The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

There are two things that I'm hearing from people on both sides here in the US that lead me to think that Kerry has a good chance. There are several Republicans I've spoken to who say they voted for Bush last time but will not vote for him again. Virtually no-one voting for Gore in 2000 will be voting for Bush this year. I also have a feeling that Democrats will be coming out in droves to vote Bush out of office. In 2000, people weren't really enthused about either candidate. But now, many are so unenthused about Bush they'll do anything to get him out of office.
Kevin, San Francisco, California

Unfortunately, this is a long term scenario, much like the Reagan economy was Jeffrey Gillespie, New York

People do not understand that Bush's economic policy is about lifting restrictions on corporations in the United States so that they can do business in the same free manner as the Asian and Middle Eastern companies. This is not necessarily a moral thing, since it involves what seems like a fascist economic policy, but government must be in fighting shape to compete globally. It is economically viable, and Bush has an exceptional economic plan. Unfortunately, this is a long term scenario, much like the Reagan economy was, and Democrats want immediate gratification for themselves as opposed to long term economic benefits for the country.
Jeffrey Gillespie, New York, NY

It is not possible to say who's winning at this point. American politics has come to a point where issues really don't matter, or rather where all you need to know about a candidate is his party. A particular party tag will identify a candidate on every issue (Republicans against taxes, Democrats weak on defence, etc.) The American electorate is deeply divided but not because we are divided on issues but because there is no real political debate within the United States. It is in this fashion that Europe must unify and provide a counterweight to the US. Only then will Americans be forced to think about politics and the decisions we make.
Robert Wishart, Munich, Germany (USA)

It does not matter who wins the presidency. Powerful corporations and special interests groups are the real rulers in America. The November elections will just be one big reality TV show for the world to watch. Enjoy it!
Milic, United States

It's sad that Bush has done even more than his predecessors in dumbing down America. We have a society where being a "patriot" means blindly going along with the herd, and to question anything is to be "Anti-American." To all Bush supporters...If you aren't extremely wealthy, then you are not helped by his policies. We can't continue to let him and his corporate friends fleece the country to pad their bank accounts.
Eric, Austin

Who are these "Americans" who are saying that our economy is flourishing? More people than ever are without health insurance, the job market has been horrible for Bush's entire term, consumer spending has been down, and Bush is a threat to this nation's social programs. Does that sound like a flourishing economy to you? I can't believe there are people in this country who actually believe what Bush is saying about the economy. The facts speak for themselves. Kerry must win.
MG, New York, USA

What Americans need to understand is this is not just about America. Duncan, Edinburgh, Scotland

What Americans need to understand is this is not just about America. Your country effectively rules this world through economics, politics and military strength. The rest of the world suffers as you pollute our air and create instability through illegal wars. However much you try you can't escape from this reality. Kerry is the lesser of two evils and Europe needs rid of Bush for all our sakes.
Duncan, Edinburgh, Scotland

Of course it will be Bush. He has the guts to stand up to weakminded and selfserving foreign leaders that don't understand the responsibility that a US President has to its people.
Brian O'Hare, New York

I find it bizarre that many Americans consider "liberal" to be such a dirty word. I guess it's down to the absence of left-wing politics in the US, but surely "liberal" is just a variation on "freedom", a word Americans seem to love above all else. Furthermore, history is littered with the damage wrought by right-wingers (and to a lesser degree, left-wingers) but when did electing a liberal government ever lead to catastrophe?
Jon E, France

Even though the media, through TV, movies, and print: activists, and judges are all pushing Kerry's agenda, the majority of American people still support Bush's traditional values, National Security, and continued economic growth. America will not become Europe.
Ryan, Houston, USA

Hopefully Kerry. America has fewer friends in the world as a result of its current administration - if Bush wins we can look forward to several more years of the US alienating the international community.
Nick Fraser, Jordan

Kerry must demonstrate that he's more than just "not Bush" if he is to win. Michael, Bozeman, USA

