More about Obama in the UK debate

President Obama´s views about the Brexit are most welcome. He is very right when he says that the UK is stronger if it remains within the EU. Economically stronger and politically more influential. His words gave a tremendous boost to those who are against the exit. But the supporters of Remain have now to translate Obama´s words into their own way of speaking, give them a British accent and make use of them in a wise way. If not, those words will be lost and in some cases, they might even generate the opposite reaction. They should also be very clear in their minds that the current mood in Europe, and in particular in the UK, is not very positive about European matters. 

Obama´s strong views on the UK in the EU

President Obama´s remarks about Britain the EU are legitimate. The US is the leading ally of Europe and as such its leader should feel free to express his views about the future of Europe. It´s true that such an opinion can influence the debate in the UK. And it should, by the way.

Obama´s words were well balanced, firm but frank. The UK would be weaker and smaller in the world stage without its European link. The UK would lose by leaving. But besides its own interest, the country should also consider it has a major duty to contribute to the unity of Europe. It´s not just what the British gain or lose. It is also their contribution to a stronger Europe that is at stake. This side of the equation has been neglected so far. It is however a powerful moral argument. 

David Cameron will keep fighting

The readers have certainly noticed I am not a strong supporter of David Cameron. However, I should immediately add that I was very impressed by his fighting spirit during the EU Council meeting that ended last night. He had a clear understanding of the goals he wanted to achieve and was tireless in pursuing them. Then, in the end, he met the media and communicated very well. The words were the right ones, the political messages easy to grasp and to summarize, and the tone was strong, intense and exultant. I thought, as I was listening to him, that he will be a formidable campaigner to the UK-in-the-EU vote. It will be a difficult political battle. In my opinion, he starts it with a very high chance of defeat. But he has shown that he can turn things around. It will not be easier. But he will fight and it will be an interesting period to observe.