Anti-Americanism, Ever with Us

TRAVELING last month across Iowa in his legendary “Straight Talk Express,” Sen. John McCain took some time out from the presidential campaign to sweet-talk Europeans. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, McCain lamented the dismally low standing of America in Europe and promised, if elected, to make restoring America’s reputation a “top priority.”

One can only wish Senator McCain, or whoever else is elected president in 2008, Godspeed on this mission. We would certainly be better off if more people in Europe thought more highly of America. (Our standing there is currently lower than China’s, and as many Europeans consider America a threat to world peace as feel that way about Iran.) No doubt part of being president is to deal with the “atmospherics” of our relations with other countries.

About the Author

James Ceaser

Mr. Ceaser is a professor of politics at the University of Virginia, where he has taught since 1976.

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TRAVELING last month across Iowa in his legendary “Straight Talk Express,” Sen. John McCain took some time out from the presidential campaign to sweet-talk Europeans. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, McCain lamented the dismally low standing of America in Europe and promised, if elected, to make restoring America’s reputation a “top priority.”

One can only wish Senator McCain, or whoever else is elected president in 2008, Godspeed on this mission. We would certainly be better off if more people in Europe thought more highly of America. (Our standing there is currently lower than China’s, and as many Europeans consider America a threat to world peace as feel that way about Iran.) No doubt part of being president is to deal with the “atmospherics” of our relations with other countries.