Sadly, many of us in America would gladly vote for a potato rather than vote for Bush. Kerry must demonstrate that he's more than just "not Bush" if he is to win. Then, should he prevail, he must prove it. It is our duty as citizens to demand accountability from our elected (court appointed?) officials. America, do your homework, learn the facts, get info from many sources, and for once, make an informed decision. Think about what actually affects your daily lives, instead of the polarising social issues thrown up for political purposes. Decide on truth, not on sound bites.
Michael, Bozeman, USA

Kerry is winning the battle for hearts and minds. However, Bush will win the war. In the end as the debates proceed we will see that Kerry has no real ground to stand on in regards to any issue that people are concerned with. In most major issues Kerry has voted with the president and thus can not explain why he is against the president. The only way Kerry can win is to turn enough people into Bush haters that they are not even interested in Kerry and are simply interested in attacking Bush with their vote. Last but not least Congressmen are not usually elected presidents in the modern age because they spend too much time compromising with the opposition.
Andrew Weldon, Minneapolis, USA

Kerry wants to turn over our sovereignty to the UN. Not only will Americans never stand for such a desecration of our Constitution, but that in itself is reason enough not to vote for him!
Mrs. D. Gatcombe, Boston, MA, USA

Bush wouldn't have a chance against Kerry if the election was held in almost any country other than the US. But it's not. I think it will be close. Mark M, New Zealand
Mark MacCallum, Wellington, New Zealand

I am sick and tired or democrats and foreigners saying that the 2000 election was rigged or unfair. Kevin L Feck, Cincinnati, USA

I am sick and tired or democrats and foreigners saying that the 2000 election was rigged or unfair. News Flash. The U.S. elects it's president via the electoral college not by popular vote. 6 independent recounts took place in Florida and Bush won every single one. Bush tried to keep the black populations votes from counting about as much as Gore tried to disqualify the military vote. I thought Europeans were supposed to be so well educated.
Kevin L Feck, Cincinnati, USA

None of these guys inspires me. But I'd prefer Bush at the helm. At least I'm sure America will be reacting to even remote events happening in the world. I would hate a Carter-type presidency where America hobbles in self recrimination for four years .
Maurice Achach, Nairobi, Kenya

Why do so many people believe that a terrorist attack would cause Bush to be re-elected? In Spain it caused the ruling party to be voted out. I would think that an attack on American soil would prove to many that we really are no safer under Bush-Cheney. In any case, I plan to vote for Kerry. Bush's stance on gay marriage, stem-cell research, tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich, and getting us into a ridiculous war in Iraq to the tune of over 4 Billion dollars a month for dubious reasons solidified my vote a while ago. I don't think our country can take four more years of this president.
Erica, Seattle

Well I think Kerry will win this battle in the end. Even in 2000 Bush won with few votes in Florida. Americans are unhappy with the war in Iraq, destabilization in Afghanistan. Bush will be in trouble in the November election
Faisal Sajjad, Islamabad, Pakistan

This frequent use of 'liberal' by Americans is quite amusing Joon F, Middlesex

This frequent use of 'liberal' by Americans is quite amusing - it's a sad day when someone like John Kerry is considered the 'left-wing' option! If that the best the US and the world can hope for, then we may as well lose all hope..
Joon F, Middlesex

Pro-Bush people are called insensitive, backwards, and stupid to name a few adjectives that have been used. I always thought that the Liberals were supposed to be the ones who support diverse views. I am a very educated, intelligent, and informed voter, who still believes in conservative views. I also understand the importance of the liberal views and the need for them in our government to make the best overall choice. What has made this country great is the foundation we have established for debate and resolution of issues. Bush will win this election, because Americans want strong decisive leaders who make decisions and show genuine concern for their people.
Matt, Missouri USA

