February 5, 2008
Posted: 01:00 PM ET
A girl walks past the school in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Barack Obama attended as a boy.
A girl walks past the school in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Barack Obama attended as a boy.

(CNN) – Illinois Sen. Barack Obama won the first battle of the Super Tuesday showdown when Democratic Party voters in Indonesia — where Obama spent four years of his childhood — picked him over Sen. Hillary Clinton.

A girl walks past the school in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Barack Obama attended as a boy.

Seventy-five percent of the nearly 100 votes cast by expatriate Americans a minute after midnight Indonesia time (12 p.m. Monday EST) went to Obama. The rest were cast in favor of Clinton, said Arian Ardie, country committee chair for Democrats Abroad.

Ardie said he was not permitted to disclose the exact number of votes cast, and added that the results were preliminary and still need formal verification.

Ardie said that Obama's time in Indonesia was part of his appeal among expatriate voters in the Southeast Asian country.

"I think it factored in to the extent they saw someone with strong international experience," he said. "But I don't think it was the primary factor."

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama


Miles   February 5th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Who Cares!!

Clinton beat McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Obama in Florida and you didn't make a big deal about it!! You barely reported it!!! Funny how you make a big deal for Obama…votes across the ocean!!!

You are lopsided CNN!!! America is catching on to you!!!

Prakaithip   February 5th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Another International representative thinks people in America are crazy for choosing Obama! Geeeeez frickin Louise.

Canadian Laughing at US Politics, February 5, 2008 2:37 pm ET

This is the best reality show ever. You go Americans! LOL Great stories. If Obama spent time Moose hunting in the great white north, would that be International exp?

Nick   February 5th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Kris, regarding the Superdelegates….

there are 201 Superdelegates endorsing Hillary and 110 endorsing Barak…. yes, it's 2:1, but there are 411 UNDECLARED Superdelegates that are most likely waiting to see how their state votes. The peoples' vote still matters and will influence how all of this turns out.

We need to be encouraging more people to get to the polls not discouraging them.

Clifford Wilson   February 5th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

I am a 47 year old white male And I back Obama. He represents the change needed in America. Also it is our responcibility to get healthy so that people who really need healthcare is available and affordable It is the same old story of supply and demand. JFK-"Ask NOT what your Country can do for you, Rather ask what YOU can do for your Country…." Live Long and Die Healthy!

Becky Montgomery   February 5th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

If Hillary can count being first lady as presidential experience, then Obama can count living abroad as foreign experience.

liz   February 5th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Do we need Obama for President when he attends a church that pledges its allegiance to Africa? NO, I want my President to pledge allegiance to the United States of America–please google Obama and check for yourself! Kenya definitely needs a leader–obama go there to your father's house.

pshep   February 5th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

I think (?) that CNN may have been waiting for polls to close before reporting… thats the way it appears to me and they were already closed for the few American voters that are there… right after midnight… just like they did in the small town in the NE here…

St Crispan   February 5th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Socialized medicine is horrible. Mr. "I lived in Canada, UK, bla bla" must have never had a decent job in the US. I have likewise lived in Europe and socialized med. is the worst. I will take my Cigna PPO ANYDAY. In Frankfurt Germany, there are two CT scans with long waits, good luck cancer patients. The docs are triple booked to make more cash, people with head colds clog the waiting rooms so they can sham out of work..the moral hazzard is amazing. Any European with means gets treated in the US.

Let's not forget the 'Canadian laughing at US politics,' look, most Americans are use to your wimpy, cynical BS. You will never amount to more than a footnote in world history. You do nothing of value and have no influence. Give me a break, and learn how to pronounce 'process.'

John B.   February 5th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Maybe you're right AJ, Obama's living overseas gives him about as much foreign experience as Hillary being the first lady gives her presidential experience.

Leigh   February 5th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

It's amazing how my comments don't even show up for moderation now…..

Lori   February 5th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

CNN is absolutely Obama biased. Obama, Obama, Obama is all we hear from them. Tonight I'm watching election results on ABC.

william,g   February 5th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Who cares if he was voted for in that country,sense he is so popular there,maybe he should run for President in IND.And leave the USA out of his future.GO HILLARY !!!!!

Texas   February 5th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

This information cracks the case wide open.

liz   February 5th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Why have we not seen Obama on American Idol? People need to look at what we could be putting into office. I think Alison, FL makes my point. Although some are ready to put 9/11 behind them, there are many of us who are NOT!

Nogaye   February 5th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

That's what people thought about George Bush 8 years ago. They overlooked everythings and voted for him because he was a likeable guy. Please lets not repeat the same mistake again. Ask Obama real questions instead of covering and glorifying which Hollywood star is endorsing him.

Becky   February 5th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Oh…I didn't mean to say Hawaiian was foreign!!! sorry

Becky   February 5th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Just a question….how many foreign languages does BO speak??? Indonesian?? Kenyan?? Hawaiian???

vicki   February 5th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

OBAMA BARELY MAKES IT AS A US BORN CITIZEN HE WAS BORN IN HAWAII WHO ONLY BECAME A STATE 2 YEARS BEFORE HE WAS BORN,
HE NEVER SPEAKS ABOUT HIS WHITE MOM OR WHITE GRAND PARENTS WHO RAISED HIM YET HE TALKS ABOUT THIS DEAD BEAT FATHER WHO WALKED OUT ON HIM AND THESE PEOPLE IN KENYA HE IS RELATED TO WHO LOOK TO BE LVING IN POVERTY–GOSH OBAMA BUY YOUR KENYAN GRANDMA A HOUSE IN A SAFE AREA

DON'T TRUST OBAMA READ ON EDWARDS SITE ABOUT HIS TIES TO EXELON WHO LEAKED RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND WAS DONOR TO HIS CAMPAIGN

EDAWARDS SUPPORTER WHO VOTED FOR HILLARY AND WILL VOTE REPUBLICAN IF OBAMA IS NOMINEE

M. Brathwaite, Virgin Islands   February 5th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

This story has ran all day and I for one has notice how there are so many

last minute positive stories of clinton all over the web media. I believe its an attempt to influence last minute undeciders in her favor as there were a large percentage of undeciders in places like california and New Jersey.

