[London Mayor] Boris Johnson backs Barack Obama as US President

The London Telegraph ^ | August 1, 2008 | Rosa Prince

[2ndDivisionVet]

His endorsement of the Democratic candidate, against John McCain, his Republican rival, would usually be considered unusual for a Conservative.

But during his recent European tour, Mr Obama proved successful at winning over politicians of all persuasions, charming David Cameron, the Conservative leader, who he met for talks in his House of Commons office.

A survey carried out last month found that a third of Tory MPs want the Democrat to emerge triumphant.

But the Mayor of London is the most high profile Conservative publicly to throw his weight behind Mr Obama.

He told this month's Square Mile magazine: "I was looking at him on the news and just thinking what an amazing moment this is, watching his speech in Berlin and thinking what a critical moment this is for America and for attitudes towards what they can achieve amongst the black community.

"If Barack Obama can do it, it will be the most fantastic boost, I think, for black people everywhere around the world."

Asked for his views on the Republican candidate, Mr Johnson said: "Well, OK, I think John McCain has many, many wonderful qualities, but I think a Barack Obama victory would do fantastic things for the confidence and the feelings of black people around the world - that they can win."

Asked if his words amounted to an endorsement of the Democrat, he said: "Yes."

Mr Cameron has also spoken of his admiration for Mr Obama, backing his controversial call for black fathers to take greater responsibility for their children, but has stopped short of endorsing him over Mr McCain.

[sinsofsolarempirefan]

Isn’t Boris Johnson an American citizen?

[Impy]

Just when I stick up for those ****head ********ers. TINO bas***ds!

Mind your own business foreign devils.

[Cinnamon Girl]

Pathetic. Does he remember when the islamists bombed his public transportation system? Perhaps addressing the issue of muslim terrorism should take precedence over allaying his white liberal guilt?

[fieldmarshaldj]

He smelled funny recently when he urged citizens rather than fight back against the crime wave to go run and hide in their basements. Way to go, Natasha.