To be fair, I'm not an American. I did live there for a considerable length of time, however, and did study both American politics and constitutional law extensively, so...humor me, I guess?
On the topic of Bush versus Kerry, they really are so different from one another that it's difficult to make direct comparisons. But, because I'm bored, let's give it a whirl, shall we? ^_^ Also, this is my opinion ONLY. I've tried to be as fair and non-partisan as I could. If some vitriol leaks over...well, I can hardly be held responsible for my over-whelming bitterness and disappointment at both these candidates, can I?
On the
Bush hand, you have: a Republican and all that implies. Pro: Big Business, the conservative/moderate religious contigent, and the Moral Majority. Anti: Environmental, Abortion, and Homosexual marriage. And ethnically, he's the embodiment of the American presidential "ideal": the WASP. Which, for those of you who don't know, is a clever acronym for the
White
Anglo
Saxon
Protestant. Also directly related to Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States.
The Low Points: His public image? Well, he doesn't come across as the strong, decisive president he's obviously striving for, but as one who is easily led by the people around him--i.e. yes, Dick Cheney and assorted cabinet members, I am looking at *you*.
Easily befuddled and obviously not a champion of proper English grammar (someone get him a Bedford grammar book. Stat!), his image in Europe is also positively dismal (as in the word 'Bush' equals poison'). Plus, the economy is downright groan-worthy; even trying to pass the buck to others hasn't saved him from getting scathed by opinion writers and the Academic community at large. Also, he alienated the NAACP late last month by refusing to speak at a convention. That's a huge block of voters he can't afford to make angry.
Also, Arkansas National Guard anyone? The only thing that I can say is that it's a slap in the face to the all men and women who really
do risk LIVES to serve America.
He also denied suspected detainees of their right to a fair and speedy trial. In other words, he ignored and disregarded the Constitution. Is anyone upset about this? Anyone? Because you darn well should be, if you're not--those are your rights he's violating, people.
The High Points: His popularity from 9/11, while somewhat faded, seems to have held on in what can only be described as a very conservative atmosphere in the US. He still has many supporters from various walks of life. Yes, well. I'm honestly trying to think of one good thing Bush has done for America. And...I'm drawing a blank. But at least his
sheer incompetence has gotten people to pay attention to politics, right?
Vote for: If you're a Republican and/or support his moderate conservative policies. Really, nothing else to say. Go foth and vote if Bush appeals to you.
More info on Bush:
George Bush's official website
And now we've come to
Kerry. He's a Democrat, fairly liberal in his ideals. Pro: That depends. What part of the country is he touring today? Anti: Abortion, Big Business. He's also Catholic, if that happens to mean something to any of the voting public (and I'm too bitter and cynical to think that it doesn't).
The Low Points: He waffles on important topics. In New England, it's one stance and in the more prim and morally proper midwest it's something else entirely. More than once have I stood staring at the television thinking to myself 'MAKE A DECISION ALREADY!' He comes across as someone who's pandering to the American public, thinking 'hmmmm, what is the magical combination of issues that will make the public vote for me?' Well, gee, Kerry, maybe you should actually stick to your guns for once. That might help. Just sayin', is all. It's easy: get a coin and flip. Repeat, if necessary.
He's also very liberal. I don't think that's a bad thing, but others probably do, so I'll post it here.
The High Points: He comes across as the champion for middle/lower class Americans to Bush's elite stance. He's also a highly decorated war veteran who served on some of the most dangerous battle terrain Vietnam had to offer: the Swift boats and if any of you saw
Apocalypse Now you know those babies are death magnets. Another point: war veterans always/to almost always have the veteran's vote and the general respect of the American public at large.
Also, he's got John Edwards as a running mate. While Cheney is about as sexy and well-liked as curdled milk, Edwards is both attractive, young, and popular. Kerry's well-spoken, well-behaved, and beautiful daughters are also a huge plus in the Kerry column. Good for the political image, if you know what I mean.
Vote for: If you're a democrat and/or support his ideals. If you consider the enviornment important and are pro-choice (and aren't really affected by indesicion. More or less, really. One way or the other), then Kerry's probably the guy you're looking for.
More info on Kerry:
John Kerry's official website
Feel free to pick any of this apart at your leisure. I tried to be fair; it really didn't work, but I gave it my all. Hopefully, it helped someone somewhere in this vast, indesicive and political landscape. Just don't expect me to debate you--I've said my piece and am happy with it. Simply thought I'd breath some life into the topic and since I had to write a paper on Busy vs. Kerry anyway, it'd be great practice for my essay.
That said, have a wonderful day.