I think about 80% of those who will vote on 2 November have already decided. We are truly a nation divided. The remainder 20% will be influenced more by image than by written words or spoken arguments. The team that looks the sexiest will win this election. Thankfully, Kerry was wise enough to select John Edwards as his running-mate. Edwards will win this election for Kerry.
S. Cardoza, San Francisco, California

Canadians know how our brothers to the south feel. We just had an election recently and there wasn't a whole lot to choose from. And we had four candidates! It's a shame that with all our wealth and power, this is the best we could come up with.
Steve, Hamilton Ontario Canada

The race is too close to call Joe P, New York USA

The truth is the race is too close to call. It will be as close as the last one. One thing that people overseas have to remember in all this is that Americans don't like to be told what to do. The more negative the press is on a candidate, the more we like him. Think Clinton. What other countries think holds the same. If France or Canada hates him, we vote for him on spite. It's the American way.
Joe P, New York USA

None of these guys inspires me, but I'd prefer Bush at the helm. At least I'm sure America will be reacting to even remote events happening in the world. I would hate a Carter-type presidency where America hobbles in self recrimination for four years.
Maurice Achach, Nairobi, Kenya

Who's winning the race for President? John Kerry will win by a landslide! George Bush scraped in against the bland, non-pragmatic Al Gore. George Bush has done the world a favour, stamping on a middle east hornets nest, satisfying our visceral primitive need for vengeance, but now with no WMD's the world can see George is falling on his Texan belt.
DR, Sydney Australia

Given the stupendous madness and insurmountable problems in the US political and electoral system, neither the US nor the world needs a President who lives by the sword. Whatever Mr. Kerry is or is not, he does not strike fear into my heart. He is clearly a more thoughtful, intelligent man than the current President. Accusations that he waffles are ludicrous, especially in the face of the current leader's ignorant rigidity. I sincerely hope the American people will vote for a complete change of regime.
Russ Wollman, Raleigh, NC USA

The Bush Administration is spending millions of our tax dollars to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure. Meanwhile we don't have sufficient power or water in the US Southwest resulting in water rationing and blackouts. When is this administration going to do something for US Citizens rather than taking our money and giving it away? Thanks for making the US a third-world country.
Ben Meyer, Surprise, AZ USA

The Kerry - Edwards ticket is a democratic dream team. Here we have a polished, experienced statesman who proved himself as a blood and guts gunboat commander in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam after graduating from Yale matched with a young and very popular, squeaky-clean southern gentleman who exudes as much southern charm as any of our former southern presidents. If this team succeeds in November, and I feel they will, this could very well be the start of a democratic dynasty.
John C, Ringwood, NJ, USA

Iraq will be a definite factor in my decision. I have a loved one currently serving in Iraq, and he believes Bush has totally botched this whole situation there. It could have been handled much better. Also, there is a lot of money being made, at American taxpayers' expense, while soldiers are losing their lives almost daily. As far as I am concerned, Germany and France got it right, I wish we had listened.
Marie, Minneapolis, USA

The opposing sides are not interested in compromise Kenneth, North Carolina, USA

Today, America is a country where citizens are deeply divided. The opposing sides are not interested in compromise. Another extremely close election will divide the people even more. We need to try to imagine how the world will look after 4 more years of Bush. If voters would only do that, there is no way Bush would be re-elected.
Kenneth, North Carolina, USA

Neither candidate inspires. Oratory skills are deplorable. Both candidates are from the wealthy elite. There might be an election but there really isn't much to choose from.
Craig, Kansas City, USA

I supported George Bush the younger during the last election. I thought he would be the better of the two candidates. Being the owner of a business I voted for my own narrow self-interests. This time around I will vote for the candidate who will be the better President for "all" citizens of the US. I also believe that we need someone who takes into consideration the rest of our fellow inhabitants of the planet. That person is not George Bush.
Skip Nelson, Frederick, Maryland, USA

Where have all the world class leaders gone? Terry, Epsom, England

I'm afraid it just sum's up the current political situation in the western world. Grey men in grey suits with all the charisma of a cold chip. Where have all the world class leaders gone?
Terry, Epsom, England

