Here in Canada, especially in young multicultural Canada, but also in large parts of older WASP Canada, there’s a fascination with Obama and this election that goes something like this: “Are they really going to do it? (Elect the first black POTUS). Is it really going to happen?” (This in a wondering, hopeful way, not an OMG-the-sky-will-fall way.)

I have no doubt that large parts of the rest of the world are feeling exactly the same anticipation… — and hope. A little fear, too, not that it will happen, but that somehow, memories of 1968, it won’t. There is figurative nail-biting going on all around the planet as we wait to see how this will all play out.

/gloomy

On a lighter note, did you know that Canada’s Commander-in-Chief Michaelle Jean is an immigrant black woman who speaks French? In fact she’s visiting France right now, and Centre Presse said “She has the charisma of a Barack Obama and the charm of Halle Berry.” So feathers in caps all ’round, eh?

OT - what, no preview? Curse it, I hate that.

Cue the good Pastor Parsley:

“We get off on warfare!”

(The Rupugnatcans would prefer, of course, that the fighting continue. They like it when people die.)

From DIGG.com

Real story: Obama’s international diplomacy skills may bring ceasefire to African region, and maintain oil production.

MSM headline: “African militants hold Obama in high esteem.”

TV news talking point: “Do we really want a President who is respected by terrorists and militants?” [next to photo of Obama in traditional African clothing]

Clinton: “Obama is weak because he talks to our enemies, when I am strong because I threaten to obliterate them with nuclear bombs.”

Voter: “I am voting for Clinton because I heard on the news that how Obama is closely aligned with African militants. Also I think Hillary is a fighter.”

I hate the media.

One of my major language pet peeves and I fall right into it. Yeesh.

The Clinton campaign was quick to point out that militant Nigerians are not an important voting bloc, and that she is able to draw a broader base of people who could care less what happens in Africa.

He’s already healing.

LAGOS (Reuters) - Rebels who have stepped up attacks on Nigeria’s oil industry in the last month said on Sunday they were considering a ceasefire appeal by U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has launched five attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta since it resumed a campaign of violence in April, forcing Royal Dutch Shell to shut more than 164,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).

“The MEND command is seriously considering a temporary ceasefire appeal by Senator Barack Obama. Obama is someone we respect and hold in high esteem,” the militant group said in an e-mailed statement.

So do I.