As usual the coniving prejudice american media at work with their subtle racism.

J. Piske - Chicago   February 5th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Yea great, Indonesia - another bastion of civil liberties. CNN is so incredibly biased for this nothing politician.

MJ North Mississippi   February 5th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

WOW, ???????? I really have no comment on something that stupid. CNN is not a station I watch just because of this type of idiotic reporting.

Patricia   February 5th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I think it's time this country accept the true US popular vote and not the delagates or super-delagates - this is nuts…in the year 2008 the American people are intelligent enough to pick who they want………and not have special designated people do it for us. How much longer do we put up with that??

Jim, Youngwood, Pennsylvania   February 5th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

100 votes from Indonesia makes Obama the King? Pathetic! Why haven't they announced all of the other locations around the world that have voted for Hillary if these votes are so newsworthy? Where's Japan? India? S. Korea? Russia?

Tom   February 5th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

As if Indonesia mattered????

CHERYL   February 5th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

P.S. HILLARY WON SUPER DELEGATES AS WELL! 2 TO 1! HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HILLARY GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA !

Mart from Chicago   February 5th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Give me a break.. he lives in Indonesia when he was 6-10 yrs old.. u think he knows how foreign policy works now because of 4 yrs in Indonesia?? i was born in indonesia, moved to australia in high school and now im in the US, I dont boast my foreign knowledge just because i've been in a country for a part of my life…

LeeAnn N. Taylor, San Francisco, Ca   February 5th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Who cares what a bunch of expats think? Seriously. Most of you will forget this story 30 seconds after reading it. NEXT POTUS WILL BE HRC.

bon   February 5th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

nice try cnn. hillary pay no attention to cnn. they hate you. they actually want a republican to be president, and hillary will win over mccain, and they know if obama wins (lets hope not) most will vote republican . nice try cnn . hillary all the way ….

G   February 5th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Obama stinks!

pshep   February 5th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

by the way… I am a 46yr old white female professional.. not young or African or Latino.. and why does everyone refer to him as African American anyway… He has a white mother from Kansas… He is a bi-racial person and every bit as white as he is African… The color of a persons skin, eyes or their gender should not have anything to do with our choices… Go OBAMA Go….

AJ   February 5th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Brattleboro, VT posted "AJ,Who are you to judge other people's choice? I challenge you if you are able to give us your origins. It's just sad to read these kinds of comments from you."

Well Brat - I think it's okay to judge peoples choice when they are basing it on the "international experience" of a man who spent 2 years as a very young child. What do my origins have to do with anything? Whats really sad is you dont seem to realize how idiotic your comment is. How about skipping down the yellow brick road and asking for a brain.

If your going to pick a candiddate based on something, his experiences as a 4-6 year old child is a really stupid thing to base it on.

Amy, Ohio   February 5th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

To Indo AMERICAN expatriate

WOW! You took the words right out of my mouth! Hopefully your post was stated in a way such that those who don't know what an American expatriate is can understand. Based on some of these posts, though, I'm not sure that's going to be the case.

That's Reality   February 5th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

To Indo American Expatriate-Your definition of what an expatriate is, is not what I find in my "American" dictionary. If you can hold dual citizenship where is one's loyalty? Where is Obama's loyalty? I'm not sure, and that is one reason I would not vote for him. (I also wonder why CNN has not posted my last two comments. They do contain facts, not just opnions)

Brian G   February 5th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

To all those nay sayers regarding living internationally NOT counting as experience, I have lived overseas for 18 out of the last 23 years. It does count and it does matter.

The provincialism of non-traveling Americans is amazing! There is a whole big world out there from which we can learn other methods of problem solving.

I use my additional methods of problem solving at work, much to the applause of my management and our bottom line! We are surviving this recession due to "outside the American box" thinking right here in the USA!

saire   February 5th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Obama is a good man. He is sincere. Noone is perfect. Give him a chance to show the world and bring peace and prosperity to all of us.

Honorable discharged veteran

Laurinda   February 5th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Why should we care if Indonesia want's Obama. Please don' tell me that they are voting too.

Dem08   February 5th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

It would be okay if CNN had the results for all the American Abroad votes, however, it does not. So this is a slanted story for Obama. It is very important that Americans abroad vote, but stories like this do no one any good. Its misleading at best. If Obama wins the majority of American Abroad votes, then thats a story. This really is not.

I think the question's people have about this is the way its presented. I have heard several other places today also. Obama wins first contest??? Is it really.

Samantha   February 5th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

@ John P

re Sanjay Gupta, after he argued with Michael Moore on CNN about things that are blatently obvious to the rest of us, I refused to watch that so-called program he had on last week.

I couldn't tell much difference between him and Rush Limbaugh's take on health care.

