No problem. I didn't mean it as a criticism.
I suppose I tend to (try) to see the positive in people as much as possible. When I say I have a "slim hope" that Bush may be more moderate, by definition it also means I have a greater fear that he will not.
And of course, stump speeches (whether requesting support or accepting victory) are no basis upon which to assume a
real change in policy.
I have to admit I'm surprised that domestic moralistic issues seem to have had more of an effect upon the election than foreign policy. I guess it's just another interpretation of Clinton's famouse axiom, "It's the economy, stupid."
I propose another interpretation of this and will state "It's
domestic, stupid." Whether it's the economy, stem cell research, gay marriage or taxes, Americans care more about what is happening on their doorstep than they do about what is happening overseas. And, as you say Manx, the conservatives care
more about their pet topics, than the liberals do about theirs. Domestic issues drive votes. So the ones with the stronger convictions therefore cast more votes.
This is only natural and the only way I can see it change is if Iraq turns into another Vietnam. Then, when the body-bags begin to roll in, the
foreign issue becomes a
domestic one, as every town sees its young men and women buried or crippled.
It's unfortunate, it's sad but it seems to be the case.
Mr Mephisto