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US Presidential election : Your views |
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3 November, 2004 George W Bush will serve a
second term as President of the United States after Democratic challenger John Kerry
acknowledged defeat in the US election. In his victory speech, Mr Bush said he would reach
out to Democrat voters and make them believe in him. Senator John Kerry made his concession speech to
crowds gathered in Boston. He congratulated the president and spoke of the need to unite
the country. Send us your experiences and views of the US
election and its results. What will President Bush's second term mean for America, and the
rest of the world? The following comments reflect the balance of
opinion we have received so far:
Yes I am European and wanted Kerry to win. But at
the end of the day it doesn't affect me as much as those who voted for Bush. Good luck
with the record deficit, the growing unemployment, and continuing lack of friends...and of
course, the more hostile terrorists that Bush has unleashed. Kerry would have been better
for you, and you guys are going to kick yourselves. Security, Pah! Anyone, including Kerry
could have instigated security for your country. Bush has only taken away your civil
liberties and created a big brother dictatorship. The founding fathers must be turning in their graves
right now. I am ashamed to be an American. President Bush you either love him or hate him but
you always know where he stands. According to a lot of the people writing in, it is the
educated people who vote for Kerry. Do I need a master's degree or PhD to vote? The
Democrats need a solid challenger, and Hillary isn't it. This is all from an uneducated
point of view of course.
The electoral college certainly needs revamping.
But there is a much bigger problem that everybody is ignoring, which is that when we want
to choose a Miss America, we get like 50 choices. But when we want to choose our
president, we get just two. It's truly a shame that as Americans we have to be
categorized into red and blue states. As a Republican formerly from the Midwest, I wish
many of my counterparts voted on the issues alone. The Republican party has been extremely
successful over the past couple of decades in harvesting the conservative vote. If
conservatives really knew that the Democratic party would serve them better, things would
be different. To me, this election was about the head (issues) versus heart (values). The
heart won. I just hope we collectively have a large enough stomach to deal with the next 4
years. President Bush has won the election, and it seems
almost surreal. I am disappointed in our political system; and fearful for not only our
generation, but the subsequent one. America has made a fatally wrong decision; which will
unfold before our eyes, if we can bear to look at the gargantuan monster of war, square in
the eyes. When will people understand that America needs a president with superior
intellect, one who can bring the Nation together, install adequate healthcare; and above
all, hold the American people in the highest regard, in regard to policies. Martin Luther
King said "I have a dream". I say, "The dream has died for now, but we can
not let the nightmare intimidate or eradicate us. Let's work together, for a better
brighter lovelier America. Remember, Bush may have the White House, But he can never
"have" the American people.
To the Americans who voted; Good for you. To the
Americans who voted for Kerry; hold your head high, you did all that you could. To those
Americans who voted for Bush and 4 more years of incompetent leadership; You will get
exactly what you deserve. To my fellow Canadians who live in such close proximity to what
is apparently a large population of war- mongering idiots, we must continue to remain
unmoved by propaganda and threats and again respond with a polite "No thank you"
to the next request to join the "coalition of the willing to bomb other countries
because we feel like it". With Bush in office again it's only a matter of time. Given that George Bush has got a second term in
office, one of his biggest challenges will be to try and win over the other half of the
country that didn't vote for him. I now must seriously consider moving to Canada. I am
simply astonished that an apparent majority of Americans can support the manipulation,
deception and failed diplomacy of Bush. Moreover, I am appalled at our election process
and the pressure for Mr. Kerry to concede when we clearly do not have an account of all
the votes. I just want to point out to some of the posters on
this board that I am not ignorant, mislead or misinformed. In fact I am very well educated
and quite well read and am very aware of events world wide. I voted for George Bush
because I believe his policies are best for this country. Bottom line; my opinion is just
as valid as a liberal one and in this country I am free to express it.
