It is interesting how Europe seems just a step behind the US during the past few decades. Reagan (and Thatcher) come along and in short order European politics shift to the right. Governments slip back towards the left following the election of Clinton. Now after six years of GW, Germany elects Merckel, France elects Sarkozy and in Great Britain the Tories could win the next general election after picking up 870 English council seats.

As much as European elite resent American influence, does the political philosophy of the New World drive the Old? Or, is it simply a matter of global politics moving in waves? Interesting to think about, especially if the tide shifts again in the US come 2008.