Europeans Already Looking Past Bush Presidency

Europeans Already Looking Past Bush Presidency


DEB RIECHMANN | June 7, 2008 01:58 PM EST | AP


WASHINGTON — President Bush's motorcade will speed through European capitals next week, but for many Europeans, the Bush presidency already is in their rearview mirrors.

Trans-Atlantic relations are on the upswing as European leaders have moved beyond their anger over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Still, anti-Bush sentiment runs high on the streets, though that is being mollified by Europeans' excitement about the race for Bush's successor.

Like many Americans, Europeans have Bush fatigue. Many believe Barack Obama and John McCain will have different positions _ perhaps more favorable _ than Bush on issues important to Europe. The president continues promoting his agenda on climate change, Mideast peace and world trade issues, yet his influence has ebbed.

"I'm sure there will be some protests, but I think people are just looking past this guy at this point and they're interested in what comes next," said James M. Goldgeier, an expert on Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"There's no reason for any leader to give him anything because he's on the way out. You have a presidency that's losing energy, is consumed by Iraq and a president who is unpopular, in general, in Europe and people are looking beyond him," Goldgeier said.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/07/europeans-already-looking_n_105826.html

I won't feel able to until he's on that chopper heading for alcohol and oblivion.

Get busy, you DU/E folk !! :D

:D