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Rome:
Thanks for the report...The audience needs to be engaged in the Elections in the United States....

I was only able to watch the Democratic Convention. Since i was busy, i was not able to watch the Republican Convention...

I question your initial assumption. When last did the leaders of our political parties hold town hall meetings, criss cross the country and expose themselves to the public as in the primaries. Democracy is not just about national elections. Americans can elect police chiefs who will outline the service they will provide and at what cost. We do not have a monopoly on the democratic process.

There was an interesting article in today's Washington Post "5 myths about American voters". The upshot is that we're mostly poorly informed, particularly in regards to history and geography, and that, yes, we're mostly disengaged, even younger voters.

That number of people watching the conventions was near that watching the Olympics,*is* encouraging, however, particularly because in each case the outcome regarding the Presidential candidate at the conventions was a forgone conclusion.

Just as they were in the last presidential election, the turnout numbers will be key. That Americans might even consider choosing another Republican astounds me after the last 8 years, even so at this point McCain leads in some polls.

Also, Fox news is not just perceived as being the most republican-friendly, it is. It is my impression that Rupert Murdoch would like to be this century's Hearst, and so relishes whatever martial drums he might beat.

In my case, being a young voter, I feel discouraged by the whole process of the American voting. For example I'm in chicago, a democratic heartland, if I vote otherwise what difference will it make? It is best to be in a swing state.

Surely there are many factors that affect "audiences" for media coverage not least being the choice. And choice is the key to political engagement no matter where in the world you are. The more anaemic the choice the lower participation will be, aside from those who are members of, or active in, the organisations involved.

Over the past three decades political choice has been unhealthily squeezed by commercial bias. The emphasis has been on personal and corporate wealth rather than social engagement so it is hardly surprising that people who are not economically healthy feel disengaged.

The huge razzmatazz of the conventions seems obscene when compared to the street poverty that is rife in most US cities. It is also a paradox that a black candidate is probably only marginally more likely to represent ethnic groups as his white opponent.

Glitz and glamour do not and cannot replace passion, belief and the will to make a real difference. The media may be forgiven for failing to register real passion because they are, all the time, creating an illusion of it. The candidates, however, have no excuse for just playing to an audience without having policies that WILL make a difference.

Democracy and the ballot box are inextricably intertwined. Wise leaders would toe democratic principles and encourage people to participate whole-heartedly in decision-making. Honest politicians are few and far between. If only they could put the welfare of people before personal aggrandisement, the world would be a paradise. But unfortunately power and money have their ugly sides. We can only hope the Democratic and Republican contenders will be different and take America to a new dawn!

Last time round they had a choice of Bush, an idiotic Yale 'educated' son of a political family with a dubious war record or Kerry...... an idiotic Yale 'educated' son of a political family with a dubious war record. Neither had any major policy differences and both had massive links to big business

Given the vote was between Dumb and Dumber I'm not surpised voter turnour was so poor. The UK has nothing to be smug about either. The South Park episode 'a douche and a turd' was spot on.

I remember back in March there was a poll, the results of which were broadcast on several news stations and in print news, that claimed many, many more Americans were planning on voting this year than in election history.

Six months later, I venture to guess the enthusiasm is lessening the longer this campaigning goes (this roller coaster is exhausting), but I hope voters will still turn out in record numbers.

#9.

The problem with polls is the nature of the question viz "Are you more likely to vote this time than last time?". What happens if most respondents voted last time - do you get a negative response?

I remember responding to a Government survey on gambling and mega-casinos. There was not one question asking if I wanted mega-casinos - Yes or No!

With so much doubt about polling machines, postal votes, and "lost" ballots then I wonder just what chance ordinary people have of registering their vote. It is crucial that the democratic process is beyond reproach. Asked the question "is there any chance that politicians will clean up their act?" I'd have to vote No.

#8.

I have often wondered if politicians realise the effect they have on voting habits given the huge amount of money that is spent promoting the "party" rather than the "personality". This would be fine were there a great difference in policies in the choices on offer, but, with the centre ground jam packed, and the fringes occupied by parties who know they will not get to power, it seems that nobody with a chance of power really wants change.

I am also concerned that if a "party" gains power then it will control its returned constituent members rather more than the voters who turned out.

