SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL

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SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION; NEW DELHI

This cable reports on relevant media reaction from
India's English and large non-English press.

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U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
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1. "YES, HE CAN," editorial in the November 6 centrist
THE TIMES OF INDIA. "Obama campaigned consistently as
the candidate for change by handing a landslide victory
to its first ever African-American president, America
already is a different country ... With Obama's election
America has come close to realizing King's dream. Given
the history of slavery, America's reach in the world and
the change Obama promises to bring November 4, 2008 ...
may well be seen by future historians as the day the 21st
century truly began. Obama's victory reflects America's
diversity as much as it acknowledges his ability to
appeal to voters across race, class and age ... Obama
stood for the more benign image of America to the world
... We wish him all the best in what will be a
significant journey not just for America, but for the
world."


2. "ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE," editorial in the November 6
centrist THE INDIAN EXPRESS. "By his very election, by
his forceful bid for the most powerful job around, just
by the victory, he has repaired so much. The U.S. has
been these past years a country divided, and also a
country seen to have the potential to be divisive ...
applaud the electoral system that produced this result,
that enabled a man with no influential patrons to win the
confidence of a formidable political party and then his
country."


3. "A FAMOUS VICTORY," editorial in the November 6
centrist THE HINDU. "American voters showed that they
had, for the most part, put the shameful legacy of racism
behind them. But the historic verdict of November 4 went
far beyond race. It was simultaneously a rejection of the
George W. Bush legacy - marked by two disastrous wars and
a financial crisis - and an embrace of a positive message
of change ... With countrywide support of this order, the
President-elect has the mandate to implement his campaign
promise of a fundamental transformation of U.S. domestic
and foreign policies ... the international community, which
overwhelmingly voted Mr. Obama U.S. President much before
the American people did, will be mightily relieved."


4. "ONE EMOTIONAL, INCANDESCENT MOMENT," editorial in the
November 6 centrist THE HINDU by P. Sainath. "A nation
has gone against its historical record. Risen above its
worst prejudices in one, emotional, incandescent moment
... What will Mr. Obama's election mean for the rest of
the world? Both campaigns dwelt in the realm of the
unreal on that front. Hopefully, much of what Mr. Obama
said about acting unilaterally on Pakistani soil was part
of the rhetoric of the campaign trail. Perhaps he will
now discard the idea. If lucky, he will not escalate the
war in Afghanistan, maybe the most wretched nation on
earth, though he said he would. Will he steer the U.S.
more quickly out of Iraq? How will he lead a nation where

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powerful forces still believe economic decline can and
must be offset by military might? For the moment,
though, the idea of the first African-American family
ever to occupy the White House in history overrides every
other fact, issue and thought."


5. "BRIDGE OVER THE DEEPEST DIVIDES," editorial in the
November 6 nationalist the HINDUSTAN TIMES. "The 44th
president of the US stands out as a beacon of hope for
all those struggling to make it to the top in their own
societies. Obama and America have shown that countries
can bridge the deepest of divides ... watching Barack
Obama in victory and John McCain in defeat has been a
humbling experience ... We can only hope that our
politicians were watching."


6. "BEYOND OBAMA'S TRIUMPH," editorial in the November 6
Pro-Economic Reform THE ECONOMIC TIMES. "Indeed, the
desire to do away with the disastrous economic legacy of
the Bush era seems to have been a primary reason for the
sweeping verdict in Obama's favor ... There is no cause
to doubt that the new-found level of U.S. engagement with
India will be scaled back. But whether there will be the
same level of aggressive backing for issues like nuclear
cooperation is somewhat unclear. Given that Obama's
vision for South Asia seems to entail a greater focus on
tackling militants in Pakistan, as part of the war in
Afghanistan, and a concomitant push for a larger India-
Pakistan dialogue on resolving the Kashmir issue, there
could be some tense moments ahead. There could also be
irritants arising out of his stated policy of ending tax
sops to U.S. companies that are shifting jobs overseas.
However, it is unlikely that Obama will seek to
fundamentglly alter the outsourcing strategy of the U.S.
corporations."


7. "A MOMENT IN HISTORY," editorial in the November 6
Pro-Economic Reform, THE BUSINESS STANDARD. "The United
States has done itself proud by electing Barack Obama as
its next president, proving that race in the country is
at last less important than ability and suitability ...
This election is historic not only because Mr. Obama is
an African-American ... but also because it energized new
sections of voters, witnessed a record turnout, and has
been the most emphatic victory in decades, pulling
Republican strongholds into the Democrat net ... He has the
visionary in him, and seems focused on elevated goals and
the common good. In short, Mr. Obama has the potential
to be a great president."


