Two Nations

[coningsby]

Those of you who have met me in the petshopboys chatroom will know that I keep an eye on American politics, and on occasion have even been known to share my observations. Now, the first thing to say is that for me it is primarily a matter of entertainment: the primaries, the conventions, the balloons, the stump speeches, the debates, the endless

Comments

[da_rosas]

Am glad you pay attention to the political shenanigans on the other side of the pond. I regret to say I am utterly clueless about politics even here in the U.S., never mind of such matters overseas. (I'd like to blame typical American self-absorption for this, but frankly it's because I'm lazy.)

As a democrat, to tell you the truth, I would have been merely *relieved* and not whooping for joy. This has been a particularly disturbing campaign and election, with several vital issues at stake (not limited to the anticipated selection of the Supreme Court Justices). I have known republicans that I held in high regard and respected despite different opinions. I've met far more democrats who I think are undeserving of breathing, never mind of voting, though I would not provide them with either right. Politically and ideologically I differ on many counts.

FYI, I had worked at our local election site, except for a total of 90 minutes break during more than 16 hours (from opening to closing duties). It was an invigorating day and I couldn't tell (most of the time) what anybody's political leanings were, nor did I care. I believe firmly in everyone's right to vote and to express differing opinions, but in a civil manner.

As it is, I think the failure of Kerry to make it is due to insufficient campaign focus or goals (middle america, fiscal mattesr, and general stability issues should have taken more emphasis, in my opinion). In addition, Kerry is not a really strong candidate on his own, but he was the only thing this country thought was the only viable alternative to Bush. FYI, I would have preferred Duby'as father given a choice between the two as I personally think Dubya is lacking on personal and the professional merits, beyond ideology; his father I can and do respect on both counts, but Dubya falls short by a wide margin.

BTW, I have no idea what the "torys" are or what "conservative" is in your country means, relative to U.S. parties and stuff. There was a topic on brainfags a few months ago wondering about the seeming oxymoron, "gay republicans." Here's a link to a post I made subsequent to the original thing: Gay Republicans won't endorse Bush.

P.S. I thought you were away because you went to France, or sumthin'? I haven't been to PSB since that first time, btw. Sorry I haven't chatted with you since then! You are a dear.