Certainly I have no great faith in the choice that faces people this side of the Atlantic or the other. It is going to take a massive collapse in the status quo to break the mold. Perhaps the sub-prime fallout will be that massive collapse and we will all benefit in the longer run.

#11. If history is anything to go by major economic problems/poverty produce dictators. Change may happen from the sub-prime fallout but I doubt if it'll be good. Even in the US FDR effectively governed as a dictator and his policies for dragging the US out of the wall street collapse were extremely similar to Hitler's.

#6

Your second paragraph really hits it in my opinion. I was eighteen, and able to vote two years ago but this is my first viable option to actually vote.

Until this year I was relatively apathetic towards politics in general, like a lot of people seem to be here. The problem of course is that when you don't care you're essentially letting everyone else make a decision for you, and if you don't like the choice you just become more apathetic. So I'm paying attention and doing research this time around, and I think that a lot of other formerly AWOL voters are doing the same thing. I just hope that after all the paying attention, they can actually be bothered to go vote when the time comes.

As a life long Democrat have to say that I have been totally embarrassed by our party. Today I 'opened my eyes' and just about fell out of my chair when I checked the news to see Obam's reaction to the newest National debt numbers.

What an absolutely incredibly insulting comment he made concerning Sara Palin....(Lipstick on a pig!)
Well Obama you can ---- -- ---, because you just lost one of your 'major' supporters.
Mr.Obama, Read my lips: "I would not vote for you now, if you were the last candidate on earth!"

As a very successful working Woman, I am so very angry that I have wasted so many years working for this party, supporting the candidates, attending rallies, placing signs, sending checks. Our Democratic Party has proved once and for all that it is nothing but a Good Old Boy's Elitist club. I could literally just scream, this really makes me just livid!
And if this was an isolated sexist comment, it 'might be forgivable'...but this statement was one of very, very, many sexist statements from both Obama and Biden.
And what angers me even more is that CNN 'just laughs these comments off, and even accused the Republicans of trying to "play the gender card".....Saying that these types of sexist comments are just accepted in normal conversations these days, and not worthy of coverage.

Please, hear me out, as this is just one reason I am leaving the party. Oh by the way Obama, I want my donation money back as well!

First, I really do not understand why the Democratic Party hires and pays entire groups of people to attend the Republican Convention, and opponents speeches to shout obscenity's, hold up banners containing misinformation and attempt to totally disrupt and dishonor the opposing candidates acceptance speech over, and over, and over again. What is the the purpose of this?

Sadly, I have got to say that I almost never see this occur in our Democratic acceptance speeches by attacking Republicans. In fact, I remember Mr McCain actually having a commercial that said "job well done" during our own convention. However, for years now, I have seen this disruption and dishonor by bad mannered fellow Democrats occur during the Republican speeches, and they are hired to do so. This really truly portrays our party in a very bad light.

Everything that Joe Biden spurts out is either misinformation, disinformation, or sexist anger! How dare he say a "Woman's place should be in the home", and "Palin is obviously sacrificing her family values by running for Vice President. Biden is Washington elitist through and through. Change? Now that's a joke, Biden is as far from change as it is humanly possible to get. Just another Dick Chaney.

To tell the truth, it is very embarrassing for both me, our family, and our many Democratic friends.

Obama, (a once shining star), has even changed, he talks down to everyone. Either his personality has changed, or his true nature is coming out. He's coming across as really arrogant, elitest, and snobby. He talks about being on food stamps while living in Hawaii, but the when I searched it online the Punahu school he attended is the absolute most expensive private elitist school in the State. Something about the food stamps story and the exclusive private elite school really does not make sense to me. And to tell the truth, the statements like, "I am the one the World has been waiting for"....are kind of scary.

Also, the obvious Media slant, spin, and one sided focus towards our Party, and, 'against the republican party' has become so transparent that this too, (is insulting to me), on an ethical and moral basis. ( CNN, TIME magazine). Call me crazy, but I do not feel comfortable in having to 'cheat to win'. Seriously.... Is it just me?,... or does it feel that our once very proud Democratic Party seems to be losing it's sense of honor and values?

I hate to say it, but it makes me feel 'embarrassed to be a Democrat'. I am certainly finding it increasingly difficult to have to explain to my children that although this is unacceptable behavior, it IS the Party WE support?

