Should American voters care what the world thinks about the presidential candidates?

I have a business where I deal with people overseas - THEY LOVE AMERICANS, they do not hate us at all...  they like what we stand for and *do* respect us - BUT THEY HATE OUR CURRENT POLITICAL REGIME... 

The whole world *IS* watching with held breathe to see if we will depose the neo-con republicans that have stirred up the hornets nests in the world.  They too want a President who will govern with HOPE AND LOVE OVER HATE AND FEAR....

The world wants Obama for what he represents lets set ANOTHER EXAMPLE for the world to respect us and pick OBAMA over McSame and Palin

George Bush was not the one to start the war on terror- terrorists are responsible.  If we do nothing and sit back with our hands up our butts, history will repeat itself like in World War 2. 

We provide more aid to ailing countries than any other country in the world.  We do not cause hunger- we are trying to ease it.  Enough said. 

And it was not the deregulation but the creation of companies of Fannie May and Freddie Mac who were FORCED to give out bad loans by our Congress - both Democrats and Republicans - that caused this mess. 

Just remember the world is not after our interests but their own.

No one, especially Barack Obama, says "Do Nothing."  He says, and I agree, "Do the Right Thing.  Think about our actions."  We do not have the Military power, or economic power, to take on the World.

Hey Alan 68525, get your facts straight. It was the republican neo-Nazi right that invaded Iraq, while lying to the American people. I have no doubt that 911 was bush's Pearl Harbor and bush allowed it to happen so he could initiate his war of revenge.

Alan-685825, do you get along with people of different races?  Do you get along with you next door neighbor?  If so, answer yourself the how and why then think about the benefits of getting along with other people that don't look, talk or act like you.

"Deregulating"?  Is that your term for "forcing banks to loan money to deadbeats"?  The Dems bought and paid for this disaster, and the massive deficit of worthless social programs is the legacy of FDR and LBJ.  Want to live in a socialist paradise?  Move to the UK.  I have relatives there who'd be happy to swap places with you.

The dollar is strong, oil and metals are down, and I still don't give a crap what they think in France.

Incidentally, I was IN the Middle East when 550 TONS of Uranium was brought out, to be sold to the Canadians.  So much for Hussein's "mythical" WMD program.

Nobama.  Keep the change.

Was that weapons grade uranium?  Even the Bush administration admited they have found no wmd in iraq.

Over and over experts have stated this current financial crisis can't be blamed on any one party or any one act.  It's been a culmination of these and many other factors over time that lead to this situation.  The finger pointing needs to stop.

It's funny how people start throwing the word Socialism around to scare people into agreeing with them.  Socialism?  Rolling back the taxes from 36% to 39%...Pooling our resources together to lower our medical benefits, and provide affordable health care to those who can't afford it today...taking away billions of tax breaks to oil companies so that we can invest it in green technology...getting out of Iraq so we can focus on the original threat to our country OBL...investing in our infrastructure which will also create jobs...this is socialism?

The alternative: continue the current economic policy and provide even more cuts for the wealthiest among us...stay in Iraq indefinitely and ignore the growing threat that is Afghanistan and Pakistan...reignite the cold war with Russia...do absolutely nothing about rising health care costs...privatize social security...continue deregulating so that people can keep gambling away our future...borrow more money from China to keep the blindfold over the American people's eyes...hmmm

America is the greatest country in history.  We shouldn't ignore our leadership position in the world, we should embrace it.  On 9/11 we had a great opportunity to take our place as leaders of the world.  We could have focused our attention on Afghanistan; captured OBL; and if Sadam was still a "threat" then we could have dealt with him when we were done with OBL.  I guarantee if we would have done things this way we would not be in Iraq alone and we would have the moral high ground!  Instead we're looked at as aggressors, occupiers and oil pirates!  It's embarrassing!  I love this country and would defend it to my very last breath, but I'm not blind to the negative things our government does in our name.  We are Americans and we have a voice!  That's what makes our country so great!

With respect to your comments, the real question to ask is this: WHO DECIDES???