Brandon from Nowhere, ME   February 5th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Wow. Many of the posts here show the ignorance of the people who have posted. If you read the article instead of just the title, you'd have realized that these were expatriated American citizens, not Indonesians. And "TAMMY D" 's comment about the Banana States of America shows how ridiculous and racist some people in this country can be. I honestly have not noticed that CNN has a bias for or against anyone besides maybe the fact that they're overtly pro-Democrat. There are plenty of positive and negative articles about all candidates. Now I might be biased because I'm one of the many who see Obama as the unifying figure that he is and Hillary as the polarizing figure she is. If any of the Democrats in this country had a brain, they would vote for Obama because he can actually pull in the independent support of voters like myself in the general election, something that Hillary will never be able to do, especially against a moderate Republican like McCain. If these comments are any indication of how much voters pay attention to the details of the campaigns, I fear for my future and the future of America, in general.

sandra longley   February 5th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

OBAMA states his foreign policy exp. comes from his time in indonesia from the age of 6 and 10-this must be comedy central, going down to south park anyone…this is why bush won reelection, and why obama would'nt have a prayer in the general election against mccain, independants will jump like fleas to a dog, a red dog. Republicans want obama to run, not Hillary, Its no contest to beat him, oh yeah, he has internation credentials…

Tom from the Philippines   February 5th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hillary is popular here in the Phlippines since we have a female president named Gloria Arroyo, she studied with Bill Clinton before. The Clintons are popular here and most of my relatives and cousins in CA are voting for HILLARY! One thing we learned is that Arroayo put order again in an economic mess we had from the previous Estrada nomination. She is a smart woman and our economy is booming. I think it is a high time for US to have female president.

susan   February 5th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

CNN, I would like to hear about Hillarys town hall meeting too, It seems to be all about Obama today what up with that?

ratings game   February 5th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
CNN has been running with ratings game for a week now. Sad fact. The product advertised on this network is the boycott.
Remember, women have great memories and we will hold you responsible for biased reporting! The MSM has really tried to influence this election just as they did with the others and I hope Hillary wins big so the media and all the pundits will have egg on their faces tomorrow.
Hillary voter can see this happen once this election is over.
Most likely this will be moderated.

T2   February 5th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Obama already is looking to see what country to sell our companies to. Way to go you malnutrtioned piece of garbage

Christian, Tampa FL   February 5th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

As an American who lived overseas for the first ten years of my life, I think that Obama's life experiences abroad are highly valuable to his foreign policy outlook.

Paula in Virginia   February 5th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I am glad some of you smart people are schooling the Clinton supporters!

They are commenting here and don't even know the article is about American citizens voting in Indonesia. Every time I meet a Clinton supporter they are barely educated.

Canadian Wise One   February 5th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

For those of you who need to learn about your own system of electing a president:; All American citizens who live abroad and have not relinquished their citizenship, are entitled to vote in the the presidential primaries, caucus and the general election, providing they are registered voters. This would include students, foreign diplomatic staff, armed forces personnel, businesspeople and travellers. So, Obama's winning in Indonesia has nothing to do with "foreigners" voting in an American election, it has to do with your fellow Americans exercising their democratic right, no matter where they are at in world.

- Opinions in the wrong hands are very dangerous things

terilili   February 5th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

This article is relevant because it displays the fact that Americans abroad support Obama…while you may question what he could have possibly gained in the field of international experience by living abroad, let it be remembered that George Bush, like most Americans, had not left this nation prior to his term as president.

Living abroad, ESPECIALLY at a young age, can instill a greater understanding of the world in a person. Obama views things on a more broad scale than the average American because he has seem more than the average American.

I believe it is crucial for a candidate to have experience abroad!

sinnester1   February 5th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Obama…? They thought they were voting for Osama

Taylor   February 5th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Hey CNN, quit leaving my anti-Obama comments in moderation!

kayster58   February 5th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Canadian Laughing at American and Jim Youngwood are so right…between the ages of 6 to 10 I didn't have a clue about stupid politicals…I was too busy being a kid much less getting my qualifications for President…LOL!!!!!

I love reading this stuff to see how idiot and gullible the American voting public has become…

Kris   February 5th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

This is no surpise He lived there for a few years as a child. People felt they were voting for a local. I have to agree that ha\ving lived there as a kid does not make him an expert on foreign policy.

Karen   February 5th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

To Peace, yes Obama is on the Foreign Relations Committee. You must have missed the reporting on his lack of Foreign visits. Again, he is 'present' on the committee, but anything else? Eh…. not so much.

BobW Rochester, NY   February 5th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

TAMMY D, I can't believe you are so casually racist in your remarks. White people have voted since the founding of this country. They voted for slavery, genocide against the native American people, repression of black Americans after they were freed from slavery, eventually the voted to allow women to vote-as long as they were white, they voted for segregation and then something weird happened. They started voting to allow people of color to vote and then they voted to allow those people of color to become equal members of society and then guess what? They started electing people of color to office. Most white voters understand and appeciate that this world today and going forward has many different colors and nationalities and cultural identities. Maybe your vote is irrelevent based on your racist attitude but mine is going for Obama!

Leslie Somerville, Seattle, Washington   February 5th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Go Huckabee 08!!!!

Eye Opener   February 5th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

As an asian american, I can relate as to why Obama is popular in Indonesia. After all, he spent part of his childhood there and wouldn't it be nice to see a homegrown boy make it to be president of the most powerful country in the world.

However, while it is great that the choice democratic voters have is between two very viable candidates, it is quite alarming that people are voting with their heart and not their heads. Call it what you will but this is scary.