Who is responsible for these dishonorable attacks, all this misinformation (like the stem cell research), personal attacks on women with children working, Do they not understand that this makes our party look like we have lost our values, of not our minds.? Don't preach to me about Family Values, then lie, deceive, vilify Woman with children for having a career, slander and attack a Woman who knowingly brought a disabled child into this world, AND SAY SHE DOES NOT HAVE COMPASSION FOR OTHER MOTHERS IN THE SAME SITUATION. his exact word, "If you really cared about disabled children...." How dare you Joe Biden! How dare you use a disabled child as an attack weapon! You should be ashamed! Obviously, you and Senator Obama have somewhere along the line lost your compassion, empathy, moral values and ethics. I never thought that we could have a Vice President as bad as Chaney in terms of values, but Mr. Biden, with your degrading sexist comments in the last week, I believe you just surpassed Mr.Chaney.

I have to say that from everything I've read, heard, and researched on Palin, she is one ___ of a Woman, "a real person," and not a (slick elitist spin master like yourself). For me she is like "breath of fresh air in American Politics!". And you know what? After reading what she did to the good old boy politicians in Alaska (like yourself), I can't wait to see her clean up the Washington bunch. She will go in their like a tornado and shake up the system. And I believe that John McCain, who has never bought into the good old boy Washington cocktail set, will back her 100% in kicking out the trash in Washington politics.

Sadly Mr Biden, to win at all costs using unethical behavior to do so, I have to ask the question: Is this really a win for the American people? I don't think so! You know, we should have seen this coming during the Monica Lewinsky situation, where she was considered just another sex object in the Good Old Boys club.

Am I alone, or are there other Mothers out there in America who finds this behavior of our Party disturbing? What do you tell your young kids?, ... When everyone in society condones cheating, lying, stealing, societies totally collapse....remember that was the reason of the fall of the Roman Empire.

Seeing the attacks the Democratic Party did to Hillary Clinton, and seeing the attacks the Democratic Party has done to Sara Palin really truly opened my eyes! (And I have to warn the younger generation who is wholeheartedly supporting Obama), if elected, this Democratic "Good old Boy" union of Obama/Biden will take the US back 30 years in terms of Womens rights and sexism. And what really makes me furious is that the News media is totally ignoring the many numerous insulting sexest remarks.

And I'm sure that Women all over America and the World are witnessing the same thing with amazement! As of today, I no longer will support a party of Women haters, good old boys, skirt chasers.

I instead, am switching my time, money and energies to getting involved with the Republican party. Yes, it's true that we have quite a bit of differences in opinions and causes,.... but by getting involved, I know that as a Woman, my voice will be heard, and I will work to change that party for the better.

I know that if I stay with the Democratic party I am just seen as a worthless Woman in a skirt, to be seen and not heard, who is not part of the Elite Boys Club, and their Greek columns and mass California type extravaganza of a convention (which reminded me of the 1938 Olympic spectacle that Adolf Hitler produced to wow the world with.

Women of America....you are wasting your time if your working for the Boy's Club Democratic party! OPEN YOUR EYES! Today I did!

And I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE DECISION!!

As for Sara Palin, YOU GO GIRL! You now have my vote, and my commitment to help you!

Sincerely,


S. Chambers

14

If those were your actual views then I apologize, but, to me anyway, your letter there sounds more like a Republican poster posing as a defector. Like I said, sorry if those are your actual views. It just smacks of propaganda to me.

Concerning the lipstick comment, I just figured it was a figure of speech, didn't he later clarify he was talking about policies anyway? He was just seizing on the lipstick thing thrown out there by Palin in the first place.

And your last comment,

"As for Sara Palin, YOU GO GIRL! You now have my vote, and my commitment to help you!"

It seems a little odd. First off, you're voting for McCain-Palin, not Palin. And more importantly you're voting for McCain-Palin POLICIES. How they govern is more important than gender, race, background, all of it. They play their parts in personality, sure, but the policies should be the priority.