WHO decides whether rolling back taxes is good/bad or by how much or who should get a tax break and who shouldn't?

WHO decides whether universial health care is desireable and in what form should it take?  WHO decides who pays and who doesn't?

WHO decides how best to go after OBL? WHO decides if Sadam is a "threat" and if so how best to reduce or eliminate the "threat"?

WHO decides what green tech should be funded (either indirectly by preferential tax treatment or directly by government grants, or by the private sector)?

WHO decides whether the free market is better suited to handle a particular economic issue or whether government is?

The WHO DECIDES is the real problem.  Because when it come right down to it, we all want to decide (assuming you are honest with yourself) or at least have our say.  "You guarantee" that if Bush would have made a different decision the outcome would be as you stated.  Sounds to me like YOU just Decided.  Not sure you are in a possition to make that kind of guarantee now or even back then.

The President, and Congress for that matter, cannot and should not make policy based on whether it will make everyone happy.  They should make policy based on what's best for the country.  OH! But again WHO DECIDES what's best.

I just spent two weeks in Hawaii, there were very few tourists from the U.S. there, tourism is off by 30%. I had the opportunity to talk to many Canadians and Europeans, ALL of them were appalled that Bush was still our President, ALL of them were amazed we elected him a second time, ALL of them could not understand why this vote is as close as it is. Each said they would vote for Obama and each said McCain was too old and to hawkish. Each of them loved the people of the U.S. and each of them "hated" (their words not mine) our government, especially Bush and Cheney. I was amazed at how much they knew about our government and the electoral process. They ALL laughed at the possibility of having Palin as a leader. I know that the world looks at the U.S. for leadership and they are very concerned as to our pick.

John,
I experienced the same thing the 2000 election. I was in Japan at that time (I had mailed my ballot before I left the States) and the people there were totally amazed at the outcome. Everyone I talked to thought that Bush was a total fool and could not understand how he could have possibly been elected.
The next week I was in Thailand and went through the same thing there! I was impressed at how aware people of both countries were of our election process and each candidate. The whole process was embarressing and I vowed to never be out of the States again during an election.
I feel fortunate that I was home by the time we knew the election had been a fraud. We lost so much credibility in the world as a result of the last two presidential elections. I desperately hope that we don't experience that again tomorrow!

Unfortunatly you guys are noticeing the effect of evangellical christianity of which I have been a member for sometime and now I am starting to really question my church home.

When our fore-fathers set before us the Constitution they stated quite plainly that there was to be a complete separation from church and state.  reason being that in religion, individuals wouold stake their life entire to defend that beleif but that beleif may not be in the best interest of the nation at all time concidering the fact that the United States of America was founded as the ONE nation that was going to allow freedom of religion.

This is the seeming basis of the current Republican Party.  they seem to have abandoned the freedom of religion aspect to concentrate on issues that ONLY the Evangelical movement approves of. That is not American.  The constitution waswritten by Catholics, Methodists, Prodestants and even some who where beleived to be Athiest.

Just look at the base and explain to me why the nation has so many religious denominations but yet we as a nation seem to act bitter toward all of them.  We forget that most of the Africans were musilm and that the practically built this nation with the sweat from thier brow, the blood from thier backs and event their very lives.

We forget that it took a nation of Buddist to hide, protect and assist our troops in battle in China during our retaliation in World War II.  America is full of hypocrytes, biggots and out right fools but you can not give up hope.  this IS the greatest most powerfull nation in the world and it is time to show the world this.  not by blowing off steam in a nation becaus ewe got hit but by standing tall like a father who knows one of his kids has done wrong and having the wisdom, patience and collectivism to find the guilty one and to punish the accourdingly, not just rush in the room and beat all the kids till they conffess to anything to avoid being beaten any more.

Vast majority? I think is like 51-45, far from "vast".  4% swing and the majority changes. Bush has done very little to improve our world image. I haope the the next president will do better. At the same time I pray that the needs of the people of this contry FAR OUT WEIGHT the need of other countries. We elect a president to represent us as a nation, not to be a PR guy and pander to other nations at our expense.

