“Change has come to America”, declared newly elected President Senator Barack Obama. Well, as a devoted cynic, I cannot but say… We’ll see. The man has amazing talent in rhetorics, which is naturally important for a president, but ultimately it is the actions that count. As a European, my concern will be the effect on international politics and how Obama’s presidency will affect the international status quo. The future of US Iraq policy and NATO expansion for example are hot topics for us non US folks. And then there is the infamous financial crisis. As a job seeker I should be very concerned on this issue.

The world seems to have adopted Obama as their favorite from the beginning. I don’t think we are that much wiser in deciding who is the best. More so, I see the result as proof of a new leadership paradigm. When real change is needed features like race, gender and age have become inessential. True leadership is not a question of these features – a matter we young, educated and internationally minded people have grown to know.

So my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the United States for stepping into a new era. And congratulations to the new Mr. President and his fellows. I hope you will continue to inspire the world and prove that what you have promised can be seen and felt.

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