Dear Sir,

I am not sure if you are aware, but on the night of the republican convention, Sen. Obama appeared on The Bill O'Reilly Show.
"The No Spin Zone" is a staple on the fox news network.
TY

Apology accepted.
And please allow me to apologize to you as well, I was mad as a hornet when I wrote that. And to tell you the truth I am just devastated that Obama, who was not my first choice, totally ignored Hillary Clinton, and didn't even give her a consideration for the VP slot.
And I was furious when, at the convention, Jimmy Carter not only ignored Hillary's campaign run, but wouldn't even call her Senator Clinton, (Only President Clinton's wife), which was an obvious insult.
Also during the debates Obama made several obvious sexist comments.
So when Obama won, I gave him my support because of the issues I believed he would also support.
But once he chose Biden, everything began to change. Over the last weeks we have seen him make a number of really bad decisions, the Biden choice being the first one.
If this were a chess game, McCain would have already won, because Obama just does not seem to "get it"...
The way I look at it now is like this: When the going get's tough, as it did on 911. Do I want someone in office who has already proven that he can't make good decisions? I have to say no. Although the issues like healthcare reform are tremendously tremendously important to all of us. It really want do us any good if this man can not think clearly, and act clearly on his feet during pressure. (example, this whole Iran thing.)
I have thought about it long and hard, and come to the conclusion that I sincerely believe that it makes more sense to vote for McCain and Palin for a short four years, and try to change things in the Republican party during that time....And if that is not possible, support Hillary in four years when McCain will be too old to run again.
My bottom line is this: If Obama is making such stupid mistakes now in the campaign when the stress on him is just political, what might he do in a really serious situation like the flare up with Russia/Georgia, or worse, like a Iran with nukes.
I say we wait for years.
Sorry, that's my opinion.

#14,15

It is sad that we all appear to have lost trust not just in our political representatives but in each other.

Perhaps the over emphasis on the individual and their subjective wealth really has eroded that most precious of all human gifts - honesty.

Whenever a politician speaks it is wise to take their words with a pinch of salt unless they are caught completely off-guard. But when we speak as individuals I find it truly sad that we cannot accept what is said as being truly representative of that individual's thoughts.

I have often found groups that represent the meeting of entirely like minds to be boring, ego massaging affairs. On the other hand those who show individual spirit give energy, interest and thought provocation in abundance. In disagreement we often find new threads on which to weave our own reality.

It has been said that the PC dumbing down activity is intended to turn us into castrated and anaemic clones who answer everything predictably and never think about raising our voices.

I wish the correspondent in 14 good luck for just being prepared to shift her views and express the reasons for so doing so well.

#14

I thought Obama's choice of that particular figure of speech was excellent, very intelligent reference.

Everbody knows it is a cliche', right? "Lipstick on a pig" refers to 'caking up' something that isn't really all that exciting.

So he is referring to what he and his party asserts is the opposing party's "fancy repackaging" of the attempted extension of more years of the Bush years. What the package is being 'caked up with' is the gimmicky VP choice.

But, given the prevaliing nincompoopery, I guess it's racist if I were to back up his observation by saying "he's calling a spade a spade"?

Obama's choice of running mate indicates to me that he is thinking about what would need to happen during the presidency if he is elected.

McCain's choice of running mate indicates to me that he is thinking about what would need to happen to get him elected.

I tell ya, it's sure nice to hear the broadcasts on CSPAN of the British House discussion and debates-- those guys know how to turn a phrase and you get the impression the consituency knows how it's meant to be meant (of course, they invented the language over there, so it seems only right). This kind of "lipsticked pig" banter is light breakfast fare for them.

17

Fair enough. If there's one thing I've learned in my short time interested in politics, it's that it gets people rather worked up, rather quickly. I'm guilty of more than a few emotional responses because of it as well. Glad no offense was taken. When you lay it out this way it makes more sense.

To be honest I was more than a little disappointed in the Biden choice, I was leaning towards Richardson myself, being a former diplomat and all. But he didn't do too well in the primaries if I remember right. Probably would not have done very well here either. And I don't know, I've kind of grown a small semblance of liking for Biden.

I don't have your perspective on the sexism, either. Being a guy, I think a lot of it goes over my head as 'just something people say'. Unless it's really obvious. The pig and lipstick thing was just a figure of speech to me, as I said. McCain's said it before as well.