Oh, for Pete's sake, when you start off a comment slamming Bush, you show yourself to be completely biased and your comment means little.

Yes, but never to the point that we run our country the way the rest of the world wants it to be run.   Courtesy and consideration, yes, but never subservience.

Just as we don't demand Germany or Spain adhere to our way of doing things, we should also be allowed to go about our business as Americans in America, not as a province of the EU.

Do you think the rest of the world actually cares about us? They just want our $ aide, stop sending $ to all these countries and use it to pay down our debt. Let them see how it is to survive on their own.

As I tell all my Obama supporting friends....be careful what you wish for.

That will begin with a great leader.

Sorry, but whichever way the election goes, you ain't gettin' one this time out.

PistOff . . . did you ever say a mouthful of truth!  I see plastic apples who look impressive and have persuaded followers of their perfection and ability to lead but no substance beneath the empty promises.  I don't salivate over any candidate.  :(

If you don't like the candidates, don't just complain.  Do something about it, become involved in the process, find a potential candidate you do like and support him/her, maybe even run for something yourself...but please don't just sit around and whine about it.

No Substance, McCain/Palin/Bush.  The last eight years are overwhelming with empty promises.  Tell us how you have survived, and do you not think team work is important to any operation, company or even country?  My first thought when Bush was elected the second time around was omg how bad will it be or become and what have we've gotten ourselves into! 

Chantay, Ditto.  I thought the same thing when Bush went in for a second term.  I thought to myself, "Is America asking for it, or what...."

Well, we got it.  4 more years of "the same".

Now look where we are.  The Republican candidates are very transparent to me.  Their body language, facial expressions, and the rhetoric they talk is an obvious sign, in my opinion, of things getting much, much worse fast if they are elected in.

I think McCain has some character about him to lead, but not for President.  I think he's too stringent and stiff.... and he is not coming through as genuine when I watch and listen to him.  As far as Palin..... well... I don't want to get into that because it's really negative but she's so far removed from a competent leader to me.... She is really snarky and unlikeable in my view.  I would not be proud if she was 2nd in charge to the country. 

I like Obama.  I like the way he carries himself and listens.  Someone on this board said that he was full of arrogance and that he has no patience to listen to anyone else's opinion other than his own.  I never saw that firsthand from Obama.  I see it from McCain though.... even if his words remain calm, his facial muscles are tensing up and you can tell he's boiling over inside.  That scares me coupled with Palin's lack of substance.  I'm even more frightened that their own campaign has turned scandalous.

I whole heartly agree with you!

I actually voted for Bush in 2004...Sorry...I learned my lesson.  Palin reminds me of Bush/Cheney.  McCain would have made a great president in 2000, and I can't help but wonder how things might have turned out if he were the one holding the reigns on 9/11.

This "New" McCain seems desperate.  This is his last chance at the presidency and it seems he has sold his core principles to try to get into office.  It's been hard to watch this over the past 2 months.  He was someone that I had a great admiration for, still do.  But I am in agreement with the fact that we need someone new in office.  Someone that can listen more than dictate.  I see the people who have announced their support for Obama, and it is clear that he is that "new blood" our country needs right now.  I would be lying if I tried to say that I backed McCain at any moment this year, but when he became the Republican candidate it got my attention.  Then he gave the "that's not change we can believe in" speech to the media in front of that green screen and he didn't sound like the same guy in 2000...then he picked Sarah Palin...HUH?  That sealed it for me.  It would have taken McCain to run a campaign similar to his run in 2000 to get my vote.  It would have taken a McCain that came right out of the gate denouncing Bush and Cheney to get my vote.  Instead he surrounded himself with Bush/Cheney people and brought in a Bush/Cheney clone as his VP.

It's a shame.

I agree with all that you said, Fred.  I share your feelings about McCain.

I think he would have been a strong leader 8 years ago, but not now.  He is looking (visually and audibly) desperate for this presidency, because, as you said, I think he knows it's his last run.

