[sirce]

So I'm a not an American, but I do somewhat follow the American elections through the (Dutch) news and Soompi, because well the U.S. is one of the most influential countries in the world. Their actions (like in Afghanistan and the housemortgagecrisis) will effect the rest of the world. I also know that most non-American countries are problably also covering the elections, just not at the scale it is in America. And they problably all have their opinion about who to vote, the elections itself etc..
However, do you care about it? Listen to it? Don't listen to it? Think they can cover it, but are not allowed to give their opinion? Do you even know how much the elections gets covered outside of America?

I was wondering about this (especially after seeing how heated it can be between Americans in the McCain/Obama threads in Soompi)......

[papabear]

People in general, American or non-American, can give their opinion, others can choose to listen or read it. Though personally I'd be more interested in learning how other countries dealing with questions of sustainability and localism.

Leopold Kohr, The Breakdown of Nations

[7thprincess]

I'd feel like a hypocrite if I say I dont like it. And I also think other Americans are hypocrites if they say they dont like it, because if they dont like other non-Americans talking about America, then um....dont talk about China like you live there[this is just an example!].

But honestly, I do like it. Because usually non-American media is more less bias.

[sokky]

The US election is the biggest news across the world, here in australia its on TV, the papers, and radio, the world is interested on who will win the race (as they say) as Sirce meantion "their actions will effect the world" media today is so edited its hard to find the truth. Im eager to know who will win this major race.

- Sokky

[cafe_addict]

I really don't feel a thing; but I do think people are entitled to their opinions.

[mz simmonz]

I really don't feel a thing; but I do think people are entitled to their opinions.

ditto that. I think it's because I don't really follow politics anyway, so I don't really feel anything when non-Americans give their opinions on the elections, as long as it's not a completely ignorant statement.

[addicted2kdrama]

I think highly of those who are into American politcs/elections as well as their own and I also find them interesting. If you want to add your comments/opinions about the election you should go ahead and do so. No ones going throw a rock at you for doing it.

As long as it's not a 1 line comment from the 3 listed below should be A okay.

1. oh i'll vote for McCain because Palin has big breasts.
2. I'll vote for Obama because he's black.
3. I'll vote for Obama because he's a great public speaker.

I have more but you get the picture.

[Nightmare]

It doesn't bother me. I live in France and they continually talk about it, because they know how important it is.

Some of them do have ignorants comments, but they are some who knows what they're talking about.

[HERMIT]

To a certain extent, I feel somewhat intimidated by the opinions of non-Americans - but not in the sense that I find them offensive. On the contrary, I'm like mz simmonz in that I don't really follow politics all that fervently - that is, while I do pick up and absorb most of what I see in the news, I don't get so 'into it' that I feel compelled to debate issues. So, whenever I hear non-Americans comment about the political atmosphere of US politics, it's more like I'm kind of taken aback at how knowledgeable they are about what's going on than even I am. I was in Europe (England, mostly) last year and sometimes a lot of passing conversation centered around American politics, which kind of surprised me. They followed American politics and I hardly knew anything that was going on in their part of the world. (Although, ironically enough, after a month there I got a lot of exposure at the time with the French presidential elections between Sarkozy and Royal)

[little mixed girl]

i don't care too much, but i don't like it when people are like "your govenment blah-blah-blah".
i try not to do that when i talk to non-americans about stuff, but i feel like a lot of people just want to vent at an american.

...like some dude from lithuania(sp) or some place who was juggling to fund his trip around asia.
i didn't vote for bush, don't come to me with issues about him...

[jN x3 sK]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion even it they don't have the right to say anything. There is nothing wrong with it.

[tinasarangg]

They're entitled to it.
It affects them too...in some aspects.
Foreign policy. Whammy

[Blythe999]

To a certain extent, I feel somewhat intimidated by the opinions of non-Americans - but not in the sense that I find them offensive. On the contrary, I'm like mz simmonz in that I don't really follow politics all that fervently - that is, while I do pick up and absorb most of what I see in the news, I don't get so 'into it' that I feel compelled to debate issues. So, whenever I hear non-Americans comment about the political atmosphere of US politics, it's more like I'm kind of taken aback at how knowledgeable they are about what's going on than even I am. I was in Europe (England, mostly) last year and sometimes a lot of passing conversation centered around American politics, which kind of surprised me. They followed American politics and I hardly knew anything that was going on in their part of the world. (Although, ironically enough, after a month there I got a lot of exposure at the time with the French presidential elections between Sarkozy and Royal)

