BBC poll: Rest of world favours Obama (50% vs 9%)

[pampango]

29. His not backing down from the prospect of a trade war with China is certainly pandering (bs), but

his answer to Schieffer's question about the prospect of a trade war may be appealing to some voters who may think "Now here is a guy who is willing to take some risks to stand up to China".

Obama's answer to the question was more factual centering on the steps he has taken to punish China in cases where it has violated trade rules, Romney's role in the outsourcing of jobs and the administration's actions to preserve auto jobs. A great answer in many ways, but to remaining undecided voters (who by definition must be low-information voters) I'm not sure that the 'take-charge' sentiment-based assertions from romney may not be more effective.

We all know that romney will never actually do what he says he will do on this or any other policy choice, but as a pandering gambit it may be very effective.

...the most misguided statement on China comes out of Romney’s mouth. That concerns China’s currency. Here’s what Romney said during Monday’s debate:

On day one, I will label [China] a currency manipulator, which allows us to apply tariffs where they’re taking jobs … We have to understand that we can’t just surrender and lose jobs year in and year out.

Obama is much more reasoned on the currency issue. He noted in the debate that the yuan has appreciated, saying that “actually currencies are at their most advantageous point for U.S. exporters since 1993.”

Obama ... does see America’s relationship with China in much broader terms than Romney.

http://business.time.com/2012/10/24/obama-vs-romney-whos-right-on-china/