"George W. Bush's contempt for the rules and institutions of international politics, his revival of preventive war, with all its unforeseeable consequences, his abrogation of the rule of law in his own country, and his ignorance of every issue related to environmental conservation have become, for me and for the vast majority of Germans, synonymous with a high-handed, ugly America. This state of affairs has provoked not only rage and horror, but also great sadness, for the United States has always been the symbol of freedom, democracy and law.

Although Barack Obama's style, when viewed from the comparatively disillusioned perspective of "old Europe," may sometimes look troublingly messianic, most people of this country nevertheless hope that he'll be able to bridge the gaps his predecessor will leave behind, and that he'll do so not just as a self-styled symbol of change, but also as an actual president who promises a different presidency.

..."

(Christoph Peters, German writer)