I oppose Kerry's strong, but short sighted views on building up an isolated American economy, out of step with that of the world's. I admire Bush's courage to stand firm for his views. But I expect him to admit that mistakes had been made, and he won't repeat them. A resurgent Bush will give more business confidence, than an uncertain and untested Kerry.
Rosh Cherian, India

Remember Clinton won an election after his extra-marital affair was made public and widely reported all over the world. It is difficult to judge US politics, but unless he really messes-up, Bush should win on the basis of how much he has done to make the American people feel important worldwide. How the rest of the world feels really doesn't matter.
Nigel Darwent, Trinidad and Tobago

This is not a stellar year for elections. I am in a conundrum on who to vote for. I do not particularly care for either candidate; what happened to the FDR's, JFK's and Abe Lincolns of the world? I am of the mind not to vote at all, something I that has not been an issue in the past. However, if I do not vote, then I have no right to complain for the next four years. The only problem is, I will be voting for the lesser of the two evils as opposed to who will be a better fit for this country.
Jenna, Texas, USA

Kerry has much to prove. Good hair and brave military service will not take the White House in November.(I say this with deep respect for his service). The "anybody but Bush" attitude makes for delightful television and headline news, however, when it comes time to cast ballots, Americans are not so easily duped. We are interested in mending fences with our allies, but we do not want our policies dictated by them. We are nervous and hopeful for the Iraqi people and we want them to succeed. Our economy is coming around. We want to be safe. We want our military provided for, outfitted and trained properly. So far we have not heard anything but sound bytes with regards to the democratic parties hopes and plans for our future. We need to have their policies laid out. We need debate. Bashing Bush is fun for now, but something of substance must follow. Get it out of your systems quickly please...we have serious issues to discuss.
Lisa, Atlanta, USA

This is the Hope versus Fear election. BP, UK

This is the Hope versus Fear election. Will Bush get them all shivering under the bed-clothes or will people decide that courage means carrying on as normal and hoping for "morning in America". Americans are generally hopeful people aren't they? Therefore my money is on Kerry.
BP, UK

The people here in the US who will be voting for Kerry are very vocal about their intent to do so. They are verbally aggressive and abusive to anyone who disagrees with them. The people who will be voting for Bush are keeping silent. They know that Bush has done the right thing and that we are on the right track. Even though the term of a President is only 4 years, there are some things that require more time to straighten out. People who realize this and aren't victims of the microwave generation (I want everything right now) understand this and will be voting for President Bush.
Taylor, Savannah, GA USA

The American electorate is infamous for basing its decisions on very general notions of the candidates' personalities or even their mannerisms. This is because the American media - both "liberal" and conservative - consistently caters to the lowest common denominator, and avoids any substantive discussion of real issues affecting real people. If Bush can continue to pass himself of as an exciting, all-action tough guy, rather than just an ill-educated, ill-informed daddy's boy (which he obviously is), then the American people will most likely back his re-election.
Matty, Iowa, USA

I find it interesting that people from other countries think Americans are not informed on "what's really going on" in the world. Wake up, already! We have access to a variety of media, both at home and abroad, and are able to make up our own minds without being influenced by any one source. Apparently, that drives people from other countries completely nuts! Americans have a very good picture of what is going on in the world. And, the world will be a better place if Bush is re-elected this November.
Sherri Ricketts, Vincennes, IN USA

To Sherri Ricketts, Vincennes, USA: No the World will not be a better place if Bush is re-elected. If you have access to the independent media as you so claim you would have noticed how much fear and suffering Bush brought to some countries. Who you choose is your business as long as you don't poke your nose into other peoples' affairs which Bush seemed to make his policy. Just remember - for every action there is a reaction, good or bad.
IL, Russia

The US president is chosen by a fraction of US electorate, but rules the entire world. What an irony!
Safi, HONG KONG

