Views From Abroad on United States Vote

A survey of world reaction to the election of Bill Clinton reveals cautious optimism, amid concerns about trade protectionism and disruptions in US foreign policy in the Middle East and China

Mulroney cheers Clinton amid worries about his own prospects

CANADIAN Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has sent congratulations and a pledge of cooperation to Clinton, but the defeat of fellow conservative Bush is not a positive sign for Mr. Mulroney's own reelection chances in next year's federal elections, independent Canadian political observers say.

With an already "deep disaffection" for Mulroney running among Canadians, "the interpretation here is that the US election was for change, and will fuel that kind of feeling in Canada as well," says Richard Simeon, a political scientist at the University of Toronto.