He is not a stupid man.  McCain is very intelligent, and I had much more respect for him then..  I even considered voting for McCain in this election.  I was a toss-up.  But once he chose Palin.... and once I saw her and listened to her.... I wondered why he would have chosen her, other than to stir things up and throw things a bit off course with his maverick independence.  He did turn things off course in choosing her; for himself.

I also learned more about his character when I read the Rolling Stone article, "The Make-Believe Maverick" online.  It's not the Nat'l Enquirer, but a credible publication.  And when I read McCain's story, I knew without a doubt that I could not back him.

I wonder now who he would have chosen if he had it to do all over again.  That's the thing; there is no more room for second chances for this nation.  Whoever is leading had better get it right the first time.

The scandals surrounding McCain/Palin are a circus.  They are infighting and it just all comes off so badly.  It saddens me to see how unqualified this party is to come in this time around and set things straight.

I was raised Dem but I am an Independent.  I voted Reagan and would do it again.  I vote based on character; not party.

I think McCain's getting old..... too old considering I can see he doesn't handle stress with the finesse and right attitude I would like to see him respond with.  He could really have a heart attack under the pressure of being our President.  He really seems to be furious underneath the strained smiles.  He does appear desperate for the candidacy, and I almost feel sorry for him...... but if he chose Palin as his running mate, what other strange "out there" decisions could he make on behalf of our nation if he were elected in?

No thank you.

Obama is portraying himself as all that McCain is not; calm, cool, collected, rational, and not desperate.  I honestly can say I have watched every single debate (Biden did very well; Palin blew it)... and for all involved, the dems had the republicans at the get-go.

I think it's their turn to right the nation.

Go Obama/Biden!!! You guys rock!!! Final stretch, people! Yes, we can! 

Right on the money!  More people need to read history books on this site!

Tolerance??  That's both hypocritical and idiotic coming from someone who supports McCain and Palin, who basically spew hate toward anyone who doesn't see their views.

Use you brain instead of being their tool.

"If this were a dictatorship,
it would be a heck of a lot easier,
just so long as I'm the dictator."
December 18, 2000

George W. Bush

This is where you and  little minds one's like are so off it's gotten to be funny. Obama will bring us out of

the Dictatorship that buttbrainbush put us in and all around the world . Best example of arrogance are people voting for Mcsame ....What they are truly saying is we want:... George W. Bushbutthead  ,Castro, Hitler,  Carl Marx,  Hugo Chavezthose  ideas to run the UNITED STATES...  Wrong that will not happen, we are taking back "We the People" not we the replubutt dictatorship company.

  OBAMA 08

What hate have McCain and Palin been "spewing"?  Any examples?  The truth may hurt, but it doesn't come from hate.  Obama plans to force dissenting constituents into being involved in his fantastical (meaning based on fantasy) policies.  There's no room for "tolerance" in that. 

You might want to make sure your neurons are firing properly yourself, rapidron.

the Dictatorship that buttbrainbush put us in and all around the world . Best example of arrogance are people voting for Mcsame ....What they are truly saying is we want:... George W. Bushbutthead ,Castro, Hitler, Carl Marx, Hugo Chavezthose ideas to run the UNITED STATES... Wrong that will not happen, we are taking back "We the People" not we the replubutt dictatorship company

Such a scintillating array of highly educated opinions. I am especially amazed at your profound and skillful use of the word "butt." All those years in second grade weren't wasted, I see.

Strange how you put socialists like Chavez and the Castros in with Bush. If you'd bother to read Obama's books you'd see that he favors socialists (in Dreams from My Father, Obama says he willingly surrounded himself with socialist professors while he was in college) and follows their tenets to this day. No, he won't say that out loud, but look at his voting record both in Illinois and Washington and you'll see what he's really like. I think it's amusing (and somewhat pathetic) that you'll compare Bush to socialist dictators then leap to embrace another socialist in the same breath.

Hate is fine and dandy, but don't be stupid about it.

Pull your swastikas out of your anal orifice along with your head. It is Palin and McBush who are intolerant and racist. McCain even campaigned for George Wallace Jr.  Palin the @!$%# is nothing more than a domestic terrorist who want to secede from the union.  McCain even asked for the endorsement of Hagee. Parley and Hagee are nothing more than Christian extremists who are described in Mathew 7:15 though 7:22.