I do agree that pressure on the next president will be unrelenting, and unprecedented. I've been an Obama supporter from the beginning, and stuck with him through the intense primaries. (A good fight by Hillary, I have to say.) And I still believe at this time that he'll have what it takes to handle the pressures that will face him from all sides.

Thanks for clarifying. We may not agree on everything, but it's good to know that we don't have to get up in arms over them.

18

You're right, of course. It is a sad statement that I questioned her honesty there. I had just come from reading CNN articles, and most of the comments there are bordering on rabid. And I know for a fact there are certain people there that do pretend otherwise to give the illusion of more people 'abandoning ship'. I did apologize, and she explained her view on things, which I appreciate.

And I have to agree that a group of all like minded people is a bit boring. But all too often, if you mix other opinions in, rather than a discussion or debate, you just get emotions and arguing. Or alternatively, as is my experience in a few cases, the discussion just shuts down, no one wanting to go any further because they don't feel they're getting anywhere converting you to their side.

I am a reformed Democrat. By that I mean that until the horrors of 9/11 I was a registered Democrat who even voted for Al Gore in 2000 (though that now makes me shudder). 9/11 shocked me awake and I have since became very emotionally and intellectually engaged in following world events. It didn't take me long to notice the blatant bias of the media, and it's obvious manipulation of the viewing masses. It outrages me to see it. I don't appreciate being manipulated by the selective presentation of "THE NEWS" as done so by the major networks and newspapers. I no longer watch TV because of it, nor do I read newspapers. I seek information through multiple sources on the Internet, by listening to differing views on talk radio and by reading books to learn about subjects in depth. I have been disgusted and angered these past 7 years at the treatment given President Bush by those on the left and it's media, as well as the anti-American rhetoric that has come from many Democrat politicians. It seems to me that the political left (of which I was a member for the first 46 years of my life) is intellectually asleep in a pre-9/11 dreamworld and that they tune in like robots to NPR and other biased sources of news and commentary to be programmed. I hear no individualistic or creative thinking from today's left. It's the same jargon, almost word for word, like..."Bush lied, people died, there were no WMD's...blah,blah,blah..". When I have asked people who say they hate President Bush why, they respond with that answer every time. They are angry about the Iraq war. It seems there is a very short memory or attention span going on here. I seem to recall the multiple UN Resolutions directed at Saddam demanding he allow the weapons inspectors access and his continued game playing and denying this access, which had been a condition of the treaty he signed after the first Gulf War. I recall President Bush's deadline to Saddam, and Saddam ignoring it. THAT is why we went to war there. The results: Our heroic troops rid the world of a tyrant and his sadistic sons, giving the Iraqi people a democracy for the first time in their history. It is a huge achievement and has made the Middle East, and thereby the WORLD, a safer place because of their sacrifice. I thank them with all my heart. Shame on the media and the Democrat politicians these past years in their biased and selective presentation of events there and in their preaching of defeatism. Shock of shocks!!! The surge worked!!!!

It is time to wake up for those who are still asleep. I truly wish we could return to the pre-9/11 world. But we cannot. We are living in violent and dangerous times. Passionate, indoctrinated homicidal fanatics are giving their all to destroy us so they can form their Islamic Caliphate. Alas, this IS the reality of what we face, along with other huge issues and problems. These are the most dangerous times we have ever faced. We MUST have a leader of strength and character at this time. John McCain is that man. He has proven his strength and character in his long and courageous service to us all. I ask people to think about the realities of the world and to vote for John McCain. And Sarah Palin as VP?!!!! Wowsah!!! What a ticket! It's exciting!!Obama is a handsome, charismatic man and I wish him well, but he has little in his resume that qualifies him to be our leader. He is not who we need as our president during these dangerous times.

As the anniversary of 9/11 happens tomorrow, I remember, and grieve for the terrified people in the planes and in the towers. I remember those souls who held hands and jumped to escape the flames, and I hope that all Americans will remember them as they vote in November. I truly believe with all my heart that John McCain is who we need as our leader to prevent anything like 9/11 from happening again. This is not a time for egos and rigid thinking. This is a time to put Country First.

