The famous Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power, is paying out now on bets that Barack Obama will be elected president of the United States on November 4th (three weeks away).

The Dublin-based bookmaker said it made the “unprecedented decision” to pay on bets taken so far, following Wednesday’s final campaign debate between Obama and his Republican rival John McCain, which polls judged the Democrat to have won.

“We declare this race well and truly over and congratulate all those who backed Obama,” Power said.

“Although he seemed a little out of sorts in last night’s final debate we believe he has done more than enough to get him across the line on November 4.”

Charming.

In a post some time ago, I quoted from Barack Obama’s “Flickr” profile, where other users’ “testimonials” (which must be approved by the account owner in order to be published) were heavily weighted towards breathless endorsements by foreign fans. Revisiting that page today, I found — well, take a look:

soOosah says:
“Hi, I’m Sosah from Bahrain.
And I really hope you win, i think you will be the best president America could ever have.
I’m really looking forward to see your actions regarding the issues we have in the
Middle East.
Wish you and your team all the best!”

marthinotf says:
“Es para mi un placer cierto, significar la calidad como fotógrafo y cómo persona del Sr. Obama, y espero que sea el próximo Presidente de ese Magnífico País que es: Estados Unidos de América …” etc.
(His profile says he lives in Spain.)

Nykki Sawyer says:
“Obama is change I can believe in…
America needs this change and so does the rest of the World!
“BAHAMA FOR OBAMA”
The people of the Islands of the Bahamas love you, Barack Obama.”

Kikilhi says:
“well Obama, you did well so far! loved it! and lets pray that you win the white house! good luck and have a great future ahead!
-shiham-”
(Kikilhi’s profile states that he lives in Maldives.)

BonieWeb says:
“I am from Indonesia, who fanatic about Barack Obama. I am very happy about news about Barack Obama have to won in American President Elections. Obama have a little history in Indonesia, so we have known his personality. Thanks about respect.”

yusuf_alioglu says:
“PeaCe..!”
(His profile states that he resides in Turkey.)

NOXEUS says:
“Estoy en el pie de Europa; o si lo prefieres al norte de Africa. En España. Vuestro país desde …” etc.
(According to his profile, he lives in Spain.)

Herr S. says:
“Mr. Obama… you are definetly the 1st choice for the United States! I really apriciate you program, your vision, admiring your spirit! I am an german citizen, and i never follow the pre-elections in the U.S. Until this time. But now, i really want to be an american citizen, just for to vote for you! I really wish you in this powerful position. The whole world ist waiting for you. Best whishes to you, your family and all the beloved around you… Ralf Siebeck, SiebeckCrossMedia, Germany”

Now, sure, I’ve left out a few that appear to be from Americans. But there’s no denying that most of these endorsements come from Barack’s fans in other parts of the world.

I do wonder, of-course, if Obama is elected, how long all this international love will last — especially should he do anything in terms of foreign policy to indicate that he might hold America’s interests as paramount.

Hmm. There’s a lot of hypotheticals in that paragraph, I know.

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