The election is over. The results are in. The
system worked. Now, however happy or miserable anyone is, let's deal with the situation at
hand. People who don't understand need to have an open mind to the way things work in
America. I hear and read about how many people are saying that America just doesn't get
it, why would they vote for George W? Well obviously America is saying why shouldn't they
vote for George W? Good or bad this is the way things are. I am happy that Americans came out to vote in record
numbers, and I support the Democratic process. I voted for John Kerry, because I wanted to
get George Bush out of office. I hope that the rest of world finally stands up against our
American President and our policies and do not support him. The next four years are going
to be a living nightmare. Oh stop the sensationalism! Bush isn't that bad, and
Kerry certainly wouldn't have been that good. I voted for Bush, and my vote certainly was
not driven by fear. Far from it! I'm genuinely optimistic about the next four years,
difficult though they may be.
At least Bush won properly this time, however I am
completely disappointed with America's ability to reason with the facts. Bush is a
disaster as President and will only serve to further alienate America from the rest of the
world. Any future President who wishes to improve America after Bush has gone will have a
very hard time. I feel great pity on behalf of the American people,
as it is a poor reflection of themselves to have re-elected this sham of a leader. For
those who protest against European criticism of the USA and of the Bush administration,
they are quite right in that their country is free to choose its own way. However it is
when the US meddles needlessly in foreign affairs that the Europeans really get critical What does the likely outcome of this election mean to
me over here in Australia? It means that the majority of U.S citizens prefer: war to the
possibility of peace, unilateralism to the possibility of a worldwide effort in the face
of terrorism, more reliance on oil and the Middle Eastern problems that come with it, to
the possibility of more sustainable and viable energy sources. These amongst other issues
were clear differences between the two candidates. Unfortunately I fear that they will get
what they ask for and takes us down with them. Bush has done nothing to address the Palestinian /
Israeli conflict, which is the source of Arab terrorism directed at the United States.
Bush's 'war on terror' attacks the symptom of a much deeper (and global) dis-ease. His
thinking is fundamentalist, dualistic and, ultimately, unrealistic. Welcome to the second
Dark Ages.
George Bush is a true leader and 58.6 million
Americans agreed with him, which is a new record. Most of the rhetoric everyone hears is
partisan babble that has to be discounted. The American people have spoken and those who
still won't admit our economy is on the way up and George Bush's policies are the reason
why need a reality check. Why is everyone here speaking as if America
overwhelmingly supported President Bush last night? I myself was surprised at how well he
did in the popular vote, but come on folks, he hardly got a landslide! A 40% disapproval
rating in most states is hardly a sign of unanimous support. I am saddened that Americans
have given into fear mongering and the unilateralism of the neo-cons, but as one of the
significant minority who voted otherwise I'd appreciate some acknowledgement. We're not
alone; 240 electoral votes is nothing to sneeze at. Please don't lump all Americans under
the Bush banner just because of this election! We are not all mindless consumers of
Fox-propaganda. Let's see - the American economy is in the dumps,
world opinion of the United States has hit an all time low, and the war in Iraq has no end
in sight and is thus far, disastrous (both financially and morally.) It makes perfect
sense why Bush was re-elected.
It seems the world stands in shock as we re-elect a
President they feel brings nothing but "horror." Maybe I can shed some light on
why this may have occurred. The US truly is in a war mentality now and not because of
Iraq. War has been declared on us and us alone. Our allies get some fallout, but we are
truly the target. It was declared many years before Bush came into office and we just
didn't listen. Now we are listening and many people feel strongly that our actions in Iraq
will ultimately bring peace and sovereignty to (hopefully) the entire Middle East. No one
knows how to fight this war. It all came down to trust and John Kerry just didn't win
America's trust. Hillary won't either. The Democrats need a strong, solid leader if they
want to challenge the Republicans in a time of war. They chose the wrong candidate this
time. I realize that the Europeans are not too happy with
our election results, but it was OUR election, not there's. As for Europe, they can either
participate in the next 4 years of history, or, once again be left at the wayside. It's
their decision, we already made ours. What has been demonstrated here is the power of the
uneducated voter. Many allowed partisan propaganda to affect their decision without
looking into the candidates properly. The President is the "President", not a
drinking buddy or a pal. Personally, I am dreading the next four years under Bush. Way to
go guys!
