Posted by Mr Sandman on December 11, 2004, at 18:20:39
In reply to Re: Politics UK vs USA, posted by ed_uk on December 11, 2004, at 17:52:13
THe President of the USA is both head of government (with executive powers roughly equivalent to your PM) AND head of state (a symbolic, ceremonial role roughly equivalent to that of your queen.)
A lot of folks here revere the presidency as a symbol of national unity, even when they despise the occupant of the office. Many of us are especially reluctant to criticize our President in time of war, as he is Constitutionally the Commander-in-Chief Of our armed forces.
That's a textbook answer. On top of that, Mr. Bush's chief political adviser Karl Rove
has stated that what we Yanks want most is "the appearance of strength" in a President--which has led Mr.Bush to adopt a posture of stubbornness bordering on infallibility.
As for the cheering multitudes, Virtually all of Mr. Bush's appearances are before ticketed partians, government employees, or members of the military--seldom if ever does our great democratic leader appear before the general public.I hope this helps.
> People in England are generally very cynical about politics. On TV, we see American people cheering Bush. It's funny how there is a different culture here, it's rare for people to cheer the prime minister!
>
> Ed.
poster:Mr Sandman
thread:427221
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20041129/msgs/427875.html