U.S. election provoking interest in Latin America

CARACAS, Venezuela — The U.S. presidential election is attracting outsized attention throughout Latin America. Residents, intrigued by the candidates' backgrounds, are debating what a victory by either Barack Obama or John McCain might mean for their countries.

Across Latin America, newspapers are publishing front-page stories on the campaign. Participants in business meetings take time out to handicap the race. Even poor people disconnected from the global economy know that a black man is making an unprecedented bid for America's highest office. The financial crisis is drawing even more interest in the election.

"Everybody is talking about the race," said Marta Lagos, who surveys Latin America for the Latin Barometer poll, based in Chile. "It's a part of everyday conversation. A lot of people are saying, 'We should be able to vote in the United States election. What happens there has an impact on the rest of the world.' "

http://www.kansascity.com/449/story/854626.html

'We should be able to vote in the United States election. What happens there has an impact on the rest of the world.'

We shouldn't forget the consequences of this election.

the good side of the aftermath of 9-11 all over again.

Wouldn't that be marvelous, put to good use this time.

:hi: