LONDON, UK — As part of GlobalPost's project to interview 100 people in 20 locations around the world about the 2012 US election, we asked Britons:
Who do you want to win the 2012 US election?
Will the election affect your country?
How has your view of the US changed since President Obama took office?
What should the next US president do?
The election's impact: "Yes If the Republicans win then the world will turn to the right and that will have an impact on everyone."
My view: "It has Improved because its people seem more understanding. There have been attempts to improve the health service for the poor, despite the considerable opposition."
Top priority: "Try to work for world peace. America has massive influence as a superpower, they should be using that to do what's good for the world, not just what's good for
America."
My vote: "Obama because of his humanitarian values."
The election's impact: "I'm sure it will in some way, although I'm not exactly sure why. I think the Republicans are more us-against-the-world, more independent and isolationist — more likely to be war mongerers. If they win there's likely to be more financial problems. Right wing policies generally will affect the rest of the world. "
My view: "Improved. It's had a black president, which shows that the country can progress. There is this idea of the United States being ruled by small-minded bigotry. But Obama's victory showed that the majority are a bit more apolitical and are thinkers rather than follwers, and that's a sign of progress."
Top Priority: "Keep working on their economy; trying to broker peace with Islamic countries and come to an agreement on Palestine."
The election's impact "It might if Romney gets into power. There would be increased tensions with Iran and possibily of a war. Romney has certainly been more bellicose in his outlook and it could be a dangerous time for the world."
My view: "It has Improved. I think Barack Obama has the ability to bring the country together because he's more inclusive."
Top priority: "Try to sort out the American economy — which is no mean feat. But there's so much that needs to be done — particularly in terms of sorting out inequality."
The election's impact: "It will. I'm not sure how, but the United States seems to have a big impact on the United Kingdom even if the British people don't want to admit it."
My view: "It's improved a little. It just feels like a more open-minded country these days."
Top priority: "Change the gun laws to make it harder to get hold of weapons. The recent cinema shooting shows there is a strong need for this."
The election's impact: "Yes America's government has influence over everyone all around the world. Britain is always a partner with the US particularly when it gets involved in conflicts, so if the winner wants more wars, Britain will be involved."
My view: "Obama has been better than Bush. As a Muslim, after 9/11, the amount of abuse I got just for my religion made life difficult for a while. I'm against terrorism, as is my religion, but we were affected by it."
Top priority: "He should bring peace in the world and a halt to wars. It's getting a little out of hand — everything about Iraq and Afghanistan was a failure."
GlobalPost series: See what the world thinks about election 2012
The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?