<<I have not preference for either Republican of Democrat, but did not see brilliant things from previous Democrat Presidents, or Republicans for that matter.>>

What about the bit when they became the most powerful nation on earth, or when they won the Cold War, or when they put a man on the moon, or a bazillion other examples? You may not like America, but you cannot really argue it's successive governments haven't been rather successful.

*Bit surprized that your comments are not more practical.*

LOL Banjo, I'm not quite sure what you mean by that :)

Never underestimate the power of ideas!
Never underestimate the power of how things are said!

Have you noticed how around the world, people celebrated
the Obama win? Its for good reasons.

Clinton when in office, showed great people skills in
international affairs. Interestingly America did well
economically in that time too, but in the end Americans
brought him down for his sexual habits, which is a big
no no in the US.

Internationally however, he is still highly regarded
around the world and still invited to the Middle East,
Europe, even Australia, for his talents.

Along came Bush/Chaney, with above all Chaney's 4 by 2
attitude. America was apparently the greatest and would
do as it pleased, was pretty much the policy. That kind
of arrogant, divisive foreign policy, soon creates
enemies and hatred, which it certainly did.

If you look at Obama's history, he has the ability to
inspire and unite people, rather then divide them. He
then focuses on those.

He has lived outside the US, so understands things from
not just the US perspective. He uses his communication
skills to try and solve issues, rather then just rely
on the US military, as was Chaney's idea of the world.

That change of attitude is why so many people around
the world are inspired, for its such a welcome change,
compared to the last 8 years.

Now compare that to a Sarah Palin, who had barely
joined the campaign to become VP,when she was already
talking about a possible war with Russia. The difference
between those two is like night and day.

Veronika,
Where did you get the idea that I dislike America?

My comments relate to the presidents only. Have a look at a few of the Democrat Presidents.

Kennerdy-- continued Vietnam war, Bay of Pigs fiasco.

LBJ---Dramatic escalation of Vietnam war. LBJ got elected with a genuine landslide. Excellant Senate history. Lost popularity quickly.

Carter-- Most famous for his invasion of Iran in failed attempt to rescue hostages.

Clinton-- Well we know about his notoriety.

Nothing really brilliant about their terms in office. So why is Obama going to be different?

Nothing really outstanding about the Republican Presidents in my time either.

All the acheivements of America you listed, I admire also and more.I love their GOOD country music and their Bluegrass music. But remember some notable failures as well. Quite a few American friends.

It is the procedure of their Presidential elections that I dislike and all the razz-a-ma-tazz that goes with it. Bit like Hollywood, all hoopla and little substance.

We, in Aua, have had to endure months of this garbage nightly and it really makes no difference to us who the actual President is. Our relations with America will continue as they have done and America will continue the same. I even doubt if the ordinary American will notice much difference, just like us when we changed government 12 months ago.

Yabby,
What i meant by being practical was that you seem to have practical approach to other matters and bit surprized that you don't wait to see some form before passing judgement.

Have a look at LBJ's history in the Senate. Brilliant and he won in a proper landslide. And how the people celebrated, but short lived.

How about the euphoria when the statues of saddam came down and what has happened since.

Do you really think that America will dramaticly change attitude with a Democrat for President. Other Democrats have shown they can flex their mussles also, like LBJ and Kennerdy.

I hope you are right and I wish Obana well but will reserve my judgement.

*and it really makes no difference to us who the actual President is.*

Ah Banjo, but that is where you are so wrong. The present global
financial fiasco ultimately happened because Americans elected
dummies like Bush/Cheney. Its not affecting anybody? Sorry but
its affecting people right down in your street, if not your very
own super fund investments. Its affecting interest rates, if you
borrowed money for a house.

Now look at the alternate scenario. Lets say that the American
public decided on McCain/Palin and with McCain not being the
youngest, he suffered heart failure. Before you knew it, Palin
had her finger on the nuclear button. Lacking intelligence,
wisdom and good judgement and being a sabre rattler who thinks that
the US military can solve all America's problems, she started a
war with Russia. It would not affect you and Australia?

Think again. That is the real problem. What America does affects
everyone.

Yabby,
Of course the financial situation in the US is effecting us and probably will continue to effect us for a long, long time. America will do what is necessary to look after themselves and already Obana is talking about measures to protect american industry. This will have a detrimental effect on us. But if that is done, it would be the same whoever was President. I do not expect Obana or any american President will be overly concerned that their financial measures could badly effect Aus or any other country.

I do not believe that the present financial situation purely came about during the term of dubya. Dont forget they previously had Clinton for 8 years. The situation there has been building for many years.

I think you are overstating the hypothetical situation of what Palin may do if she got the reins. Kennerdy and LBJ were both Democrats and did quite a bit more than just rattle the sabres.