8. "RESTORING FAITH IN AMERICA," opinion in the November
6 pro-BJP THE PIONEER by Ajoy Bose. "The most important
message of Barrack Hussein Obama's historic victory in
the U.S. presidential race to the rest of the world is
that after a long time people across the globe can now
hope to share some common values with the most powerful
nation. This is particularly significant after two
successive terms of the Bush Administration generated
widespread alienation if not downright hostility in an
overwhelming majority of countries toward the United
States ... Without firing a shot and spending a single
dollar, Washington today can hope to wield far more

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international clout than it has managed to do over the
past decade by brandishing military hardware and
flaunting currency notes ... For India, these ideals and
hopes raised by the collapse of the neo-conservative
agenda are particularly relevant."


9. OBAMA VICTORY AND INDO-US RELATIONS," opinion in the
November 6 Pro Economic Reforms THE ECONOMIC TIMES by C
Uday Bhaskar. "Will the U.S. under Obama become more
'protectionist' about its own interests and thereby
jeopardize the interests of the developing world? On
current assessment, the Obama vision appears to be more
inclined towards meaningful multilateralism ... Terrorism
and its linkages with Pakistan's opaque nuclear narrative
will challenge the sagacity of the Obama White House and
this will be of direct relevance to India."


10. "GREAT HOPES, GREAT EXPECTATIONS TOO," editorial in
the November 6 centrist THE ASIAN AGE. "Barack Obama has
made history, and how! ... For America and Americans, the
world has turned upside down, and this is an achievement
of social evolution ... If Mr. Obama is the change, he
will have to walk the talk. Obama arrives on the scene in
the guise of a conciliator after America's virtual
alienation from critical allies, especially in Europe and
West Asia. The outgoing President Bush has left behind
two unfinished wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and
friendships that have soured. Mr. Obama will be called
upon to build anew ... India may expect pressure from the
incoming US administration to sign a nuclear test ban
treaty and to take a stand on Kashmir that will help
Washington curry favor with Pakistan. We should know how
far to go for mutual accommodation, and act with
reassurance."


11. "BARACK OBAMA CATALYST OF CHANGE" editorial in the
November 6, 2008 centrist Gujarati daily GUJARATMITRA. "A
nation that had witnessed the worst form of slavery and
racism has today created history by electing an African-
American to the highest civilian office there.... American
voters seem to be fed-up with President Bush's policies
that had left his and his Republican party's popularity
ratings soaring down. Besides, the economic crisis only
aggravated the matters further with people turning to
Obama as a catalyst of change.... Obama's election as the
President has shown that Martin Luther King's sacrifice
has not gone in vain. America is a land of immigrants
and Obama's achievement signals the victory of America's
multi-polar society...."


12. "IS THERE A NEED FOR EUPHORIA OVER OBAMA'S VICTORY?"
editorial in the November 6, 2008 Mumbai-based right-of-
center Gujarati daily MUMBAI SAMACHAR. "An African-
American person becoming America's, the world's most
powerful nation's President is in itself a history. We as
Indians need to ask ourselves should we cheer Obama's
election? He has clearly stated his position on
outsourcing. While this is cent per cent true from a
nationalist point of view, it is not in India's interest
which is the outsourcing hub for many western nations,
especially America. Besides, when India launched its
Chandrayaan I, Obama was quick to react by saying that

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America will have to move fast in space technology before
it loses its numero uno position in space science to
nations like India and China. Besides, Obama's views on
Kashmir give a sense that he considers this tangle as
Pakistan's problem. His statements give a sense that
America intends to play the role of a mediator to resolve
Kashmir so that Pakistan can concentrate on weeding out
Afghan terrorists. We need to remember that Kashmir is a
bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and needs to
be resolved by the two nations. India has from the very
beginning made its stand clear. There is no role for a
mediator here. What is the 44th President-elect trying to
convey by such remarks?"


13. "CHANGE, NOT JUST CHANGE OF REGIME" editorial in the
November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of left-of-center
Marathi daily MAHARASHTRA TIMES. "The tears of joy in
the eyes of those witnessing President-elect Barack
Obama's victory speech in Chicago stand testimony to the
feeling of oneness that Obama signifies in America. It
is indeed a revolution, not just an election of the first
African-American president. In fact, Obama goes much
beyond the African-American status. He is a staunch
advocate of a dream, a marvel called America. Just as
slavery is a reality in American history, the struggle
against slavery and racism is also a reality in America.
And Obama considers himself a part of a glorious
tradition of struggle against social ills, slavery,
inequality, discrimination...."


