I believe it really is the whole "hope and change" message that President Obama trumpeted back in 2008 when seeking the democratic party's nomination and the Presidency. Europeans are quick to point out the success that the President has had on the world stage. The President killed Bin laden and a handful of other terrorists; he's pulling out of Iraq as promised; he's managing the Afghanistan war better than expected; the successful and limited military action in Libya and his restrained efforts with the Arab Spring. For Europe, President Obama has delivered on what they perceived his promises to be. For some, even better than expected.
Europeans also see President Obama as trying to rectify the economic problems not only of the United States but of the European Union as well. They are frustrated for him that his "Jobs Plan" in the States is being met with heavy resistance. The President was clearly the one leader in Cannes that everybody was listening to. His "Action Plan for Growth and Jobs" was well received by the people. European leaders were less than enthusiastic as evidenced by their lack of leadership in governmental spending and financial regulation. Clearly, the G-20 has serious work in front of them trying to stabilize Greece and monitor Italy. Questions abound as well if China will indeed follow through on boosting domestic demand helping the European nations rebound.
However, the G-20 did take some serious strides forward in their efforts to rescue the European economies. An aggressive, rapid pace rescue plan was put in place with $1.4 trillion designated to fight the sovereign debt crisis, bank capitalization and additional bailout for Greece. Still, President Obama is seen as the key leader and his popularity is only increasing among the European nations.
Back home, the President is not as popular. The unemployment rate, the housing and foreclosure problems, the growing debt and the inability to have Congress enact even one provision of his Jobs Act threatens his Presidency. Most Americans like the President according to all the polls. However, the unemployment rate and the do-nothing nature of the partisan politics in Washington, D.C. are taking their toll.
It's not for lack of trying on the President's part. Although characterized as campaigning, the President is out and about across the country trying to sell his Jobs program encouraging Americans to voice their support of his plan with their Congressional leaders. There are some signs that his message is beginning to have some play among the American people resulting in some softening among a limited number of House republicans. Just maybe, our President will begin to see his popularity rise here at home as well.
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