I'm a lifelong Republican who, with considerable
trepidation, cast my vote for John Kerry because I've been so disheartened by Bush's
misguided domestic and international policies. I also hate that his tenure has so
distorted and debased America's position in the world. However, you can't really blame the
voters; too many didn't feel they had any choice but to stick with someone they knew. The
real fault for sending Bush back for another term lies with the Democratic Party for not
presenting a stronger alternative to Bush. Kerry never inspired the majority of the
American electorate to view him as anything other than a protest vote. Trust me, many many
people here held their nose as they cast their vote for Bush. Oh goodness, what a sad day this is for democracy.
With Bush as president for next 4 years we can only look forward to more incompetence.
America will continue to lose the trust within it's allies and the respect of the rest of
the free world. A resounding victory by President Bush, both in the
Electoral College as well as the popular vote; it'll be an even bigger victory once the
military ballots are counted.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, to let
their voice be heard. But I'm pretty tired of European criticism of my country. You guys
are so willing to throw criticism around without looking at your own plight. Poor economic
performance, rising unemployment, rising anti-Semitism, etc. Try criticising your leaders,
and let us (Americans) worry about ours. The comments here split into two groups: Those
outside America who can see the damage Bush has done and those inside America who seem to
believe the never ending propaganda they are bombarded with. Many of us held out hope that large turnout would
reveal a sane, reality-based electorate, one that votes for policy rather than the
made-for-TV "values" portrayed by these candidate-actors. This result, with such
high turnout, is truly depressing. It shifts much of the responsibility for the
out-of-touch, discriminatory, bullying attitude portrayed by our current leadership to the
people themselves. Separation of church and state is no longer valued by the majority in
the U.S. The founding fathers must be rolling over in their graves. This election was irrational fear against highly
rational anger. It looks like fear got the better of us this time. Here on the West Coast,
we are holding on to the hope for Ohio - we haven't lost yet, and stranger things have
happened. Perhaps there is still a miracle in the making. Bush wins, and it really tells something about people
of the United States. More war and misery.
The American People have spoken. The world's oldest
democracy is thriving with record turnouts of voters across the entire nation. Kerry lost
because he was fatally flawed in several respects and Kerry did not present a sufficiently
attractive alternative to widely disliked President Bush. There are so many people here who cannot get over the
fact that the USA is a democracy. If you lose an election, a fair election, in a democracy
it is not the end of the world. Republicans ran a campaign blitz predicated on fear,
shrouded in antiquated cultural mores, and will reap exactly what they have sown. I see George Bush as an antagonistic president; I
think he will probably win. Most New Zealanders want Kerry to win.
The voice of America indeed - but which America?
How so many people voted for Bush is mind-boggling. An absolute disaster. This is a tragic
day for our planet and for all of us, wherever we live. If Bush wins, as it seems now, we will have more
problems. For the world it's a sad day. The conflicts with Europe will widen. And the
hatred against the US will also widen. Just hope for 2008 and Hillary Clinton. I find it simply amazing how much the rest of the
world is shocked by the US election results. I think somehow they come to expect that the
United States is here to respond to all the world's will and beckoning call. Not so! This
time we opened up our political wallets and cheque books and spent our political capital
on what is right for ourselves. Now as I sit and read so many, many whiny and selfish
comments from the rest of the world, it reminds me of the young child that cries after
he/she just had their lollipop taken away. Don't worry everyone, the sun is going to rise
tomorrow and the world is not coming to an end. Everything is going to be okay.
I am so angry right now it's impossible to think
straight. How my fellow countrymen can possibly think that George Bush deserved to be
re-elected defies explanation. The man has isolated us from our allies, has waged a war
that did not need fighting, has done nothing to improve the economy, and has used social
issues to drive wedges through American society under the guise of morality. It amazes and
saddens me that so many Americans can be so easily misled. According to this result the majority of American
voters are apparently happy to live in a society that eschews any kind of social or
liberal values whatsoever. I fear for the future of America's many poor citizens and the
minority of civilised and decent and above all educated American voters who voted for
Kerry. Most of all I fear for the future of the world and hope that Europe and in
particular Tony Blair takes a much tougher stance against any more US military aggression
that Bush has planned for his second term. I hope that Ohio is not called until all the votes
are counted, provisional and absentee. At least one Ohio absentee ballot was not received
until Nov. 1. As an American living in London, I am pleased that
the US results are going the way they are, it shows that Kerry's hype didn't pull off.
