Question for my american cousins | Forums

[thefruitbat]

Over the other side of the pond, back here in Blighty, it's pretty hard not to see the news about your forthcoming elections.

Most of the press here, is of course about Hillary and Obama, since it looks like the republican race is already over.

My question is though, what about the actual election itself, is the Hillary/Obama battle going to matter, when they come up against McCain?

What's the word on the street, who is going to win, Democrats or Republicans?

From an interested englishman, who has no idea who's favourite?

fruitbat

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

I think america is tired of republican governemnt and will elect the democrat just for something new. Of course I thought there was no way we would elect that villian bush to a second term so what the heck do I know, lol.

[Stew278]

It seems like the general consensus is that unless the Democrats really mess up somehow their candidate will probably win. This is largely due backlash from the pent-up hostility towards the current president (kind of like the Democrat party's landslide during the '06 congressional races).

As for Hillary or Obama, who knows? One week one is ahead, the next week the other. One thing the Dems need to keep in mind is that even though Hillary tests well with women and minorities, she doesn't do so well with men. According to some recent poles (on CNN) a fair number of men that consider themselves independents would sooner vote for McCain than Hillary. Gotta say I'm not too thrilled about a presidential candidate that resorts to crocodile tears to get votes.

And lets not forget that some of the die hard right wing conservatives have claimed they would sooner vote for Hillary than McCain (yeah right, I'll believe it when I see it). In some ways the Republicans made a crafty move by voting for McCain; he's actually liberal enough to appeal to independent voters and maybe even some democrats. Their other 2 major candidates would likely have meant certain defeat.

[willyvic]

Personal thoughts:

If Hillary is in, McCain takes it.

If Obama is in, very close race. I honestly don't know which one of them will triumph.

WV.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

I was watching the victory speeches last night and noticed a profound difference in obama's speech and mccains. Obamas speech was entirely about change and hope and how we as a nation can change if we want it badly enough and good things can come from hard work. Switched to mccains speech and all he could say was how full of BS the other guys were. Instead of saying anything of substance he said how the other guys will say things of substance but not mean it, lol.

[thefruitbat]

Originally posted by Urufu_Shinjiro:
I was watching the victory speeches last night and noticed a profound difference in obama's speech and mccains. Obamas speech was entirely about change and hope and how we as a nation can change if we want it badly enough and good things can come from hard work. Switched to mccains speech and all he could say was how full of BS the other guys were. Instead of saying anything of substance he said how the other guys will say things of substance but not mean it, lol.

There's to much of that in politics everywhere, its all the opposition parties do in the uk. Its much easier to smash someone elses idea, than to have your own idea.

Sounds like it's going to be close, whoever wins, thanks for the replies so far!

fruitbat

[Low_Flyer_MkIX]

Another question from an intrigued foriegner -

Do you think if Mrs Clinton got in, Mr Clinton would keep a low profile as 'First Gentleman'? Is this having any bearing on matters? Would he been seen as an asset or a liability?

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

If hilary gets the nomination I can't wait to see who her running mate will be, lol. Wouldn't put it past her to use bill, "Good afternoon President Clinton, Vice President Clinton", lol.

[Tater-SW-]

willyvic FTW.

With Hillary I think McCain wins, with Obama it's close, but McCain is still the underdog, IMO. For McCain to beat Obama I think Obama will need to really put his foot in his mouth, and get beaten up in some debates.

It's the democrat's race to lose, in other words.

Regarding the speeches mentioned, Obama talks about hope, etc, but hasn't actually said much about specific policies. Being positive, but not being required to explain HOW is easy. That's his weak point, IMO. In debates he will try to never answer a question (they ALL do, regardless of party). If he can be pressed and his answers are goofy, then he might slip.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

Originally posted by Tater-SW-:
willyvic FTW.

With Hillary I think McCain wins, with Obama it's close, but McCain is still the underdog, IMO. For McCain to beat Obama I think Obama will need to really put his foot in his mouth, and get beaten up in some debates.

It's the democrat's race to lose, in other words.

Regarding the speeches mentioned, Obama talks about hope, etc, but hasn't actually said much about specific policies. Being positive, but not being required to explain HOW is easy. That's his weak point, IMO. In debates he will try to never answer a question (they ALL do, regardless of party). If he can be pressed and his answers are goofy, then he might slip.

True, but I think I'd rather go with Obama and hope he is sincere in his intentions (that would be a first in politics) than vote for Darth MCCain and the Empire....