At this very critical time in our country's history where we are faced with major crises from the war in Iraq to the economy, from healthcare to the mortgage meltdown and a looming recession, the american voter really needs to think hard and make that difficult choice.

While I have heard Senator Obama and his platform, I have not heard anything specific to address the issues at hand. Yes, he can bring people together but sometimes, a true leader can only bring about real change with unquestionable experience, the ability to make tough decisions, withstand criticism and still keep focused on the issues for our greater good.

Senator Clinton is that person. Her detractors call her so many things but they lose sight or are refusing to recognize the fact that she has done more than Senator Obama in areas of healthcare, education, defense and economics.
Personalities aside, she is the most capable candidate to lead us out of this mess we are in right now.

Yes we can   February 5th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Howcome the haters are are saying this doesnt matter fail to mention th fact that if he picks up enough overseas american delegates it is helping to cut into her Overall lead?….
before today she was only ahead of him by 70 or so delegates and that included the supers…

These are not indonesian people they are Americans who happen to live there..
so 20 delegates form abroad would help just as much as winning a small state….

jausti8371k   February 5th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Tammy - America is a melting pot and I believe we all want great schools for our children, affordable healthcare, jobs, and a safe place to rest our heads. Our opinion should not be based solely on race but on the issues and how they affect our lives.

John in Charlotte   February 5th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

For those of you who don't see why this story is relevant, this is why the story is relevant;

"For the millions of Americans living around the world, Democrats Abroad is the official Democratic Party organization. It is recognized as a "state" party by the Democratic National Committee. It will send 22 delegates to the convention at which time they will have a combined 11 votes. "

This is going to be a tight race and these votes will help make the difference.

Yes We Can
Obama 08

Charles New York   February 5th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Oh and one more thing: OBAMA '08 YES WE CAN!

Charles New York   February 5th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

This is a pretty inane story, but at the same time shows Obama's international appeal and global perspective. To the idiot who likened Obama to Bush, I bet you voted for Dubya twice. I love the people who think that any support for another candidate (and a better one to boot) is a slight on Hillary. It's not. It's just Barack clearly is a better choice for the country.

Barbara   February 5th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Because he spent four years of his CHILDHOOD there? That's why they voted for him. Lordy! what an asinine reason to vote for anyone!

Peace   February 5th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Mary Anne Njeri, please do not bring the crisis in Kenya into the US Election. BO has done a lot talking with your President and the Opposition leader. I know what tribe you belong and please, please, let BO fight for the battle of his life and for Americans.

Cha   February 5th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

CNN is Obama's personal network. Let's just deal with it. This media network is so biased, predictable, distorted, and single-minded. They only want us to think in one direction, akin to brainwashing our minds so we can all favor Obama. The electorate will have the last laugh.

jp/michigan   February 5th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Indonesia votes for Obama because he lived there for 4 yrs. . Syria will vote for Obama because one of his contributor Tony Rezko is from there. Iraq will vote for Obama because Rezkos billionaire friend Nadhmi Auchi is from there, you know the one Rezko try to get an Illinois official to get him a US visa after he was convicted of fraud in France. (source: The London times Feb. 3,2008)

Eva   February 5th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Why of course he is - lived there and went to school there. Since they don't get to vote in our election, I fail to see the relevancy.

Yola   February 5th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Of course what was Barack when he lived there - I cast my vote for Hillary - CNN gives more press to Barack than Hillary - Not fair

Sofia   February 5th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

You can tell by those people who have never been out of the country.. they have no clue how the world runs… their opinion is base only by what some reporter or commentator tells them. Wake up educate yourself, find out what is really happening in the world. Question those that don't give you a straight answer, but ask… get involve in the knowing.. There is a media mentality of just feeding the Paris Hilton because that is how they can keep people numb and clueless.
I'm supporting Obama for the simple reason that he can bring all of us together, not only in this country but those countries that are giving us a hard time. As a tourist or as First Lady or what ever, this does not give the right to be an expert.

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE … YES WE CAN… GO OBAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PST   February 5th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I don't want to see another Clinton in the White House, We need a change and only person capable to run the U.S.A.is Mr. Barak Obama.

Chevy   February 5th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

You Clinton Fanatics jump at EVERY SINGLE small thing the credits President Obama. Yet When your Candidate continues bringing race and gender into this election you say nothing. All the attacks and staged crying events are sad. Why do you hate obama so? I used to like hillary, i stopped when she started attacking him. So i guess my question is what has Obama done to hillary to earn your hatred?

interested canuck   February 5th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

It is not a question as to whether or not living overseas as a young child qualifies one to be well versed in foreign affairs, so much so that one would be qualified to be the President of the United States. All reasonably intelligent and rational thinking people already know that it most certainly does not. The real issue is one of "Judgement". In the wisdom of Obama and his advisors when they were contemplating their strategy as to how they would counter the argument that he was not experienced in foreign affairs, so much so that he is not qualified to be the President… they came up with his childhood experience… they actually tried to present it as a "credible" counter-argument… that they truly believed would satisfy the critique. That they truly expected the American people to find "credible". Are you kidding me!! Is that the kind of "right on day one" judgment Obama has been preaching about?

