Photos by Janet Silvera
Sunday Gleaner senior writer Janet Silvera yesterday polled the views of American tourists at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on the questions:
Do you think the endorsement by former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will have any impact on Obama's campaign?
Which candidate - McCain or Obama - will best improve American relations abroad as president?
From left:
Toby Whyte, clothing sales representative, Pennsylvania, USAI don't think Colin Powell's endorsement will make any great difference. As far as I know, McCain has more experience in foreign relations, but I think Barack will do a great job. I don't know how well he will do though.
Jodi Whyte, stay-at-home mom, Pennsylvania, USA Colin Powell's endorsement is a bit late; we have already made up our minds. In the case of who would be the better president on foreign relations, Obama is my choice, because he thinks with his brain, instead of his muscles and it is very important to be diplomatic when dealing with foreign nations.
Ryan Archie, Dallas, Texas, USAColin Powell's endorsement doesn't change anything for me; I am gonna do what I wanna do. It is very hard for me to say which of the two would be the better at foreign relations as McCain seems to have more experience, but I would rather sit down across the table on that issue with Barack.
Dr Jacqui Watson, president of Health Concepts Int'l, Washington, DC, USA Colin Powell's endorsement has helped to solidify Barack's ability to lead America forward, and the fact that it is coming from a Republican makes it very strong. Powell would not be endorsing someone who doesn't have the leadership skills to deal with the complex foreign-relations situation that now stands.
Gene Werley Jr, car salesman, USA I am concerned about Powell's endorsement because I don't think Obama is the stronger choice, yet Powell's endorsement is going to be every influential. Obama's weak spot is foreign policy, so Powell's endorsement will strengthen him, but I favour McCain in this area because he has more experience abroad.
Laura Archie, Dallas, Texas, USAColin Powell's endorsement is a big statement to Barack, since Powell was associated with the Bush administration, but I will vote on issues, rather than endorsements. I believe Obama will be the better president from a foreign perspective. People will be more open to somebody new rather than more of the same. To the people who say Barack doesn't have the experience on foreign relations, I say, look at McCain's running mate, she has only left the US once.