Thanks for your report. I think we are disengaged from political parties but we have to start talking about the real issues affecting must of us in America. American's Major News Channel are just covering the dramas of Governor from Alaska and any comment from Barrack.

example !
We all need to be concerned about the integrity of the 2008 elections all around the United States. In swing-states, the Republican Secretary of State is conducting the biggest purge of voters in history. In Florida, the state is refusing to accept about 85,000 new registrations from voter drives-overwhelming Black and Hispanics voters. The same is happening in New Mexico, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and many other states.
Mccain's campaign is sending misleading mailers with absentee ballots to voters with the effort to challenge the votes of black and Hispanics’ voters.

ISRAEL IS GOING TO LISTEN, WHEN I SPEAK. HERE ME O PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. ISRAEL WILL, BEGIN TO MAKE PEACE WITH THE ARAB WORLD. ISRAEL SHALL, EXTEND AN OLIVE BRANCH TO ALL THE ARAB COUNTRIES. ISRAEL MUST, BECOME THE HUMBLE MEDIATOR FOR THE SAKE OF ALL MANKIND. ISRAEL SHOULD, MAKE PEACE WITH THE PALISTINIAN PEOPLE AND GIVE THEM "RESERVE STATUS" LIKE CANADIAN INDIANS. Godspeed Swift [Personal details removed by Moderator]

After reading # 22's comments, I have to say I 'cried'.......
My wife is an American Airlines Flight Attendant, and we were based in Boston until just before Sept 11th. We we knew the crew members on the American flight.
That ,morning as she was preparing to go to work we were watching Good Morning America, and it was horrible!
As long as I live, I will never forget those moments...............................................
(And later hearing the recording of the American Airlines Flight Attendant on her sell phone communicating to AA Operations the flights location, and her realization) where they were headed.....................................................
As a Christian, the hardest thing I have had to do in my life is to try to forgive those responsible. But I WILL NEVER FORGET!
Later......Obama came out like a shining star,.... but... he has proved his weakness in the many, many mistakes he has made in the last few weeks.
We in America (are "no longer naive",.. as a Country). And, we certainly do not need a leader like Obama who can not even handle the stress of a political campaign, without breaking down and making serious mistakes, one after another.
McCain has proven he can take the punishment of the most extreme stress possible. And Palin has proven that she is an honest reformer with a strong commitment to kick out the "Good old boy" politicians" and clean usp Washington.
Hey, if this was an average election in say, the 1960's I might give Obama a chance.
But, my fellow Americans, this time there is a very serious series of events about to happen. North Korea well armed with nukes, Iran arming with Nukes, An economical crisis at home with the economy, energy problems, and bank failures.
Obama is exactly like my college professors.... He talks a lot , but does nothing.....(Look at his VP pick......)
We can't afford a leader who talks an issue to death right now.....We need someone who "has been tested under fire".
And the Great thing about America is that we HAVE THE GUTS TO ELECT A LEADER WHO WILL do what ever it takes to get us through these hard times. Most other nationalities will not take this chance.
So I say, John McCain and Sarah Palin,... you have my vote 150 % and I am not ashamed to say so! I am a proud American, and 'will stand and fight for my Country.'
God Bless you John and Sarah, you have an incredibly tough job ahead of you, but I believe in your experience, expertise, conviction, determination, and belief in the possibilities of creating an honorable and honest America once again.
God bless you both with all my heart!

Marty Chambers
( A proud American, and a Christian that has had one hell of a time trying to forgive the people who committed the Sept. 11th tragedy)

I read with interest "S. Chambers" comments, and from my point of interaction with other women, she's not alone in her thinking. "Valgram" came across as a poor attempt at sour grapes. As a lifelong GDI (God Da-- Independent) but a registered Republican (sometimes I vote for the other team) This race is heating up to be one of the most hotly contested in the last 40 years. For Europeans, butt out..this is an American home game and we don't need your comic's telling us how to vote. As for the Obama/Bidin team, you are in big trouble. The facts are not not what they seem in your press packets and the public is not as dumb as you wish they were from 20-30 years ago. As for the network newscasts, most Americans who do not want to be vocal, e.g. the silent majority, are sick of the CNN's, CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC's being pro liberal all the time. At this point many of my co-horts simply do not watch you, and your ratings over the last 5-10 years reflect this trend. I am also appalled at the simply mean sprited attempts by the left and Democrats in general with their viciousness and sense of fair play? They claim to be the warm loving party who wants to take care of evrybody?? Fox is not pro-Republican, they are simply not Pro Liberal Democratic and since they don't join the crowd, the left screams and rants at them. Some of Fox's NEWSCASTING is right on, instead of the nutcase-snaphot-headline-grabbing-crap we see on other networks. For most of them you can't even call them Newscasters anymore. Everything to these other networks seems to be their editorials posing as news. Nobody cares what THEY think, just stick to the facts and report the news and let me make up my own mind! You might be surprised!