Couldn't agree more! Obama & supporters completely dismiss anyone who disagrees with them, and Biden has always given the impression that he thinks he is the "smartest guy in the room".  As for unity, bilateralism, cooperation, etc: John McCain has on several occasions lent his support to Democrat initiatives, but how many times has Obama thrown his support behind Republican sponsored legislation? I fear for the Bill of Rights if Obama is elected and packs the Supreme Court with left wing fanatics.       

The only ones that has this air of arrogance is the GOP party.  AIP, Alaska Independence Party wanting to denounce America.  Then John McCain, "I didn't love America until I missed her company."  What a set of values they have.  And I can see Russia from Alaska!  LOL, war, blood and lives.

"What a Joke" hit the nail on the head. Each time I tune in to listen to Obama's views to make an informed vote, I hear the full arrogance of his opinions and his intolerance for anyone that is different than him.  Watch out anyone who dares to ask him a direct question or apposed him.  If he becomes our president are those of us that do not agree with his socialistic views going to be segregated from society? Unfortunately we have to vote for the lesser of two evils, and all I see from the Obama supporters is anger, hatred and a general lack in education and eloquence. What a great world we have to look forward to if they get their way.

Bush is president too not saying much now are you?  Songbird McCain, proven to break in a time of crisis, Palin pretends she knows what the heck she's doing.  Examples of Palin's smartness:  Hiring an administrator while mayor of Alaska to execute her job duties.  Todd, first dude is the one that's conducting the business of Alaska which lead too "Abuse Of Power" charge Palin has against her now.  And bless God, Palin feels like she's been vindicated.  AIP, Alaska Independent Party.  "I didn't love America until I was without her company". 

Obama, stated Unity and not division, and is it not perferred to be liked or accepted rather than "Hate to See You Coming" attitude?

"What a Joke" hit the nail on the head. Each time I tune in to listen to Obama's views to make an informed vote, I hear the full arrogance of his opinions and his intolerance for anyone that is different than him. Watch out anyone who dares to ask him a direct question or oppose him. If he becomes our president are those of us that do not agree with his socialistic views going to be segregated from society? Unfortunately we have to vote for the lesser of two evils, and all I see from the Obama supporters is anger, hatred and a general lack in education and eloquence. What a great world we have to look forward to if they get their way.

Arrogance is more clearly defined by the Bush doctrine, which McCain fully supports.  "Bring it on!"  "Mission Accomplished."  We're all familiar with McCain's hairtrigger temper, a slow learner who apparently crashed five jets during his flyboy years, and not much has changed.  We're despised around the world and that might not register with Americans, but it should.  We're tempting bankruptcy with a 12 billion dollar a month war in Iraq, standing alone because of arrogance, bogged down in another country and posturing with two or three more.  Middle aged soldiers with families are serving their second and third tours in Iraq while their families lose their homes, and thousands return with missing limbs, mental and physical trauma, but the news blathers on about Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton.  As for Obama supporters showing anger and hatred, McCain and company are the ones running the hateful ads, while Obama refuses to introduce the many questionable connections and unsound judgment (Keathing Five) that litter McCain's life.  