America's position in the world is different to Finland's or Belgium, and Europeans have
always been critical of the US, so why should it matter now? I wont be intimidated by what
"Europe" thinks of my president because they didn't elect him. To me the most interesting and the same time the most
frightening fact related to this election-like reality show, is that we discuss and care
about it. It seems that the American control over the planet enlarges to a fascistic
dimension. How pathetic! With literally tens of thousands of
absentee and write-in Ballots yet uncounted, Mr. Bush is itching to declare victory. It's
another very close race with Ohio as the final decisive factor.
Well I'm in the minority I guess but I'm so happy
that Bush seems to be pulling ahead and will win the race. These difficult times require
clear leadership, dedication and strength. Kerry didn't have any of those qualities. Bush
is the only one who could lead America. It is now clear that the majority of American people
do not share the same values and vision for their society that the majority of Europeans
do. The UK government and the conservative governments in Europe should take note of this
fact and build future EU/US relations accordingly. There is now no excuse for playing with
a 'special relationship' with the US. It is "almost" unbelievable that the
American people have once again chosen to allow Bush control of power for another four
years. I feel as though they have turned their back on the international community, that
they have forgotten that the world is small place, where America's actions affect us all. I find it incredible that the US States are allowed
so much time to count the votes. Perhaps some of the two billion dollars spent on
campaigning would have been better spent on modernising their election system. I'm not a practising man but please God, Allah,
Jahwe; don't let Bush win this one. The world has not become a safer or secure place. Nor
has he brought prosperity or any good news. Come on Kerry or at least Hilary in 2008.
Please, not another 4 years of misery!
Perhaps with a country so divided, it is time for
it to be split into 3. I lived in the US for 6 years and loved it but many friends on the
East and West coasts were tired of being dominated by the middle of the country. West
Coast friends used to laughingly talk about 'Pacifica', a nation of California, Oregon,
Washington State and British Columbia. They aren't laughing now, and neither is the rest
of the world. I was going to rant against the US people for voting
in Bush. Having read the comments here, all I can say is: I am truly sorry for you, I too
fear terrible times ahead. It's a sad day for the world if Bush wins. America
will get the President it deserves, but unfortunately so will the rest of the world. In
this campaign we have seen the corrupt and dishonest way so-called American democracy
works. Yet they want to impose this on the rest of the world! It is high time for the rest
of the world to stand up and be counted. To those who wish to leave the country when Mr. Bush
wins the election, I would say that your decision would be strange, given that there are
so many people even now that are desperately trying to come here. The freedoms and
privileges we enjoy, however flawed, are still about as good as any this world has to
offer. I am really eager to find out who will win the votes,
but hopefully John Kerry will win. If Bush wins then it will be really bad for USA let
alone the rest of the world! I am one of the individuals who watched with
interests the way the elections were conducted. It was fantastic. Keep the standards of
democracy! Keep on shining!.
I can say that the election results fill me with
dismay. If Bush wins this election I can honestly say that I will be embarrassed to admit
that I am an American. Many people in this country seem to have voted on fear instilled in
them from right-wing propaganda. The fact that the people in my country do not see the
serious damage that Bush has inflicted upon this country and the world boggles my mind.
Fortunately for me my wife is Canadian and now I am even more motivated to pursue my
citizenship for that more enlightened country. I think a win for Bush will be a disaster for African
States because of his foreign policy focused on the war on terror. Because of the war on
terror, African countries are being forgotten. It is of great concern that the so called greatest
democracy in the world has to have lawyers and independent observers to make sure that all
is above board. I woke up this morning very happy. I am a big Bush
supporter. I think the Dems could have won if they had put up a better candidate than
Kerry. Kerry was a poor choice with a horrible history on going back and forth on issues. Well it looks like another 4 years of hearing about
WMD. God help us all and the world. If, as seems increasingly likely, Bush takes a second
term, it is a bleak day not just for America but for the whole world. It is frustrating
having to sit back helplessly and watch as America makes a huge mistake - one which will
not be confined to their borders. In the past four years George Bush has wrecked the
economy, ignored the environment and allowed lives to be lost in a needless war. Who knows
what more he can 'achieve' during another term? One shudders to think.
