Americans concerned over loss of world standing: poll

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Foreign policy could play a big role in November’s presidential election according to a new poll that suggests 83 percent of Americans are most concerned about improving the nation’s standing in the world.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs poll also showed majority support for Washington to take a new tack in foreign policy by talking to enemies like the leaders of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), Hamas and Hezbollah.

Such a stand appeared closer to that of Democratic candidate Barack Obama than that of his Republican rival John McCain.

Bipartisan concern about America’s standing in the world topped the list of 14 goals presented in the survey to be officially released later on Monday, even higher than protecting the jobs of US workers (80 percent).

The survey was conducted in July, before the collapse of investment giant Lehman Brothers, the unprecedented government rescue of insurer American Int'l Group and the seizure of mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sparked market panic.