YA   February 5th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Obama should not just be the choice of the indonesians, he should be the choice of us Americans. And if obama can beat hillary he will be able to walk all over any republican. Barack Obama is the most inspiring person to run for president and maybe the only candidate to not run for power, which the clintons and bushes have had for the last 20 years. Hillary Clinton will not change anything, she may have experience, but Barack Obama has the ability to lead this country, and hillary completely lacks that. We can't keep letting the same people run this country, we elected another bush and we saw how that turned out, obama is the only good choice, hillary clinton will ruin the United States of America.

biracial73   February 5th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Just because Obama lived in Indonesia as achild does not give him international experience if thats the case I lived in Germany for eight years does that make me qualified to run a country? I think not. That would make every military brat in the US qualified for the job. We need a leader who has done more than HELP the poor people on the streets of Chicgo. Barack your resume is not impressive to me at all and just because you give a good speech does not make you qualified. WE NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN DO MORE THAN JUST TALK THE TALK AMERICA!!! GO HILLARY!!!!

TAMMY D   February 5th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Is it my idea or everything I see and read is 'the black vote' here, the 'latino vote' there, the 'evangelical vote' over there? Have people forgotten that 80% of the US population is actually white and half of that is male? What? the white people dont vote or is their vote irrelevant?

Indonesia, huh? If we're chosing a president based on his Indonesian past or Kenyan past, or Latino support, we'll soon become The Banana States of America!

Texas   February 5th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Thank you CNN

jausti8371k   February 5th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I like Senator Clinton and Senator Obama however my personal experience with Senator Obama has led me to vote for him. I want our country to be great again, I want others to respect us as we do them, I want all Americans to have affordable healthcare, i want our troops to come home and be with their families. i want the recession to end, I want the foreclosure epedimic to be solved. I want better schools, safer streets, and creations of jobs here in America. I know most of you are saying I want a lot.

But isn't this what our great country is all about? GO OBAMA!

jennifer   February 5th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

ANYTHING FOR A OBAMA PLUG…THANKS CNN…LOL

Craig   February 5th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Come on guys can we look at this, lets stop the bickering they are both the only candidates to do this now, if we are divisive we dont stand a chance no matter who steps up to the plate, I am an Obama supporter for common sense reasons as are many Hillary supporters, but if we cant support both then the vote will be wasted. Whomever gets the nomination we have to be willing to support nonetheless.

BAIPA   February 5th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

It is interesting when I read all these comments. It makes me feel Hillary will get 0% vote and Obama will get 100% of all the votes. The question is who are the myopic voters voting for Obama?

How many of the Obama voters know who knows the real/true Obama besides the preaching and inspiration messages he gives.

I will sum it up this way, A person who loves God will NOT NEITHER Obama nor Clinton. Because if you TRULY love God, you need to love what God loves and hate what God hates.

Google these words to check the facts: BAIPA Obama (His record in senate that no one ever talk about). He voted against Born Alive Infant Protection Act. That alone is enough for me to say no to me. By my conviction and belief, the best of them all is Huckabee.

God bless America. I pray this will not be the repeat of 2000 when we all voted for a likeable President and we all know the outcome.

John P   February 5th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Too many Americans have never lived in another and as such have a myopic view of the world. Living in another country gives you another perspective, another way of thinking, another culture. Regardless of age this is something that adds to you as a person. I have lived in several different countries in my life and visited a countless number.

How many Americans have lived in a country with a socialised medicine? I am currently living in Canada and experience the system first hand. I watched Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN talk about the medical system and he perpetuated several untrue myths about Canada's medical system. I have experienced first hand what it is like and how great it is. I have lived in England and been a patient under the National Health system. I have seen where England's system works and where it falls down.
I was born in America but have Canadian and British citizenship also. I have lived in Thailand, Africa, Europe. I

Hillary's answers to foreign policy shows her ignorance to international matters. She holds the old myopic American view. Most of the whole world knew Saddam didn't have WMD's in 1993. Hillary didn't, Obama did, enough said.

Forever in Moderation   February 5th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

I love that news that there are over 700 "superdelegates" in Washington DC who will decide the candidate for the nomination for Democratic candidate.

What the "blankety blank" did we bother to vote for? For them to decide for us after a close or tie vote? What the heck is this stupid thing, and when was that put into force?

Good God! Is nothing sacred anymore, when a candidate wants to win as much as Hillary does?

Bah Humbug!!!!

California Voter   February 5th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Hey, don't knock it. It's where Obama gained his foreign policy experience. Next we will probably see the results from Kenya (are there any Americans still there?). I think the media has been hoodwinked, bamboozled, and okey doked by a smooth talking politician! And they are leading, the more affluent, more highly educated, and younger voters along for the ride — that's what the polls say and we know all how accurate polls are.

Go Hillary!

Eddie   February 5th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

This is an ex-pat vote, folks. Americans living abroad… Americans who have the chance to see America from the outside-in and see and deal with first hand what our international standing is like.

If I remember right, 22 to 24 Delegates are allocated for Americans living abroad - we can either choose to vote for our home state, or in the international primary (obviously either/or :)

I'm living in Germany, sent in my absentee ballot a few weeks ago to Utah for Obama. People world-wide have a lot of respect and hope for him - it's pretty exciting to see the world think that America still has some hope left in them. Hopefully those "Canadian Kits" (Canadian flag for your backpack, canadian cap, phrasebook of Canadian slang, etc…) sales will go down a little bit, once Americans can be proud to say that they're American again…

Just my two Euro cents…

cheryl Arizona   February 5th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I cast my vote for Hillary! You Go Girl!

cris   February 5th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

CNN WHY IS THIS NEWS??????????

WHERE IS HILLARY"S TOWNHOME MEETING FROM LAST NIGHT???!!!!