I have just returned from Denver and San Francisco
and as a regular visitor to the US I am appalled by the very visible increase of poverty
as portrayed by whole communities begging on the streets. In San Francisco nearly every
hotel had a protest outside from former employees 'locked out' and disenfranchised from
their pensions and healthcare programmes. How can anyone with any insight into the decline
of the US economy and their appalling reputation globally vote Bush back in office?
Totally and utterly unbelievable... After looking through the comments from people in
other great nations around the world, it is clearer to me now than ever that Kerry was the
hope of the world. After seeing what Bush could do with four years to destroy America as
we know it, and bring a dark cloud of war to the world stag, it is very frightening to me
to think what he will be able to do with a Republican house and senate for another four
years. God help us. I just wish British elections were as close,
stimulating and exciting as in the USA, whatever your political persuasion. Voter apathy
in the UK is partly a result of there seeming to be no contest (whilst in reality there
are huge issues at stake). People moan that there is no "opposition" over here -
well if you want one, you have got to vote for it! I am not a US voter but my wife is. It is
unbelievable how many Americans voted for Bush again regardless their experiences from the
last 4 years. If Bush wins again that is bad news for the rest of the world. Oh well, looks like another four years of Bush. The
good news is that this now clears the way for Hilary Clinton in 2008. Come on Hilary, the
world needs you!
It looks as though George Bush is to be re-elected.
I used to believe that Americans were largely well meaning, peace loving people. Now I
feel that at least half of the country is driven by fear and selfishness to the detriment
of themselves and the world. For us Palestinians, the American elections used to
be an important thing, but now we don't even bother who wins. Simply they are both allied
with the Israelis. I just woke up to find Bush in the lead. I feel
physically sick. I wish I could go back to bed and get up in another four years. I believe that anything that happens in US Vote 2004
will be for the good for the people living in America. The thing of debate is for the
people outside US. New approaches and new policies will be applied by both of them in the
next term. I consider Bush to be solid in his approach, if Kerry fails to make it, we
might not see his "real" approach apart from all the election campaign hype! The Flyover President. That's what Bush should be
called, after winning all those states we fly over on our way from New York to California.
By the way, Kerry should concede defeat: Bush won the popular vote. The people have
(regrettably) spoken.
Kerry is confused. He authors the USA Patriot Act
yet he is all for civil rights and liberties. He votes for the US War on Iraq, yet he
changes stance when confronted. Kerry is weak. America needs a stronger president. Perhaps
Hillary would have been a better challenge to Bush. But oh well, there is 2008. I voted and I enjoyed a sunny day. As I am turning
off the TV and internet, I'm seeing George W Bush pulling ahead... I'm going to go to
sleep now with a sore and cloudy heart. I'm not religious, but I will pray for our world
tonight. I am hoping against hope that my state will go to
Senator Kerry. I have spent the last four years ashamed of my president. I do not want to
spend the next four years ashamed of my fellow Americans. Not only has Kerry lost, but the House and the Senate
have moved firmly, grimly, to the right. There is now little that can stop the Bush
administration from pursuing its terrible, terrorizing agenda. We are shocked, numb, in
disbelief.
Well it looks like we have to put up with another
four years of Bush. I think that in a country like America, it was naive to believe that
Bush would lose elections. I think most Americans approve of the arrogance that Bush
portrays to the world. Today, I wish Soviet Union never disintegrated and there would have
been some balance still in this world. Let's hope Bush learns from the mistakes made in the
first term and we get a more peaceful and balanced world in the next four years. Maybe
just like Reagan, Bush would be less radical in the next term. What's funny, except for
America, Kerry would certainly have won an election anywhere else in the world. I am following the results of the election as America
turns tonight, sad, but not surprised. I knew the strength of the Republican propaganda
machine and the power of the Christian Right. I, too, would identify myself as a
Christian, but I will not turn my brain over to any organization who tells me how to vote.
