Could McCain win increase European anti-Americanism?

Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland has exactly that worry.

He says previous anti-Americanism has actually been anti-Bushism. But, he says a McCain victory, especially with Mayor Whazzup™ as his vice president, would lead to more serious reactions.

Suddenly Europeans and others will conclude that their dispute is with not only one ruling clique, but Americans themselves. For it will have been the American people, not the politicians, who will have passed up a once-in-a-generation chance for a fresh start.

From there, he talks about other Euro-worries that necessitate reading the book of Matthew.

For example, Europeans possibly using a McCain victory to tut-tut the U.S. as incapable of transcending racism? Err, what about the second-generation Turks in Berlin and second-generation Algerians in Paris? The Euro-left might need to pull out a log or two.

And, in chiding Americans for the “politics of personality” (and rightfully so), how did you feel about Bill Clinton? Or what all drives your Obama feeling?

But, Freedland’s peroration is spot-on:

If Americans reject Obama, they will be sending the clearest possible message to the rest of us - and, make no mistake, we shall hear it.

We shall see.