I plan to vote for John Kerry come election day and there really is no reason that any American should vote otherwise if they can see the direction our country has gone in under George Bush. The problem is that most Americans are very conservative and our country is run by republicans, making it difficult for a democrat to ever win. On top of that, most Americans view democrats as too soft to make the big decisions in a time of war. I can only pray that John Kerry is my president next year.
Jordan, New Jersey, USA

The economy is gaining steam, which bodes well for Bush Bob, San Jose, CA, USA

Economy, not war in Iraq, will be the deciding factor. And the economy is gaining steam, which bodes well for Bush. Another terrorist attack anytime before November would guarantee a Bush-Cheney second term. Sadly, we have yet to hear the Social issue agenda from either candidate and neither the public nor the press seems to be asking Kerry or Bush questions on what they will do to improve the quality of American life. We may be "secure" and "free" from terrorist threats, but the multi-faceted threats of unemployment, soaring medical costs and pitiful funding for our education system and environment is still looming above us.
Bob, San Jose, CA, USA

I consider myself a true Republican. I believe in small government and pragmatic decision making. Bush is NOT a true Republican. His spending is out of control and his decision making is by no means pragmatic. I will vote for Kerry, but I am hoping McCain runs in 2008!
Matt, Austin, TX, USA

I'm not sure if the world is aware of the significance of a Kerry win. It would mean that for the first time there would be a non-American born First Lady. Teresa Heinz Kerry is from South Africa originally. That means the person who would be whispering in the President's ear at night would not be someone born in the US. That could become a factor and should not be ignored.
Jennifer, Lexington, KY USA

People love to point out that President Bush is slipping in the polls, that he is too low in the polls to win, but according to ¿the polls¿ Howard Dean was going to win the Democratic Primary by a landslide and Kerry was going to be blown out of that race. Personally I think that Mr. Bush is going to win the race for President but either way I wouldn't place too much faith in the poles.
Steve Mac, Boston MA USA

This election will not be won on the basis of one issue alone Mack, Washington, DC

The rest of the world is only concerned about foreign policy. Americans are concerned about healthcare, social security, homeland security, gay marriage and a variety of other issues. This election will not be won on the basis of one issue alone. We will elect the person who best represents our wants and needs, all of them.
Mack, Washington, DC

I know a lot of people who are voting for Kerry. Of course, this is assuming that there will be an election. My bet is on the administration suddenly learning about a "threat" and therefore delaying the elections. Especially if Bush is behind in the polls.
Sarah, Minnesota USA

Kerry and Edwards are an open, yet blank book. Bush and Cheney have their own record, for good or ill. I do support Kerry and Edwards, but it remains to be seen what they plan to do, and undo.
Christopher Magee, Washington, D.C. USA

Behind the toothy grins and the tussled locks is a pretty vapid Democratic ticket. Kerry has been in the Senate for 25 years without any meaningful legislative leadership record whilst Edwards is the most inexperienced vice presidential candidate in a long time. But who and what they are are of no matter to the spite-filled Democrats who simply hate Bush and will take anybody. In the end, the majority of voters will reject nihilism as policy.
Peter C. Kohler, Washington DC USA

Ignore the polls, please. There is no "race for president." Bush is washed up. Finished. Period!
L.Massano, Jersey City, New Jersey U.S.A.

Only a strong man with strong convictions will be successful in the White House Brad, NYC, USA

A vote for John Kerry is a vote for a man who, as President, will have to take a poll every time he has to make a decision to find out what everyone else thinks he should do. He is not a leader. He flip flops because he is always trying to do the popular thing. A President has to make tough choices and only a strong man with strong convictions will be successful in the White House.
Brad, NYC, USA

Be patriotic and support the war time president. One who has courage to stand up against America's enemies, honest, with high moral character. Mainstream America supports President Bush. There has yet not been a reason to vote for Kerry, except to hate Bush for his moral standards.
Zach, Austin, TX

