen, accountant
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"It seems to be a really positive thing as I can see. I don't follow American politics very closely and obviously I am not over in America, but it seems to be something that will hopefully bring change not just over in America, but in the rest of the world."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I guess in terms of foreign possibility, if he is talking about withdrawing from Iraq, that's obviously been a big part of British foreign policy - so you can see a big impact over here."

Nick, consultant
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"Over the moon. Very excited."
How will the election affect the UK?
"That's very hard to tell. I think if the US economy follows behind Obama and more confidence grows out of this, it's bound to help. I think Europe is in trouble, but at least we'll be more cheerful."

Chris, intern
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"Very pleased, I think he is the right man, very charismatic and I think he will do a good job."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I think, just on a purely superficial side, the positive vibes he will bring to the place will have a positive response. Especially in the stock markets, I hope."

Peter, accountant
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"I hope it's going to change the perception that America has in the world. I think it's great that someone called Hussein is there."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I am not sure; I hope that the UK will have a more balanced relationship with Europe and America rather than Europe vs America. So, I hope it will change the balance of power."

Jonfranscio, finance
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"I feel very proud and it's a big change. I presume its going to affect everybody and it's going to be a real change."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I can't see the consequences for the UK for the moment, but I think it's more about people's expectations. America is still a dreaming country."

Mike, lawyer
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"It's good, time for some change, I think it will make a difference over there. It's nice to see something that you wouldn't normally expect in politics."
How will the election affect the UK?
"No idea at this stage, I think it's going to carry on being a close relationship."

Greg, investment advisor
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"Relieved, because I am American and I wanted to see a bit of a change. Who knows if change will happen, but I think it's good. Especially since living abroad the perception of Americas has actually deteriorated over the years and I think it's very important. People in the US do not really think about that too, they really don't care, which is bad, but I think it's good."
How will the election affect the UK?
"It won't, I don't think. The UK has its own problems. It will have very little impact on the UK."

Katie, legal secretary
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"I don't really know much about him."
How will the election affect the UK?
"It will affect it a bit, because they have to work with UK people as well."

Keith, litigations support manager
How do you feel that Barack Obama is the new US president?
"Quite enlightened, I think he will be good for the country."
How will the election affect the UK?
"We will have to wait and see. We have a lot to sort out, especially on the financial front."

C. Goodman, school worker
How do you feel about Barack Obama becoming the next US president?
"You know I haven't heard? Brilliant. I am really glad about that."
How will the election affect the UK?
"I have no idea, I know they have got on really well with the Republican president. I couldn't say, I wouldn't want to say. I just watch things and see how they work with each other really, and hopefully they work well together and sort out this financial crisis."

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