Obama's overtures to McCain noted abroad

That President-elect Barack Obama attended a banquet for his former rival, Sen. John McCain, the night before his inauguration did not go unnoticed around the globe — especially in countries where political transitions do not go smoothly. A Kenyan friend told me that in Kenya, the land of Obama's paternal ancestors, people took note on election night of McCain's graceful concession speech, one of the best in memory. Since then Obama has gone to unprecedented lengths to seek out McCain's advice.

When President Mwai Kibaki won Kenya's last election in December of 2007 widespread ethnic violence broke out across the country — some of it directed against Obama's people, the Luo. It was not until February 2008 that a power-sharing arrangement was made with the defeated candidate, Raila Odinga.

Obama isn't considering sharing power, but his efforts to fulfill his promise of a more bi-partisan approach — even to the extent of annoying his left-leaning supporters — will be noted abroad, especially in countries where elections are often a zero-sum game.
 

http://www.globalpost.com/notebook/worldview/090122/obamas-overtures-mccain-noted-abroad