I applaud anyone who takes an interest in foreign affairs and politics; you could argue that it doesn't affect them, but the truth is that we are living in an increasingly shrinking world. The days of isolationism are gone. It saddens me that the American populace isn't as interested in foreign affairs (we live in our own little ignorant bubble). The elections between Royal and Sarkozy were incredibly important to US-French foreign affairs and should have been followed more closely. Sarkozy being a fervent Bush supporter and Royal not. The Mexican presidential elections during the same time (the candidates names are not coming to me at the moment, but I do remember that the conservative ex-Coca-Cola exec won) were also lost to news about Paris Hilton (so sad).

As an American, I want to hear what other people think; what is their perspective on our culture and politics. Aren't we doing the same right now by reading posts on Soompi?

Personally, I get my news from the English publication the Economist, and I fully enjoy their pragmatic and nonpartisan take on the news. Far superior to Newsweek or Time in my opinion. Hermit, it all comes down to what sells and what the public wants. We are a superpower and our news is important to countries around the world. Unfortunately, from our "superior" position, we forget to follow the news of other countries. Did Americans even realize that Southeast Asian was suffering from a famine this summer? Why, you ask? Because more international crop was switched to corn to support our demand for ethanol!

[.moony.]

I dont really mind/care. Its hard for them not to have an opinion since US politics is covered in other countries. But when I come across a totally ignorant comment, like one that goes against common knowledge, it pisses me off. Other than that its fine.

[sirce]

So I couldn't decide where to post this, because there are several threads on Soompi about the elections. Also, I don't think I know enough details about the elections to talk with them, but I still wanted to post my opinion, but with an (hopefully) reasonable explanation.

So far I know, there are 2 big parties. I think I would vote for the Democrats. Reasons: I'm pro-choice, think teaching abstinence is not enough, likes universal healthcare, for gay rights, consider the environment (more), I'm not that conservative, yadayada etc.. I don't think it should be a big shock. I live in the Netherlands and here everyone must have an insurance, there are (more) gay rights, pro-choice, teach sex-ed etc. and it must have influenced me, because I actually think that's good.
The only thing I'm unsure of is the Afghanistan-issue. In short, from what I've read is that the Republicans want to stay and the Democrats not. I actually feel that even though I wished they would leave (so many deaths), I think that in reality the Americans can't just pull out of Afghanistan. They started it and without them the country would be more of a mess. (Also, without them, the other countries will also leave.)

Now then, as a Democrat I should vote for Obama. That kinda sucks, since I was actually for Hilary. She has more experience and just seems more cutthroat. And frankly, I just think they are all liars and hypocrites, but Hilary seems more of the type of person who would get what she want. And for me, all is okay as long as she can get her bills through.

There are still 3 things I want to mention:
1. Oprah should never have declared support for a political candidate. She has way too much influence. Don't get me wrong. It's not just because this was a turning point for Obama I think, I would've said it if she supported Hillary. (I actually also don't like all those musicians who try to influence people with Democrats slogans. At least explain why, you know.)

2. I'm not that religious, I kinda dislike all the religious stuff. But they (both parties) keep refering to Gods help etc.. Or slamming Obama's background (the Islamitic father). The biggest party in my country is a Christian one (the word Christian is even in their party name), but they don't keep mentioning God. And I don't mind their religious background, because they don't push it to others. Instead, they focus on family values and stuff, yet stay openminded. (They are supposed to be like the Republicans in our country, but I feel like they are a mix of Republican and Democrats)

3. OMG at the mudslinging and insulting the candidates! Even on Soompi I noticed it. I don't agree with Palin on almost everything, but I feel almost sorry for her. Still almost though, because Hilary got the same. And just everything of a persons background gets checked for dirt. Heck, I don't even know how many children our minister-president has..... (Okay just googled it when writing this post, the answer is 1.)

Okay, I'll stop now. If my reasoning is totally off, tell me and I'll edit (don't want to start arguing).

[Pogichinoy]

I'm in Australia and I'm keen to find out the result of the next US election only because it'll affect me in the future.