John Kerry is steadily consolidating his lead over George Bush. Kerry is head and shoulders above Bush in intellect and understands that the United Nations should be more involved to cope with the escalating and highly volatile situation. The economy will be the key issue but the worsening situation in Iraq will also play a crucial role.
Pancha Chandra, Brussels, Belgium

We'll see people voting by party because they're too uncertain to do anything else Brendan Harnett, York, PA, USA

Liberal? Conservative? Can someone tell me who is who? It seems that both parties are so fixated on the 'cross-party vote' that you can't find a clear distinction anymore. Will Kerry really pull us out of Iraq (and at this point, would it be genocide for us to leave Iraq)? With a strong economic upturn brewing, did Bush's unorthodox economic policies actually work? Is it the president's business to create new limitations on marriage? Does the religious right (that back Bush) give you chills? Do Kerry's big-business tax cuts give you chills? I don't have answers, and neither do most Americans when you talk about issues. I think that on election day we'll see people voting by party because they're too uncertain to do anything else.
Brendan Harnett, York, PA, USA

As the election draws near, Americans are being bombarded with "official opinions" and "approved messages". Now more than ever one must look beyond the hyper-rhetoric of the politicians and the media's syndicated blanket views to make informed decisions. Today's American citizen is put before a buffet of choices, having little say over what is served.
Nik , tucson, AZ USA

I want President Bush to win because the man and his morals are one and the same, unlike Kerry whose moral choices are politically motivated and manoeuvred by the immoral. Mind you, the whole world is going to hell in a hand basket, and the road to hell is getting wider to accommodate those who consider what is good to be evil and vice versa; therefore, Kerry may get in through default.
Joanne, Fort McMurray, Canada

I have my fingers (and toes) crossed that the American people will do the right thing and vote against Bush. Aftaab, BC, Canada

I have my fingers (and toes) crossed that the American people will do the right thing and vote against Bush. It is a real shame that the Democrats have such a wishy washy candidate. We could all be in for a major shock come November. Another four years of being governed by a complete ignoramus.
Aftaab, BC, Canada

Mark my words, Bush will win by a landslide! Kerry, the Democrats, the liberal media, the discredited Joe Wilson, the lying Michael Moore, and all the rest of the Bush-haters have given the President their best shot and Bush is still standing and leading in the polls. As the economy continues to flourish and Iraq further takes control of its own destiny, Bush will begin to pull away and by the time the elections come, he will have left Kerry/Edwards/Chirac/Schroeder eating his dust by a mile. It will be yet another black eye for the biased media conveniently predicting a close race because it fits their political agenda.
R.Bonitz, Denver, USA

In this election the main issue will be terrorism. That is the only word the current administration can use to garner support. And this is the same word Democrats cannot ignore while talking about other important issues. For terrorism, the solutions offered by both are wrong and vague. At least if there is no rigging in this election, as in 2000, that will be good for democracy!
Kadavul, Santa Clara, California, USA

I'm not sure where everyone's been. Nader's got this thing wrapped up!
Dalo, Miami, FL, USA

The two-party system in the US provides an illusion of choice John MacGinnis, Berkeley, CA USA

The two-party system in the US provides an illusion of choice to the people, and, naturally, an illusion of "democracy." Kerry was for the war in Iraq. He is financed by huge, moneyed corporations, just as Bush is. The net effect of our two party system, which is its intention, is conservatism.
John MacGinnis, Berkeley, CA USA

This election is different because it is not about John Kerry at all. It is a hate campaign from the Democrats who feel the election was stolen in 2000. The issue is not going to be Iraq - even though the President did the right thing and planted the seeds of Democracy there. The true issue is election 2000 and the debacle in Florida. The Democrats wanted to change our electoral process because Al Gore won the popular vote and, in their minds, should be President. Hence the lawsuits and embarrassment they brought to our political process. The Dems have already mobilized their attorneys and once Bush wins, if you thought 2000 was bad, I feel America and the world have not seen anything yet.
Paul Weir , Maricopa, Az, USA

