When Senator Obama clinched the Democratic nomination last week, the BBC, by far the oldest and most global news network in the world, broadcast reactions to his feat from four areas of the world: China, Russia, India and Britain.
In the segment about Chinese views on the election, the BBC's Beijing correspondent conceeds that most Chinese doesn't know much about the US Presidential Candidates. Rather he focused on the role China will continue to play in keeping the US economy afloat. He declares: “What happens here in China may effect how the next President gets on.”
The BBC's reporting on the Russian view of the US Presidential election focused on the Russian government's Presidential preferences. The Kremlin has historically preferred Republicans, but this government is reportedly leaning left because of open criticism the presumptive Republican candidate John McCain has made about the Russian government. On the other hand, the correspondent reported that most in Russia don't know what to make of Senator Obama.
In India, the Delhi correspondent spoke of the Indian public's admiration for Senator Obama, as they say he has broken through a “color barrier.” The best way for Senator McCain to win over the Indian populace? Appoint Indian-American Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal as his running mate.
Last but not least, in Britain Senator Obama's accomplishment has made a big splash in the news. The correspondent notes that the US election will be closely followed, as the upcoming British general elections will follow along similar lines: what she calls the “experienced” candidate versus the “youthful enthusiasm.”