(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The vast majority of people in the Netherlands received the election of Democratic nominee Barack Obama to the United States presidency with delight, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 80 per cent of respondents were glad or very glad to see Obama winning the ballot.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The vast majority of people in the Netherlands received the election of Democratic nominee Barack Obama to the United States presidency with delight, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 80 per cent of respondents were glad or very glad to see Obama winning the ballot.
In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. On Nov. 4, Obama secured a majority of electoral votes, defeating Republican candidate John McCain. Obama will become the first African American president in U.S. history when he takes over from George W. Bush—who served two four-year terms—on Jan. 20, 2009.
Obama visited Germany in July. As part of a long speech in front of thousands of Germans, the Democratic candidate declared: "In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common. In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe’s role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth—that Europeans today are bearing new burdens and taking more responsibility in critical parts of the world; and that just as American bases built in the last century still help to defend the security of this continent, so does our country still sacrifice greatly for freedom around the globe."
On Nov. 5, German chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Obama, adding, "As you take office, the world is facing major challenges. I am convinced that with close cooperation between the United States of America and Europe, based on mutual trust, we will be able to tackle the new hazards and risk resolutely. (…) I recall with pleasure our talks during your visit to Germany last July, and look forward to working together. I would like to invite you to visit Germany as soon as your schedule permits."
Polling Data
What is your reaction to the election of Barack Obama as a president of the United States?
|
Very Glad / Moderately Glad |
80% |
|
Neutral |
14% |
|
Very Disappointed / Moderately Disappointed |
5% |
|
Not sure / No answer |
1% |
Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Nov. 10, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
