Obama and the foreigners
Not quite every European is in love with the Democratic candidate. The overseas media in the US have always had a difficult time in presidential campaigns, writes Jurek Martin
US elections 2008
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Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination and now faces the daunting task of reuniting the party after his extraordinary battle against Hillary Clinton, while Republican John McCain vies for the limelight
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Obama warns on Iran nuclear threat
Barack Obama used his visit to Israel to send a clear signal that he shared the country’s deep concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, and remained committed to the traditionally close ties between the US and the Jewish state
Democrat calls off convention conference
Questions over who would profit from event
Obama arrives in Israel minefield
Democrat faces intense scrutiny
Obama’s troop withdrawal plan wins support
US Iraq debate shifts to pull-out timing
Obama to widen focus beyond Europe
Pledge to engage more actively with Asia
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INTERACTIVE
Map: ‘Battleground’ states & voting history
View the key 2008 battleground states in what will be America’s most momentous election in a generation and see how each state voted in presidential and primary contests since 1992
In pictures: Obama’s foreign tour
Images from the presidential candidate’s international campaign tour
COMMENT & ANALYSIS
One simple way to predict a victor
When it comes to the US presidential contest these early head-to-head polls and the vast enterprise of political analysis, nit-picking and minute speculation they support, are, to a first order of approximation, worthless, says Clive Crook
Europe promises cheers for Obama
The old continent has already decided: it will get the American president it deserves, writes Philip Stephens. Even those whose sympathies are with the Republican John McCain are caught up in Obamamania. Only Carla Bruni, partner and chanteuse to France’s Nicolas Sarkozy, can compete in the glamour stakes
Back Obama for commander-in-chief
While Washington’s armchair generals will denounce the Democratic candidate for weakness on Iran, the real generals support his position. The US top brass has no appetite for launching yet another war in the Middle East. Bogged down in Afghanistan and Iraq, the last thing the US military needs is a third front, writes Gideon Rachman
Timing Iraq troop withdrawals
Politicians are beginning to look at the world after Iraq. A timetable for US troop withdrawal has been the hottest issue in the US presidential campaign
Obama, the optimist on trade
The Democratic candidate is portrayed as a protectionist but in fact he is a trade enthusiast who sees it as a means to the end of enhancing human welfare, writes Susan Aaronson
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Changing tack in Afghanistan
The military must make clear that its presence is aimed at supporting Afghans in their efforts to develop a system of good government
Bring back the real McCain
Pandering and equivocation do not suit Mr McCain. He best commands respect when daring to offend, and advancing sound but politically awkward positions
Obama takes a tour of the world
Barack Obama’s impending tour of foreign parts could be the most important manoeuvre of his presidential campaign – and puts his rival John McCain in a quandary
Obama repositions
Some reversion to the centre was inevitable after the primaries. Case by case, Obama can explain the changes. Still, his new centrism carries risks
ELECTION ISSUES
US election issues
In a six part series, the FT looks at the key issues at the heart of the US 2008 election
Sense of crisis prevails in US healthcare
America’s healthcare system is broken. If there is one statement on which the majority of Republicans and Democrats agree – along with employers and individuals and even some health plans – that is it. Fixing it will be another matter
More stories
Iraq rolls out the red carpet for Obama
Baghdad urges US withdrawal by 2010
Pillar of German society backs Obama
Speech moved to the Siegessäule victory column
Obama pledges to focus on Afghanistan
US candidate would redirect focus in ‘war on terror’
Brzezinski wary of repeating Soviet experience
More troops in Afghanistan ‘not the entire solution’
Arab world doubts US approach will change
Region questions Obama’s crisis readiness
Obama sets out to earn foreign policy stripes
Candidate begins on tour of Europe and Middle East
McCain swings toward low tax philosophy
Phil Gramm’s influence superseded by Jack Kemp
Candidates talk foreign policy amid bank run
Economic crisis could favour Obama
Obama restates troop withdrawal pledge
Wants greater focus on Afghanistan
New Yorker attacked for Obama cover
Magazine says ‘terrorist’ cartoon is satire
Obama would increase Afghanistan troops
Pledge to send at least 7,000 more
US allies to press Obama over Iran
Presidential candidate to tour Europe, Mideast
Obama seeks accord over Berlin speech
US candidate plans Europe and Middle East tour
Michigan wary of McCain trade message
Republican targets rival’s stronghold
McCain tailors rally to female voters
Cindy McCain reveals secret to weight loss
Why Obama has Georgia on his mind
Central in bid to redraw south’s political map
Jackson’s attack rebounds in favour of Obama
May prove to be an unwitting political gift
Obama seizes on Iraqi calls for timetable
Senator seeks to overcome wave of criticism
US Senate approves wire-tapping bill
Obama’s support highlights shift to centre
Hunger for victory defines Obama
Growing possibility of a big Democratic win