The most unfortunate factor, often unobserved is the terribly scant coverage Kerry is given in the mainstream media. His opponent Mr.Bush, is the darling of Fox network, Clear channel broadcasting and all Murdock print. They are entitled to their opinions of course, the snag is, they've got a virtual monopoly on news in much of the country. Even the troops in Iraq get Rush Limbaugh's comments and no source other than right-wing bias from that same media mix. To be informed, an American has to read the international press or visit internet services like the BEEB.
Stewart Caskie, Weaverville NC USA

"Anybody But Bush" is not a winning platform David Clayton, Louisville, KY, USA

When my wife and I moved back to the US last year after three years in the UK, I felt that no reasonable person could in good conscience vote for Bush. Having been back for a while now, I'm sad to say that I think Bush will carry the election. It's a matter of image. Kerry has been painted as a career politician that stands for nothing in particular. An in depth analysis of his voting record, in context, vindicates him, but it's hard to get that into a sound bite. Kerry's complicated, and that's a bad thing. Bush on the other hand projects an image of simplicity. Even his verbal inadequacies are a nice homey touch. He says what he means and doesn't let big words he can't pronounce get in his way. He's a man on a mission, a true believer, and that plays well here. At the end of the day, Kerry doesn't really inspire anyone and "Anybody But Bush" is not a winning platform.
David Clayton, Louisville, KY, USA

As polarized as the US is right now it is a toss-up. We need unity, with each other and the world. It won't happen with the incumbent. Don't know if Kerry will be better but we need a change.
Gordon Uscier, North Lauderdale, FL

What matters is not the popular vote but the electoral vote. If you look at current market betting then unfortunately it again pretty much all comes down to Florida. Whoever wins that will almost certainly win the election. And just like last time, when the Florida Republican party (of course led by Bush's brother, who is governor) disenfranchised thousands of Democrat voters by claiming they were felons when they were not, the same dirty tricks are happening all over again, this time also involving fiddling the procedures for voting with electronic machines.
W Boucher, Cambridge, UK

Policies and issues take a back seat to the personal histories of the candidates Gareth Rippingale, UK

The degree of media manipulation involved in an election means that, ultimately, policies and issues take a back seat to the personal histories of the candidates, their wardrobes and how many angles they can make a good smile from. The winner looks better, dresses better and has a less 'scandalous' past than his opponents. Any belief that the 'worlds most powerful' position is decided by any other factor is mere witless buffoonery.
Gareth Rippingale, UK

The problem is not who will be the president but whether the US foreign policy will change or not. As far as I have seen Kerry foreign policy doesn't seem to be very different from Bush's.
Anita Pania, Athens Greece

I am a Filipino-American working abroad and am confident that Bush will lose. If he does win, that will be very telling of our democratic process that can be manipulated by television ads and spin doctors. The world is watching and the US needs to repair its image and relationships on the world stage. He said he would lead when he campaigned, but where is he leading us?
Andres, Iloilo City, Philippines

Kerry, in my opinion, is most definitely winning the race for Americans' hearts and minds. Kerry's lead is due more to Bush's inadequacies and errors while in office than to anything the Massachusetts liberal has said or done. I hope that this situation will prevail this fall and that people will remember in November that anyone would be better than Bush and Co.
Sean, Nashville, USA

When President Bush speaks on foreign policy, one knows that he will deliver Neill, Maryville, United States

Americans are patriotic people, kind people, and very forgiving people. However, they will never forgive the attacks on New York City in September 2001. Senator Kerry is yet another Democrat with no clear agenda. When President Bush speaks on foreign policy, one knows that he will deliver. The world should wake up and realize that foreign policy will determine this 2004 election. Be it in Iraq, Iran, North Korea, or the Aids crisis in Africa, this President has led from the front. Like President Reagan, he accomplishes things. Bush will win, because he deserves to, and also because Kerry is weak on the international stage. The economy is so strong that it is not an issue.
Neill, Maryville, United States