Lola in NJ, that's funny that you think if Obama's elected, those that don't agree with his views could be segregated from society. I also find it funny that you see anger in Obama supporters. I have been watching a variety of different news shows, including Fox and all I see is McCain and Palin over and over talking about how Obama is a socialist. Palin, with a smile, encourages her supporters to boo and yell things out. In one of her speeches a guy without a shirt on with the words "Obama is a baby-killer" written on his back was stirring up the audiences and Palin did nothing. What about your sweet little Ashley Todd who's so uneducated she carves a "b" into her face (backwards I might add) instead of an O? Anyone with a brain would've opted for the O. Then she has the nerve to say a black man did it. When John McCain tries to say that Obama is not a terrorist, he's booed from his own people. The guy made an attempt to not be nasty, but his own supporters wanted the nastiness. There's also the guy in my state who blurted out over and over "I'm mad! I'm mad!" during McCain's town hall meeting. All of this sounds like anger to me. For the past eight years I've been called unpatriotic because I didn't agree with the war. We're called un-American if we don't have the exact same values and beliefs as Palin. Lola, the only thing you're going to notice if Obama is elected is that you will take home bigger paychecks. No rich guy is going to be directly sending you a check and the government is not going to be sending you a check either. If you file taxes and get a tax check back, you may notice it will be bigger. If you hate socialism, then you must hate the police dept., the fire dept., driving on the roads, etc. etc. If McCain is elected, then you will see the exact same Bush policies that have clearly not been working played out again for the next four years. Don't fear socialism, it won't happen.

Obama is totally arrogant.  He looks down his nose at everyone and laughs at the plights of others even when campaigning.  He has absolutely no tolerance for anyone with an opinion other than his own and is very quick to shut the mouths of anyone who disagrees.  If he can't stop you from trying to find out what he really thinks he shuts you down (or has his pit bull press do it).  This man is scary - he has never ever admitted to making a mistake or being wrong about anything. There is not an ounce of humility in him.  A president should be a man who desires to serve his country not reign and rule from on high!

I do partially agree with some of your comments and agree wholeheartedly that our media does run on about absolutely nothing of importance where our "celebrities" are concerned. It is a shame that they do not spread unbiased news about real trauma that affects our brave soldiers. However these wonderful soldiers choose to serve second and third tours to protect our ability to voice our opinions in the free society that we are fortunate to be a part of.  They are not drafted or forced to be there, but they risk their lives for US and it sounds like most people forget this fac . Still, don't hide your head in the sand by believing that McCain is the only side running hateful adds, neither candidate is innocent on this fact and neither candidate is an ideal option for us to choose. But it is our right to choose and to have differing opinions. I wonder have you ever visited other countries? They do not all despise us as the media and the vocal minority would lead us to believe. Unfortunately as a world power we will stand alone on many issues, and there is no doubt that at times we are too forceful and bully the smaller nations, but that is a negative that comes with the responsibility of taking care of situations that can not take care of themselves. I have been welcomed with open arms in many of the countries I have visited south of the border and in Europe. 

Lindy, I am largely and undecided voter down to the wire. I do not feel strongly for Obama nor do I feel strongly for McCain. McCain supporters are not my supporters and neither is "your sweet little Ashley Todd". I also do not vote for the Vice President, and my opinion of Biden or Palin will not swing my vote. I try to listen to what the presidential candidates say and watch how they react to the reckless supporters and protesters to be as informed as possible. Both sides disgust me. However, I do enjoy having a police dept., a fire dept., and the ability to driving on the roads, etc., but WE pay for this through taxes in a democratic society. That is not socialism.

I don't think Obama is arrogant at all.  If he was he would have let people continuing booing when he mentioned something.  He  told the crowd not to boo but to vote.  That in itself shows something unlike Palin/McCain who seem to like florishing in spewed hate

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
~~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Molly,Kudos and many thanks for that bit of much needed wisdom!

A. Karl Marx was an author. and no...its not spelled with a C....do your homework before you rant.

B. McCain is an idiot. His scores in the military were crap and he was a horrible pilot in comparison. Obama isn't much better. He is just the first in line of a new wave of polititions who weren't born during vietnam. Get used to it, the 'Where were you during vietnam' question doesn't apply to todays world.

C. There's a reason why theres a spreading global feeling that nothing we, the citizens of the world, do matters anymore.

"WhataJoke"... George Washington also happened to be an agent of change...

Lola, the way a lot of non-Americans view the election is this:

If McCain gets elected, it's just more evidence of electoral fraud in the same Republican vein as the last two elections. Hunker in, wait for 'Riots in America' to fade off the news, and get on with life.

If Obama gets elected, wait for the assassination, mourn for the loss of the greatest American leader in decades, hunker in, wait for 'Riots in America' to fade off the news, and get on with life.

