Rebranding America Abroad

This was so evident during the election. As a brand, Obama was far superior to McCain. He raised money, he used technology and the internet better, he drew massive crowds, and was the reason behind so much new voter volunteerism and registration.

And as the world goes through a recession, who better to have out there selling America abroad. Our goods, our services. Remember the crowds Obama drew in Germany and how well received his victory was around the world?

The re-branding will tackle big issues like the invasion of Iraq and alleged torture and abuse of prisoners, the perception of hypocrisy, unilateralism, lack of contact with Americans and the perceived war on Islam.

America's image has declined in nearly every region of the world in recent years, but Obama's victory "enables the United States to start again with a clean slate," according to John Quelch, the senior associate dean at Harvard Business School.

"Americans can actually go to dinner parties and cocktail receptions around the world today and not have to apologize for the United States the way they have had to do the last several years," he said. "The election has made life a little bit easier for Americans living and traveling abroad to hold their head up high again."

Skeptics try to downplay this angle, but they have probably never left the US themselves to gain this perspective. We need the world to consume our goods and Obama is the ultimate spokesman for the US.

Source: CNN