14. "YES, WE CAN" editorial in the November 6, 2008,
Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily LOKSATTA.
"By electing Barack Obama as their 44th president,
Americans have brought hope in a world that is besieged
by fundamentalism, racism, terrorism and war-mongering.
Obama's election to the highest office in the U.S. is not
just another political event. Obama is a symbol of
America's lasting values, its belief in democracy. Of
late America was identified with military strength. But
Obama has restored pride in America's true image - the
land of opportunities where race, color and gender are no
inhibiting factors.... How successful he will be in all the
change he has promised is to be seen. Analysts have
already started the dissection of his future strategies.
But the point is that Obama's arrival is the beginning of
a promised change..."


15. "A BLACK AT THE WHITE HOUSE" editorial in the
November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi
daily SAKAAL. "Obama's victory is not just a political
win for the Democrats in America. It is not just a black
man's victory over his white rival. Neither is it a young
candidate's victory over a veteran; but it is all this
and much more. Obama's election is like beginning of a
new era. It is change and wholesome change for that
matter. A golden chapter in American history."


16. "OBAMA'S 'WHITE HOUSE' SUCCESS" editorial in the
November 6, 2008, Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi
daily NAVASHAKTI. "Obama's belief in world peace comes
as a solace to the whole world. Unlike his predecessor
George W. Bush who executed several preemptive strikes,

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which also targeted civilians, Obama has made it clear
that even if he has to send troops to any other country,
it will only be for the limited purpose of curbing
terrorism. Oba ma will certainly not compromise with
America's national security. But he will not even indulge
in unnecessary war-mongering. His stance therefore rules
out the possibility of an American war in North Korea and
Iran..."


17. "ENCOURAGING AND WELCOME" editorial in the November
6, 2008, Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily
APLA MAHANAGAR. "n election, an appointment that was
perceived as an impossibility has finally secured its
perfect place in American history. People have clearly
voted for him. The Blacks, long discriminated against for
a long time, have finally entered the corridors of
power..."


18. "OBAMA AGE," editorial in the November 6 centrist
NAVBHARAT TIMES Hindi daily by: "Obama has realized
Martin Luther King's famous dream of an equal America.
But he will have to prove to his countrymen that they did
not err by electing him. That will be difficult - 700
billion dollars have already been pledged as the economic
bailout by the Bush Administration, leaving little money
or scope for Obama to do developmental work. Obama's
policies on Kashmir and outsourcing are of concern to
India. We wait to see how it will all play out once he
gets into the hot seat."


19. "GREAT EXPECTATIONS FROM OBAMA," editorial in the
November 6 centrist HINDUSTAN Hindi daily: "If for a
moment we can leave side our concerns on outsourcing,
Kashmir and some other sticky issues, then Obama's
election as the U.S. president is a cause to rejoice for
India. Obama has not said anything anti-India that should
cause widespread alarm. In fact, he supported the nuclear
deal too. Leave alone reversing, one can expect him to
increase the momentum of US-India relations."


20. "MIRACLE IN U.S.," editorial in the November 6 right-
of-center DAINIK JAGRAN Hindi daily: "Barack Obama's
becoming U.S. President is incredible, indicative of a
sea change in the U.S. society. There may be flaws in
American politics, but Obama's emergence has shown that
the America's salient qualities too are unmatched. The
huge worldwide expectations are certainly a major
challenge for Obama, especially when the U.S. is going
through a critical phase on both fronts-- economic and
foreign policy... It is noteworthy that he not just
represented blacks, but the mainstream of the U.S.
society as the presidential candidate and he also
achieved the support of all the sections. Our politicians
should learn from him."


21. "VICTORIOUS BARACK," editorial in the November 6
nationalist RASHTRIYA SAHARA Hindi daily: "Barack Obama
has not just won an election. He herald's a radical
change in America. At present U.S. is struggling on both
internal and external fronts. In an atmosphere of
depression and disappointment his promises have created
hope among the people. But, the matter of concern is that

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his recommendations to deal with the crisis seem to be
protectionist. It will mean curbs on outsourcing and free
import of foreign goods. It could hurt the outsourcing
sectors of India and China and the imports of Japanese
cars. At the same time, Obama's views on the world's
'common destiny', his strong opposition to terrorism and
his support for peace and security is welcome."