Here is a man who has involved us in an unnecessary war, rolled back ways to protect our
planet, given money to the rich while many Americans can't make a living wage, and
squandered much international goodwill. I am saddened that most Americans haven't seemed
willing to understand the issues for themselves. I believe they would see that Bush has
not done what is in the best interests of his country or the world. This can only be proof that our educational system is
in serious shambles. I believe Edmund Burke wrote that a democracy can only survive with
an informed population. I fear this is proof in action, for the worse.
As a voter in conservative Oklahoma, I couldn't
help my feeling of remorse as I cast my vote for Kerry. Over half of the citizens of this
state voted for Bush, and for no reason. The status quo seems to be more important than
the truth in this nation and nobody wants to stand up for what is right, especially the
current administration. The ongoing fiscal crisis, the questionable crusades, and an
indefinable war on terror overshadow the true needs of the nation and make it impossible
for these needs to be addressed in the near future. As Bush gains more votes, the true
needs of the people are becoming less important and more distant. If it is decided that
Bush won this race, those of us in opposition will be considered so far out of the
political sphere that our voices will no longer matter. I am a Republican who has been a bit disenchanted
with Bush yet I don't trust Kerry, so this was a difficult decision for me. However, I
believe the US will be strong irregardless of the leader. History proves that the strength
and identity of the country comes from the citizens, not the person holding office for a
mere 4 year period.
Relief and confidence in the future. We elected him
governor of our state, and later president, because he represented our capitalistic Texas
viewpoint and he's going to take it and run with it. We're not going to have Mr Kerry
force his socialistic Massachusetts viewpoint on us. This is great! Three cheers for President Bush - his
clear stand on issues and leadership, is what the world needs right now; I'd rather have a
leader willing to make mistakes than a leader who does nothing at all for risk of
offending someone. Way to go President Bush! And also Kudos to the American people - there
is some sense in them after all! Well we won't have to hear about anyone
"stealing" the election this time. Bush will win and win by over three million
votes. So, regardless of what the media would like us to think, the majority of Americans
do believe in this President and we believe he is the right man for the job. Don't worry
world, you hated Reagan too. You were wrong about Reagan and you are wrong about GW Bush. Three words. Hillary next time. Despite some misgivings about the war in Iraq, most
Americans see it as a vital part of the war on terrorism. President Bush has been rehired
and Osama Bin Laden is a dead man walking and we will not quit Iraq until we have given
the people of Iraq their chance for freedom and democracy.
I am really proud of the American people. President
Bush is a good firm leader that can lead a country. Someone who is focused and determined
to protect his people. That's the kind of leader we need! And America needs! Keep up the
good job! It is looking very depressing indeed. Certainly looks
like a Bush win. Four more years of horror for the USA and the world. I am watching the election unfold with dismay. A Bush
win means an isolated America and makes the world a less stable, more sinister place to
live in. I am so so sad for everyone in America. It is so much easier to blame someone else for your
problem than to look in the mirror. This is our election, and the voice of America is
being heard.
Everyone seems to ignore the fact Bush gets so much
of his support from the religious right of America. My whole family, 45 people, vote
Republican for one reason - abortion. I of course do not follow such folly. But it is the
real power of the Republican Party. I hope that Kerry wins, but it seems that Bush is
going to win. That is sad... wrong man wins. As a 20 year old draft-prone student, there is
nothing more terrifying than seeing Bush slowly gain the upper hand in this election. I
thought that we Americans would have a little more sense than what is seems to be
unfolding... What does this guy offer us?! Did anyone watch the debates? And as an added bonus, almost every gay-rights
initiative has been shot down in the individual state elections across the country. Folks,
there sure does need to be a strong European coalition, but not in opposition to Iraq!
Canada, here I come... Yea... Bush. All Kerry had was that he was not Bush.
He showed no leadership in the Senate and has one of the most liberal voting record in the
entire legislative branch. Did you really believe the majority of the US population could
get behind that type of candidate? Love or hate Dubya... at least you know where he
stands.
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Good luck with the record
deficit, the growing unemployment, and continuing lack of friends 