Outside of the USA, we don't hate Americans. We hate your administration who get their brains from Texas and their balls from DC, and not the other way around.

Sirgwain.

Bravo I couldn't agree more if B.O GETS IN our bill of rights are done.Our only hope is that the supreme court hears the case of his questionable proof of birth place. So far there is no evidence of him providing proper documented proof of birth.I believe the supreme court is waiting for the result on Tuesday before they act and then I guess it will be Joe.

Sick and tired

Obama's mother was American so it doesn't matter "where" he was born, He is automatically a citizen.

Birth Abroad to One Citizen and One Alien Parent in Wedlock: A child born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent acquires U.S. citizenship at birth under Section 301(g) INA provided the citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. for the time period required by the law applicable at the time of the child's birth. (For birth on or after November 14, 1986, a period of five years physical presence, two after the age of fourteen is required. For birth between December 24, 1952 and November 13, 1986, a period of ten years, five after the age of fourteen are required for physical presence in the U.S. to transmit U.S. citizenship to the child.

Sirgwain, don't spew the hate onto this blog.  We are tried of this type of personal attacks on any candidate(s).  Now, unless it true then say otherwise research your information that you are supporting and stop assuming.   Taking advantage of someone just because you can, by not means make it Okay!

Thanks!

...   I don't think 'citizenship' is being called into question.  I could be born in China, and become a citizen of the USA, that doesn't qualify me to run for the President of the United States. 

Only native-born U.S. citizens (or those born abroad, but only to parents who were both citizens of the U.S.) may be president of the United States.

Just my 2 cents...

Bravo Sir

Chris,

Obviously, you don't watch BBC News.

Although it would require learning a second language, it's worth having a look at media outside the US.  It's on an entirely different level.  I watch France 2.  I wouldn't describe it as an outlet for ideology at all.

I have travelled in 15 countries in the past 20 years, and everywhere I have gone I have found that people love America's ideals and what she used to stand for - but hate the arrogance with which we have behaved in the past 8 years.   We have repeatedly spat in the face of the very people who were trying to work with us, acting as if there is no intelligent opinion outside of ours.  Being a truly democratic society means listening to and respecting opinions differing from our own - and being willing to learn from other opinions.

One of the biggest mistakes Bush made was acting in the Middle East without ever making any attempt to learn and understand the cultures involved.  I have met muslims, buddhists, hindus, christians, atheists and agnostics who were wonderful people.  Perhaps if we were more willing to truly study their cultures - not that taught by the fanatics of ALL faiths - we might be more respected around the world.

It was Georgia that invaded the territority that was once Northern Georgia. They wanted to be a part of Russia, but the rest of Georgia, repeating history, said no and they invaded and started to perform a cultural cleansing. Russia stepped in to protect those people from genocide so get your head out of your backside and read something instead of listening to Bilo the Clown.  Bush and Cheney are criminals who deserve to be imprisoned for crimes against the constitution. 

I don't see how you can see McCain as strong and trustworthy-Keating 5. If he's elected, I could see him clearly doing whatever it takes for him to get richer at the expense of the rest of us and the rest of the world. So what if Obama's aunt is here illegally. He doesn't even have much contact with his dad so how would he know?? I don't know what every single relative of mine is up to at any given moment; especially if I'm busy with something else (a campaign maybe?) How many times does it have to be proven and mentioned over and over that there were a few people that cheated within Acorn, but Obama had nothing to do with it. Just because a few priests molest children, does it mean that they all do? Let the gossip and the rumors go and look at each person's plan.

Uhm, for your information, Senator McCain also has chummed around with ACORN, and even gave a speech in 05 praising them for their good work.  It amazes me that people like you are so misinformed, and continue to misinform others with YOUR lies.

McCain also chums around with 'low down rats', such as Khalidi, who he gave half a million dollars to, yet they criticize Obama for knowing the guy.  Of course, all those charges from Pallin and McCain are so trumped up, and people like you just lap up the lies and missinformation.  Why don't you just shut up, because you don't know what you're talking about.