22. "A HISTORY OF CHANGE" editorial in the November 6,
2008, centrist Marathi daily LOKMAT. "Barack Obama's
election as the 44th president is a dream come true-the
dream that Martin Luther King dreamt a few decades ago.
It is a sign of a mature, clear and rich American
democracy. It is a clear mandate in favor of an African-
American whose political candidacy could rise above race
and color. "


23. "RED CARPET FOR OBAMA" editorial in the November 6,
2008, Gujarat Samachar. "The whole world is welcoming and
cheering at the victory of Barack Obama as America's 44th
President.... Obama's victory is the result of his hard
work that has fructified in this election.... At a time
when India needs the support of super-power nation in its
march towards becoming an economic super power by 2020,
Obama's elections ushers renewed hope that the new
President-elect of United States will work for a result-
oriented partnership with India...."


24. "OBAMA, OBAMA" editorial in the November 6, 2008,
Divya Bhaskar "The American people today opened their
hearts to choose an African-American as their new
President.... Obama's election not only fulfills Martin
Luther King's 'I have a Dream' speech but it also
epitomizes the vibrancy of American democracy, its
society and culture. This moment is truly a historic
moment, a moment resembling tryst with destiny!"


25. "INDIA WILL HAVE TO MOVE CAUTIOUSLY, THINKS DELHI,"
dispatch from New Delhi by Bureau Chief Jayanta Ghosal in
the November 6 independent Kolkata Bengali daily,
ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA. "India cherishes hopes and
experiences some concerns while probing into the silent
revolution in the conservative American society. Obama
will prioritize lifting America from the depth of
financial crises. He may virtually try to abolish
outsourcing and that will certainly endanger India. The
MEA is also worried about the civilian nuclear deal since
transfer of nuclear technology as well as the supply of
nuclear fuel is yet to be done. Another area of concern
over Obama is Kashmir. The MEA believes he has adopted
this strategy in order to placate Pakistan but that does
not mean that he will displease India. Indian diplomats
feel that they will have to be cautious but will not be
in danger."


26. "HISTORIC," editorial in the November 6 independent
Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA. "This is not
merely a moment of internal history of a nation; the
value of this moment is great for the entire world. Only
true democratic values can place an individual above all
societal identity. America has set a historic example in
cultivating this value. This election instills new hopes

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in the rest of the world. It is unfortunate for President
Obama that he does not have any scope to relax."


27. "FAMOUS VICTORY" editorial in the November 6
nationalist Kolkata daily THE TELEGRAPH. "...With victory
of Barack Obama, it can be said that the entire Afro-
American people have traversed the immeasurable distance
between slavery and the head of the United States of
America... He could well be the man to complete the agenda
of both Abe Lincoln and Martin Luther King: a white man's
vision and a black man's dream...."


28. "OBAMA REACHES OUT TO WORLD" front-page dispatch by
Washington-based diplomatic editor K.P. Nayar in the
November 6 nationalist THE TELEGRAPH. "......With...64 per
cent of eligible voters (having) cast their votes,
braving the elements, long queues and snags at polling
stations...yesterday's voting statistics could set a record
in 100 years for a country that is notorious for its
indifference to exercising adult franchise...."


29. "WHAT OBAMA WILL DO" front-page analysis by veteran
columnist and cartoonist Rajinder Puri in the November 6
nationalist daily THE STATESMAN. "...The most crucial and
immediate task that Obama will address relates to South
Asia. He will attempt to neutralize Al-Qaida based in
the region between Afghanistan and Pakistan... This
requires an overall formula... If the Kashmir dispute is
settled, not only will it enable Pakistan to focus on
Afghanistan, it could provide the template for a Pak-
Afghan settlement, one that is acceptable to the
Taliban...."


30. "HISTORIC MOMEMT FOR AMERICA" editorial in the
November 6 independent Shillong daily THE SHILLONG TIMES.
"Obama's victory has much to do with George Bush's flawed
foreign policy marked by the US misadventure in Iraq and
the onslaught on Afghanistan... Obama's quick response to
critical issues like Kashmir by naming former President
Bill Clinton as interlocutor is brilliant diplomacy...
Predictions that Obama's tough stance on outsourcing
could hurt India's interests remain to be seen...."


31. "REGIME CHANGE IN AMERICA," editorial in the November
6 second-largest Kolkata Bengali daily, BARTAMAN. "...This
is a glaring example of the maturity of American
democracy. If promises are kept, this victory for the
Democrats will definitely usher in several changes in
different nations. Obama's stand on outsourcing may
impact the Indian IT sector in a big way."


32. "NEW HISTORY CREATED," editorial in the November 6
left-of-center Kolkata Bengali daily, SAMBAD PRATIDIN.
"...The world will want to see whether Obama can transform
America's war-mongering. Will he be able to change
America's big brotherly attitude? The imminentchange in
the White House, no doubt, is historic. But this
phenomenon alone is not sufficient to pacify the peace-
loving people in the world. So, several questions crop
up...."


