José María Aznar Calls Barack Obama’s Election “An Historic Exoticism”

Former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar has referred to President-elect Barack Obama’s election by the American people as “an historic exoticism” and “a foreseeable economic disaster.” He went on to call President George W. Bush a “great statesman” who is leaving office amidst ingratitude from the American public. Continues Aznar:

“Obama’s election is proof that the American dream lives on, and it has impelled many to declare that the [financial] crisis ends with him. Obama is a Black person who has become President of the United Sates, and that is an extraordinary change for the American people.”

Aznar went on to say that he feels that Alaska Governor, moose rider and former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has, thanks in part to her “solid convinctions,” a bright future in politics. Changing bulbs?

“Perhaps she lacked experience, but every leader faces the same situation at the beginning of his career. And President Bush? Will he be remembered by history as the great statesman that he is?”

All three totally played beer pong together at a bar in Malaga. Anyway, what do you make of Aznar’s statement that Obama’s victory is “an historic exoticism?” Do you think Aznar is commenting on the racism of the American people while perhaps showing his own wariness towards people of other races? Or do you believe he thinks Barack Obama himself is super exotic, wandering about as he does with his dad loafers and windbreakers and telling kids to please pull up their pants?

Aznar ve la victoria de Obama como “un exotismo histórico” y “un previsible desastre económico” [La Vanguardia]