SHE TALK ABOUT WHAT SHE IS GOING TO DO IN THIS COUNTRY!!!!

VOTE HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Umm   February 5th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Hillary is an idiot … I'll vote republican before I vote for her.

Super CA   February 5th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Go Obama 2008 for the president of INDONESIA!!!

Jimmy   February 5th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

ON Foreign Policy as well as EXPERIENCE , Kowledge and Ability on the ECONOMY and Universal Health CARE., HILLARY by FAR is the better candidate for PRESIDENT.

HILLARY has met and talked to more WORLD LEADERS than Obama had in his entire life. . She therefore has that kind of Broad VIEW of the World leaders and their Countries.

THE ECONOMY, AGAIN, IT's THE ECONOMY. IT is Floundering, with job losses
and US companies struggling and laying off workers.
The Stock market is also floundering and may TANK!

WAKE UP America, The Change we all want can be made with certainty with
SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON as President and Obama as Vice president. what a dream team they would make

Billie   February 5th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Yeah, GO HILLARY…CNN is worse than FOX and I didn't think that could happen. It's like Obama has everybody hypnotized. People better open their eyes. We're not voting for the most popular here like in high school, this is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Just keep saying to yourself President of the United States Obama, President Obama…This is the United States, not Indonesia. We have a lot of problems that need to be solved. LET'S GO HILLARY.

MC, in MD   February 5th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

When Hillary wins it, We are going to have another problem in the Democratic party. Many, Many people are going to be disappointed Obama didn't win and then we'll be left with Clinton or McCain to run the country. THAT IS NOTHING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO LOOK FORWARD TO. I can't even try and get excited about those choices.

dms   February 5th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

So, his "experience" is living in a foriegn country for four years as a child. Give me a break! If Indonesia could vote in our country, that would be one thing but gladly, they cannot.

This California gal voted this morning for our next president, HILLARY!!!

stan pitts pa   February 5th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

obama 08!

Peace   February 5th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

For those who are not aware. Sen, Obama is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Dem08   February 5th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

This is silly. wow, 75 people voted for him in a country he grew up in. I think its more amazing that 25 people in his "home land" voted for someone else. There was a great show on last on MSNBC with Dan Abrahms were he predicted the slanted media will continue against Hillary, even if she wins. The most honest bit of journalism I have seen in quite a while. Abrahms pointed out how the media has inflated stories and even made stories(i.e who really played the race card).

I think this is important because atleast someone is speaking out and saying that things have not been equal. CNN, please have the balls to print this.

Rob   February 5th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

CNN Doesn't hate Hillary..half the country does. Don't you get that? Can't you see how polarizing this woman is. Guess not..bring on the Hillary sheep.

Sam Perth   February 5th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

@ AJ

Strong International experience? These people are dummer than dirt.

I can't believe you wrote 'dummer'.

Seth Shelton   February 5th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Gotta love how the word "pathetic" is being thrown around here … especially since the most pathetic thing about this entire campaign is Hillary's claim that she has more experience than Obama.

Since when does being First Lady for 8 years equate to qualification for President?

Oh wait! Was it the strategic move to New York in order to solidify delegates for her run at the White House?

Or maybe it was her sympathy for the conditions she witnessed women around the world endure?

If this boldfaced liar wins the Dem nomination the Republicans will have the biggest landslide victory ever.

Face it Hill, only a few are fooled by your rhetoric, the rest can't stand you

Rafi, NY NY   February 5th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Casey… These are Americans living abroad who voted, not Indonesians. America IS their country.

Me   February 5th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Casey, these are Americans working overseas voting, not Indonesians voting Obama.

If you are this dumb, then I'm not surprised you are backing Hillary.

An Agnostic Democrat   February 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

And Bill Clinton's foreign experience was as what? Maybe a Rhodes scholar and his migration from Hope, AR, but that's pushing it. Hillary's was having tea and receiving complimentary gifts from dignitaries.

(As Senator Dodd pointed out in one of the earlier debates, "Witnessing experience does not count, otherwise my wife would be running for president.") Well said and I couldn't agree more. I'm sure if pressed, Hillary would have 35 years of experience in foreign affairs, too. But of course, she has 35 years of experience in everything!!! What a joke this former first couple is. They're the Democratic version of the Bush Clan.

tim   February 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

"These people are dummer than dirt. "

Learn to spell dumber, and I'll accept your opinion

Sam Perth   February 5th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

@ AJ

Strong International experience? These people are dummer than dirt.

I can't believe you actually wrote 'dummer'.

Before you start insulting people you've never met, perhaps you might pause to educate yourself a bit.

Jimmy   February 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Ask Obama what he knows about fixing The ECONOMY whcih has plunged into recession. Bill Clinton left a HUGE Surplus and a thriving ECONOMY in his two terms. NOw IT's the time again!!!!!

The first Bush one term presidency was a failure as is this youger Bush presidency.

Senator Hillary Clinton has the EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY to fix this present AILING (Recession) ECONOMY, Frezze Foreclosures and mortgage rates and end the IRAQ WAR which has cost BILLIONS upon BILLIONS with no
victory in sight.

A CLINTON President and Obama Vice president is the Dream Team indeed.

Jennifer   February 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

ummm yeah and I care why?????

His early childhood was spent overseas and now he has International appeal???? Okay….

R.A.   February 5th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

So clinton lived in the White house.

