Ever wonder who the rest of the world wants us to elect as president? This is the question The Economist asked as it put together its very own global electoral college to help us answer that very question. With 9,875 electoral votes at stake encompassing 195 countries and representing 6.5 billion people, this is how the current electoral map stands as of 11:40am:
Click here for a current update. The map is updated every 3 hours with newly collected data.
Currently the college has it at: Obama 8,489 | McCain 16.
Obviously this isn’t a scientific poll but there is something that I do find interesting about the make-up of this map and the dividing line of red and blue, especially as it relates to the church.
The epicenter of the church has shifted from Western Europe and the United States to the Southern Hemisphere in locations like Australia, South America, Africa and China and in each of these locations on the map they are shaded blue. I find it interesting that Christians in the remainder of the world are not “voting” McCain or swaying many countries ‘Red’ in this global electoral college.
The difference between red and blue in the United States for the past 30 year has revolved around two main issues: homosexuality and abortion. However, for the rest of the world–Christians included–this doesn’t seem to matter as it relates to the next American President. For them it seems the power of America is much more far reaching than those two issues, that this country has a much greater chance to change the world for the better with a certain leader over another. This doesn’t mean that these two issues (homosexuality & abortion) are pointless, but rather that they are something that the church should handle in a caring and loving way — as it does in every other pro-choice nation around the world.
I for one am growing weary of the rhetoric my Christian brothers and sisters pour out in condemnation upon me for choosing to vote Democrat as if this is some sort of break with Jesus and Christianity… that I have somehow walked away from my faith and instead “embraced the liberal-ness of the Devil.” (My favorite accusation by the way.) My vote is no longer a “pro-life” vote even though it is a vote for the hope of peace and less war (no more needless and completely preventable death); it is no longer a “pro-life” vote even though it is a vote for a reduction in abortion (something conspicuously absent—read: removed—from the Republican platform) —
I don’t disagree with your values, in fact I understand your convictions and applaud them… but please stop your anger and hatred for my convictions which I too find dripping from the pages of Scripture in the words of Jesus and the Prophets.
Perhaps what I find most frustrating about all of this is that we have allowed Red and Blue to divide not only this country, but the church as well… and for that we should be truly ashamed.
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Jeffy,
Instead of being ignorant, please rebut the blatant problems I listed with Barack Hussein Apollo Obama, The Messiah.
Otherwise, please don’t comment anymore. Thanks!
Stupidity at lightspeed! Indeed! Well put!
Aaron,
In regards to your post back asking if I am the one at Palin rallies, etc…
No. Barack Hussein Obama is probably, all in all, a nice guy. You know what, he may even make a few good moves for the slum city of Chicago in regards to social politics. However, one CANNOT dispute his radical ties. In my short life, there has never been a presidential nominee with such radical views and such questionable ties than Barach Hussein Obama. Am I afraid because he is black? Heck no. My best friend is black. Am I afraid because he has a funny name? Nope. So don’t you be either when I type it. My fears lie in the exact arguements that I have posted time and time again – which no one seems to be able to discuss. They simply resort to name calling and put downs – which in turn I throw back at them for being nincompoops. Right / Left / Liberal / Democrat – please… address the issues I have listed. Please! I really want someone to show me where I am wrong – even after discussion – and where I am mislead – because we all are knowing this man will probably be our next president. I’m not debating that. My concerns lie otherwise. So while Duane, Jeff, Gay Steve, Rags, and others avoid the points, please – address them. They are facts. What exactly would you like to prove it to you? Please – let me know and I will be happy to provide.
Aaron – move this to your next post if on the debate…
So…
Watching the debate…here’s my take…
Obama… First off, this guy is unbelievable when it comes to speaking skills. Compared to McCain, he laid him in waste. Second, his rebuttals to many – not all of McCain’s attacks were admirable. You know, if I was seeing this for the first time, I would assume Barack had a “new” form of government for America – if I didnt know everything surrounding him. With everything set aside, he IS a leader (don’t read into it). Well done, Barack.
In regards to McCain, well, he couldn’t hit as hard. Many topics were open circles which he would not nail down – even though he should have. He studdered around all night long. Is this the best we could bring? It’s not all about taxes, John…
So…for all those out there…I don’t support Obama (did you ever think the less???) but he won it tonight – and in my opinion, the race. Congrats, democrats. I wish only we could have had a better representative for a opposing view to yours. We didn’t.
God Bless 11/4 and God Bless the USA. I’m done raising a hailstorm. We’ve got to learn how to manage aside from it. My vote remains the same. Jeff – my apologies for my name-calling. Your views, as side-winded as they seem – well, we’ll have to learn to address.
You know, one can read the comments…but yet – hopefully – we all believe in one God. Do I hate Steve? Nah…but it’s fun to rile him up. However, I need to ask for forgiveness to those who I personally attacked. Jeff, Duane, Rags – my “rightest” view is hard – earned – however should not be taken to a personal level. Perhaps this is a learning experience for us all.
Jeff, Steve, Rags, Duane – please forgive me for my personal attacks on your posts. Steve’s not gay… although I will continue to ploy it.
He’s a guy who I disagree with on many things, but my comments were unnecissary.
I look forward to seeing how this all turns out.
Guys – I’m so passionate for this election – I won’t cross the lines of name calling again. I hope you do the same.
Thanks,
Dan
Dan – you suck.
Nah….I just had to say that. No hard feelings for anything you said, dude. Water under the bridge and certainly not worth holding for any period of time. While I may have issues with what you say, I certainly cannot fault you for your passion in your beliefs. Other people should stick to them like that. What did one great man say – “I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight for your right to say it.”
Do you still want me to go thru that list you posted, or we just gonna drop it and we all vote in the way we feel is best for the our future?
Jeff – blow me.
Actually, I’d love for you to go through the list. Just like:
Glenn Beck did at 8:30 a.m.
Rush Limbaugh did at 11:45
Sean Hannity did just a few minutes ago
and I’m sure Mark Levin and Michael Savage will later tonight.
lol…