Mr. Hartman,

It's clear you haven't done your prep reading regarding the U.S. Executive election process.

Very few British citizens understand the distinction between a "direct proportional Democracy", and an "indirect representative Republic" (as "republican" in Whitehall is a term implying "unsoundness"...lol). The U.S. is not, nor has ever been, a "Democracy" in the British sense, for pretty obvious and conspicuous reasons (having thrown off the Imperial yoke and such). In this you all have a habit of assuming quirks of the current British electoral system are relevant in the U.S., and miss other key details that are unique to the U.S. Constitutional process.

First, the Executive isn't nearly as political as your editorial seems to believe, which is why Democrats and Republicans more or less ACT in similar ways whilst in office, while boldly lying about their intentions of doing so whilst in Opposition. In the UK, the civil service rules and the politicians pretend to rule; in the US, the Federal Bureaucracy and elected State political delegations pretend to rule, and the various State Governments do all the work in practice. For most Americans, their lives wouldn't change much if Washington D.C. slipped into the Atlantic tomorrow, and so aside from the freakshow that is the Federal electoral process, there's not much for average American voters to care about.

The exceptions to the above are notable, however, because they include each and every tiny special interest and faction of the U.S. electorate relating to international affairs and relations with foreign Countries (such as the UK). In a nutshell, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is going to hear a different sob story in every State they drive through, and not realize that local or State problems typically aren't solvable at the Federal level.

To use the European Union as an analogy, if French, read: Parisian, reportage were to travel to Yorkshire or Glasgow during a UK election where the government actually was at risk of losing, and started asking little old Scots ladies in Ayrshire about London Politics... well, you can imagine the headlines in le monde (United Kingdom electorate wants candidates willing to ban French WOOL products, believes French WOOL gathering to be substandard and in violation of EU mandated processes! UK voters in Orkney Islands seek candidates able to get London to know where exactly Orkney Islands are located! lol). Just as few Londoners really care what happens in Derry or how "furious" local Irish Catholics over some dispute (until they start shooting, that is...), the Federal employees and international centers in the US don't really care what "flyover" Americans think or want, as the American Feds clustered around Virginia/Maryland/Delaware know they're safe from any risk of substantial change. Likewise, little old ladies in rural Scotland like foreigners who pay attention to them (unlike those horrid atheists down south!), but don't honestly think their passion for WOOL GATHERING is going to be taken seriously in Whitehall as worthy of a White Paper (WOOL GATHERING might merit a memo that takes a couple weeks of loafing to write, but a White Paper!?).

Anyway. The UK ´óÏó´«Ã½ should insist that ´óÏó´«Ã½ World producers and editors in the U.S. don't allow themselves to get hustled/spun by campaign PR flacks, as it makes you guys back in the UK bad... or worse, proletarian!

Best,

A. Scott Crawford

´óÏó´«Ã½ news appears no longer to be interested in the welfare of our nation, the accuracy and wholeness of its presentation nor in reality. Instead the news appears more interested in a it’s own political views and possibly the fear of a repeat of 1987 when it last was willing to be independent. Ever since it has had an ever more erratic and insular conservative bias. It’s attitude to Gordon Brown is nothing less than totally deplorable. It’s apparent failure to grasp the international picture that the problems PM Brown is having to cope with are not of our nation or governments and that anyone with an IQ above the national average should clearly be aware of that. There is little doubt that anyone else in the role of PM at the present would be doing no better and probably considerably worse. Our PM does not control world food prices, our PM does not control world fuel prices. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ refusal to listen to anyone who doesn’t share there view is not only harmful to our nation, its is undemocratic and only makes it more difficult for those who have responsibilities to give them their undivided attention. This blog has been written as one crying in the darkness, ‘wake up, take the sand out of your ears before the damage you do is unrepairable.

Yours truly,
Well wisher

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