Mike J.   February 5th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Why cant CNN find something better to do a story on like Hillary Clintons 35 years of experiance.This is getting to the point i will never watch CNN,FOX NEWS,or MSNBC ever again.I never in my life seen such a Lopsided push for one person
(Obama).The more you talk or write about Obama the more i dislike CNN and Obama.If Obama gets the democratic nod I will Jump ship to the republican side in november.I know alot of people that are doing the same thing.Thanks to CNN
and others you are killing the democratic party.

Mike J.

Ted   February 5th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

GO HILLARY! WE WILL BE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY even CNN hates YOU.! GO HILLARY!

McKenna   February 5th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I am an Obama supporter, and of course, I love to read Pro-Obama articles, however, even I found myself saying " Okay…awesome…but, does it matter?" as I read this article.

Robert   February 5th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Who cares? This is a USA election. Please!

Ted   February 5th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Really? and Of course CNN has to brag this. So biased to Obama, after this Primary CNN's reputation will not be the same again. Everybody notices it and its everywhere in the blog. I will write comments to some newspapers here in LA.

cal   February 5th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

You are all missing the point. It is not a question as to whether or not living overseas as a young child qualifies one to be well versed in foreign affairs, so much so that one would be qualified to be the President of the United States. All reasonably intelligent and rational thinking people already know that it most certainly does not. The real issue is one of "Judgement". In the wisdom of Obama and his advisors when they were contemplating their strategy as to how they would counter the argument that he was not experienced in foreign affairs, so much so that he is not qualified to be the President… they came up with his childhood experience… they actually tried to present it as a "credible" counter-argument… that they truly believed would satisfy the critique. Are you kidding me!! Is that the kind of "right on day one" judgment Obama has been preaching about?

pmac   February 5th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

AND do I give a rat's patootee??!!!

Jazzy   February 5th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Todays the day America. Get out and vote Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle, AL   February 5th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

He lived there starting in 1967. FORTY YEARS AGO. I'm 34, and the most I remember from ages 6 - 10 is getting my picture made with Santa at Christmas time.

Chad Nelson   February 5th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

There are 22 delegates awarded to Americans living abroad (Iowa has 45 pledged delegates). Albeit, a lot of these people are probably young, they still deserve to have their voices heard. I'm sure this story will vanish as the states start announcing the tallies.

Mary Anne Njeri   February 5th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Is Barrack Obama uncomfortable with is African roots. I am a Kenya who would love to hear him talk more about his Kenyans cousins especially now our country is burning. Or his he going to be just one of them who will intervin only when there is OIL INVOLVED.

Wake up young man America belong to ……….. and if the democrats norminates you the rest of America will vote a Rep and you will regret not giving the chance to Hillary or Edwards

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 5th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Foreign countries are watching our political theatre closely because they are looking for the right person to make change in U.S. failed policies. They know Obama is our only choice to gain respectability around the world and stop the threat of terrorism. We are in our final hours people, wake up. Vote Obama.

Anonymous   February 5th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Obama touts his foreign experience as living in a foreign country for four years between the ages of 6-10? Can anyone say pathetic? The only thing I knew about as a 6-10 year old was play time.
That is a true. This is not foreign expenrence. Nothing!!!

Canadian Laughing at US Politics   February 5th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

This is the best reality show ever. You go Americans! LOL Great stories. If Obama spent time Moose hunting in the great white north, would that be International exp?

Mark C. Eades   February 5th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I would expect that Obama would be popular among Americans abroad, and on the basis not merely of any specific international experience but more importantly of ideas. Obama's perspective is simply a more transcendently global perspective than that of Hillary Clinton, whose appeal is strongest among those focused on "kitchen table" issues. Obama's own cosmopolitan background is also a strong selling point for expatriates. Having lived abroad for extended periods myself, these qualities figure strongly into why I voted today for Obama.

Rob   February 5th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I find it disturbing that anyone would vote for a candiate based on a story like this. I fail to see how anyone can claim foreign experiance from when they lived in a foreign land almost 40 years ago. If that is that case every child in a military family that is stationed overseas will apprently be qualified to be president.

Mr.E in WI   February 5th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

All you people do is complain, and still keep coming back.

Brattleboro, VT   February 5th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

AJ,

Who are you to judge other people's choice? I challenge you if you are able to give us your origins. It's just sad to read these kinds of comments from you.

Murry   February 5th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Thanks for that nice early story, CNN.
I love that Obama has a worldly outlook as opposed to a closed narrow minded view. That was the problem we had with Bush.
Go Obama!

Asare   February 5th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Mr Obama needs the from all of you in America. The results from Indonesia is just few American citizens who live in that country as teachers, engineers, deplomats and so on. Obama needs those of you in America to vote for him as your brothers and sisters in Indonesia has just done. The vote from Indonesia is not from Indonesians but rather Americans who live there. So, go vote for Obama.

Miss Wendy, PA   February 5th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

uhhh….yes well unfortunately for Obama, they don't have a say. THIS is the one of the top stories during the PRIMARIES???? How about he be in charge of Indonesia then and we can all watch him fail from afar, instead?

Keith - Little Rock, AR   February 5th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Your over zealous support for Obama and making him look like an angel is sad CNN. Whatever happened to neutral reporting. You never really followed the nuclear story from New Hampshire or the land bought for him next to his house from supporters. Could it be republicans posing as Democrats to get Obama the nomination and hand McCain the White House?

BB   February 5th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Since when is reporting news so bad? Hillary supporters are feeling the heat…

Obama 08, the train has left the station!