33. "THE CHANGED AMERICA," editorial in the November 6

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Bangalore-based independent Kannada daily KANNADA
PRABHA: "The top priorities for the President-elect Obama
are ending the financial crisis of the country and
resolving the Iraq issue. Everyone wishes that the
bilateral relationship touch new peak during the reign of
Obama, who is setting a long-term goal to change the
policies of the US."


34. "AN ALLURING CHANGE," editorial in the November 6
Bangalore-based left-of-center Kannada daily PRAJAVANI:
"President-elect Barak Obama has several challenges to
address. The first and foremost task for Obama is to bail
out the U.S. from the economic crisis. One should wait
and watch, how he is going to address the issues like
Muslim fundamentalism, withdrawal of American forces from
Iraq, situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Georgia. Obama
has already hinted about need for U.S. policy change
towards Pakistan. There is another lurking suspicion that
Obama might turn out to be pro-active on Kashmir. He also
advocated the need for the US to resolve the 'Kashmir
crisis.' India should react cautiously with regard to
this issue. There may not be any threat to the Indo-US
nuclear deal, since Obama has supported the nuclear
deal."


35. "VICTORY FOR OBAMA," editorial in the November 6,
Bangalore-based independent Kannada daily VIJAY
KARNATAKA: "Obama is leading the U.S. at a very crucial
time. America is facing political, economic and moral
predicaments and it needed an able person to lead; they
found Obama. Obama has become the ray of hope for the
common people in his country, which is right now in the
middle of a financial crisis. He is likely to be more
helpful to India as he has already committed to further
the relationship with India. Since he has already
acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi as one of his inspirations,
he may contribute a great deal to world peace."


36. "A BLACK PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE," editorial in the
November 6 Chennai-based Tamil daily DINAMANI: "The
victory of Obama as the first Afro-American President
should be recorded in the human history in golden
letters. Whether Obama's victory will lead to a change in
the external policy of the United States is a question.
There are no major differences between both the parties,
the Republican and the Democrat, with regard to their
economic and external affairs policies."


37. "A BLACK PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE," editorial in the
November 6 Hyderabad-based independent Telugu daily
EENADU: "Obama's win signifies a negative vote against
the policies of Republicans. The Iraq war, the meltdown,
most disastrous administration of President Bush have
given way for the Change. The Indian software and
information technology-enabled services industry is still
worried over Obama's views on outsourcing. Indian
concerns will continue to remain. India should be
watchful while developing bilateral relations with the US
under the new leader."


38. "DEFEAT OF 'ARROGANT AMERICA'", editorial in the
November 6, 2008 right-of-center Urdu daily HINDUSTAN

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EXPRESS: "It is impossible to deny the fact that
unparallel victory of Barack Obama is, in fact, a
shameless defeat of "arrogant America", with its symbols
as George W. Bush and John McCain. The haughty America
made Martin Luther King to organize the longest March in
the annals of history against the tyranny and oppression
of America itself. Past experience stand witness that
mere change in the President ship does not bring any
revolutionary change in policies and modus operandi.
However, there is no doubt that the crucial turning point
where America stands now, and the storm of change brought
in by none other than Obama may become a harbinger of a
revolution. Let us see as to what extent, the American
think tanks and the newly elected President, hear the
reverberations of the defeat, which startled the whole
world."


39. "HOW WILL THE REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE TAKE PLACE",
editorial in the November 6 right-of-center Urdu daily
"HAMARA SAMAJ", New Delhi: "The entire world community
and the American people themselves are hoping a lenient
attitude and policy from Barack Obama. It is a justified
expectation that he will never go for an aggressive
attitude. The time to come may shatter some dreams, some
hopes and some expectations. But only Barack Obama will
not be responsible for out-of-place expectations. It
would be the circumstances procreated by George W. Bush.
People are and were guileless and political beasts are
and were intrepid. May there be a change across the
world, where humanity stands successful and where peace
stands victorious."


40. "CHALLENGES BEFORE OBAMA", editorial in the November
6, 2008 right-of-center Urdu daily "RASHTRIYA SAHARA",
New Delhi: "The victory of Barack Obama is indeed a
matter of great joy for blacks of the entire world
including those of USA. It is indeed a matter of great
joy because the headship of superpower America now is in
the hand of a person of such a race which has been a
target of racial arrogance and exploitation by whites for
centuries and millenniums. In a nutshell, Obama's victory
is an historical milestone but his place and status in
history will be assessed by his initiatives to face the
challenges before America, and to restore the lost image
of the country in the international arena."
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