NicDots wrote:I think they're both crap too and I am considering not voting. I cannot BELIEVE that this is the best that America can do.
What is your guess Rob? I'd like to know why countries outside of the US always always always side with Democratic party leaders.
not meaning to be disrespectfull but i do find the US election process quite ridicoulous.
but look on the bright side, behind the firework displays, million dollar smiles and heartfelt speeches is a team of intelligent lads and ladies who can probably actualy do a pretty good job of running the country.
anyway the answer your question;
in the case of obama, media coverage is a definite factor, our media focuss little on the real policies the candidates have, unless we actualy put some effort in to find out ourselves the prevailing message is;
Obama; stands for change wants to make things right.
McCain; he's the other guy
based on that who would you choose? LOL
In british politics at the moment the trend is for younger and younger leaders, this has been the focus ever since Tony Blair kicked the torries around, that same enfusiasm probably spreads into our view of world politics.
as for the democrats themselves over the years, thats harder to answer.
money is probably a big factor. the democrats are generaly better at handling the economy, for instance Roosevelt governed the recovery from the wall street crash, while Hoover failed badly, more recently compare Clintons terms to those of Bush. A strong US economy matters a lot to us wee europeans! also they have (on balance of my knowledge) a far less aggresive foreign policy where economics are concerned, less selfish perhaps, although this is highly debatable.
we've had perceivably better relations with Democrat presidents as well.
In britain you could argue the right wing are largely popular when we are at war, and less so when we are at peace. it seems a weak argument but there is a level of logic too it.
Winston Churchill; hugely popular untill after the war, when he got voted out, (largely on economic issues)
Margaret Thatcher; remembered favourably for winning back the falklands islands off the argentines.
these issues may explain why we brits tend to side with democrats anyway.
Rob