Average Republican   February 5th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I hope Hillary wins, then it will be an easy layup for the Republicans. Dems are so clueless. I hate Hillary, but I hope she's the democratic nomination. Because I know half the country hates her, ALL of my friends and family hate this woman, and when Hilldog is up against the republicans, they won't pull punches, she will be exposed and defeated in the Run Off.

Thanks Dems, for being so slow and thank you, for being just as slow when John Kerry was shut down.

And here is a secret, I would consider voting for Obama. I have not considered voting for a Democrat in the past ten years.

DO YOU DEMOCRATS UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS??????? I doubt it, you're gonna blow another election because you have this "You go Girl, Hillary will stand up to Bush" delusion.

Adjetey   February 5th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Relevant because the voters are Americans in Indonesia and they are voting for Obama!!

Heather Peterson   February 5th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Jose-Card Independent:

I agree that living abroad gives one a perspective that is unattainable to a visiting first lady.

Any history buffs? Remember the fake villages set up in the Soviet Union to fool Catherine the Great into believing the common folk were living well?

Ray - NJ   February 5th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

all 75 of them.

Sarah L, Fayetteville, AR   February 5th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Always something ugly to say, Clintonites?

M   February 5th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

This article is about american citizens living abroad in Indonesia. They're members the US Democratic Party…not Indonesian citizens.

It's relevant because some of these organizations DO recieve State-Level recognition from the DNC.

…and I don't think CNN was actually trying to say anything about Obama's Foreign Relations experience…

Shawn Smith, Kansas City, MO   February 5th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

what does 100 votes have to do with this election? wow, like the majority of Americans really needed to know that 100 votes casted in Obama's former elementary school in a foreign country.

Come on CNN why don't you just come out and say it, "we endorse Barack Obama" , it's pretty evident.

Prakaithip   February 5th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Great! Hello…. this is not news CNN. Let's get focused please. Thanks :-)

Taylor   February 5th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I studied abroad for a year when I was in college, I guess I also have international experience.

Ann   February 5th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

What a thrill..

Hillary'08!

Hopeless   February 5th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I'm sure he had some really good political discussions with the other children right before night time.

Carole, CA   February 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Obama's entire first hand foreign policy experience is based on the time he lived in Indonesia from 6 to 10 years of age. Give me a break! My daughter and I lived in Germany in the 1970's from the time she was 7 to 11. She's 48 now, has her Ph.D and does not consider her time living in Germany as having given her any foreign policy experience.

Karen   February 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

He won Japan too, apparently. Come on CNN, you're missing an opportunity to push your candidate. Get on it.

Dems abroad have a total of 11 delegates. There are more than 11 countries voting. Does anyone have any knowledge on how the delegates are distributed? Just curious.

Benjamin   February 5th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Since when does living in a foriegn country have anything to do with actually administering foriegn policy?

I love rock 'n' roll, but since when does that mean I can play an instrument?

Hopeless   February 5th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

CNN-Fair and Balanced

Can I EVER get posted?!   February 5th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

HUH? And this is relevant because?…..

Di   February 5th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Oh WOW

Jim, Youngwood, Pennsylvania   February 5th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Will CNN stop at no pathetic story to promote Obama?

Obama touts his foreign experience as living in a foreign country for four years between the ages of 6-10? Can anyone say pathetic? The only thing I knew about as a 6-10 year old was play time.

Dan, NJ   February 5th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Obama supporters: GET OUT AND VOTE AND BRING A FRIEND.

If we keep it close today, we will be able to pull it off. All Obama needs is to be within 100 delegates. That will be deemed a win or draw for Obama heading into the Potomac Primaries, that all set up well for him.

J   February 5th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

I did not realize that spending 4 years in Indonesia qualified as "international experience."

Rodney Dallas TX   February 5th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Of course he is…..he lived there.

Jose Card - Independent   February 5th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Obama is absolutely right.
He has the most foreign experience from living abroad even as a child.
Visiting a country as a first lady isn't the same as living there.
It is the interaction with the locals that makes all the difference.

Kings come and go.
The locals' culture stays forever.
Hillary hasn't got a clue about what Obama was talking about.
I am a naturalized citizen and I know exactly what Obama meant.

Now almost all universities want college students to study abroad for the very same reason.
It is hypocritical for Hillary to belittle Obama's foreign experience when she and Bill sent Chelsea to Oxford.

AJ   February 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Strong International experience? These people are dummer than dirt. So Obama lived overseas as a child. This elevates him to presidential material? It would serve us right to have this arrogant know nothing become president. You think G. W. Bush is a screw up. just wait until Obama has his chance in the White House.

Casey   February 5th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Who cares???? Do they care who I want to lead their country? However, Nice one CNN and very subtle way to slide this in on those stupid Clinton supporters who will never figure out what you are doing. (SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! just between us).

Kris - Bristol,PA   February 5th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

794 "Superdelegates" (made up of Congressmen / women and DNC officials) will be deciding our Democratic nominee if the race is anywhere near as close as the polls say it is.

The list of of superdelegates and who they support is available online, and it looks like they support Hillary almost 2-1.

So much for the will of THE PEOPLE…

Independent Voter, NY   February 5th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Oh that's right, this is where Obama gained all of his foreign policy experience. Another meaningless/anti-Hillary news story. What a joke!

COLLECTIVE WILL   February 5th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

LOOK at the PROGRESS of Barack Obama from INDONESIA!!!

COLLECTIVE WILL   February 5th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Indonesia SUPPORTS Barack Obama!!!

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