America should first implement mandatory voting. When such a small % of the population seems to give a damn, you're more likely to get extremists like Bush in power.
Helen, Canberra, Australia

I believe that its still up in the air, but I believe Bush will win simply for the fact that with all the negative media on him, Kerry has only risen to equal footing in the polls. I also want to note how focused the media is against Bush. The media, such as CNN and BBC allow views that have no substance, just emotional opinions that are not based on facts, and displaying these views more prominently than the positive things Bush has done for this country and the world.
Wayne, Tampa, Florida

The upcoming election will be lost by Kerry just like the way Al Gore did. Bush won't win, but Kerry will lose. The Republicans have a better election team then the Democrats. It may be that Rove is better then McAuliffe in the end.
Dan Braverman, Minnesota, USA

Kerry has yet to articulate a position on anything Greg Burton, Atlanta, GA, USA

It's Bush's election to lose. Kerry has yet to articulate a position on anything and has failed to give Americans a solid reason to vote for him. His response to any criticism is to mention that he was in Vietnam (did his wife buy a summer home there for him)? It's hard to reconcile that he voted in favour of the Iraq war and then voted against giving more money to support our troops, he really just comes off as a lying opportunist.
Greg Burton, Atlanta, GA, USA

In 2000, Al Gore won the election but lost the race for President under highly suspicious circumstances. Given the winner is running again when the stakes are now so much higher, why should 2004 be any different? Americans should ask themselves if they want John Kerry for a 4 year term or George Bush for life.
David Kersten, Singapore

The choice of candidates is a sad but just reward for an apathetic nation that has let its more visionary ideals go in favour of a selfish parochialism. The choice between a man of no ideas and a man of bad ones cuts at the heart of a nation founded on the principles of a radical enlightenment. Despite this sorry situation, the upcoming election does matter. Even a people without real choices cannot be absolved of their responsibility to the world, and the demand on the conscience of the voting public this upcoming election is self-evident.
Jeremy Drucker, New York

Kerry is not winning, rather Bush is losing. He has led the USA into a unnecessary war and his economic policies have not countered the lingering effects of the dot com crash and the terrorist attacks. Kerry's position on Iraq and his economic team do not differ much from Bush. Even with his lacklustre campaign he will probably win simply by being the alternative.
Brian, Phoenix USA

It's Iraq, stupid Ace, Albuquerque NM, USA

It is obvious to every American that John Kerry is clearly winning the Presidential race. Every single poll conducted in the last two weeks shows Senator Kerry ahead or tied with Bush. Despite what the rest of the world may think the majority of Americans are not stupid and come November 2nd George W. Bush will be voted out and John Kerry will be the 44th president of the United States. (It's Iraq, stupid).
Ace, Albuquerque NM, USA

Bush will win. It does not matter that the invasion of Iraq or the attack on Afghanistan had nothing to do with 9/11. The average American is thrilled with any show of might against weaponless third world countries. Iraq has been annihilated by using state of the art, high precision what have you against stone throwing insurgents. The prisoners have been sufficiently abused. The American ego has been fairly well massaged. Therefore Bush will win.
Thomas Wilson, Ann Arbor, MI

Currently the polls say "too close to call". However, the Kerry/Edwards team has the intelligence, common sense, and proven ability lacking in the current administration. This will become ever more apparent to voters over the next several months, and Kerry/Edwards will win not only with the highest popular vote count, but also in the electoral college, carrying Florida this time around. No more Supreme Court appointed President!
Michael, Palm Springs, CA USA

If the world at large voted, Kerry would win hands down. Unfortunately human nature is to be selfish, so Bush has a good chance. Also the average person in the USA is generally poorly informed, increasing Bush's chances.
Nalin, Perth, Australia

November is still a long time away, giving American people plenty of time to dull their memories of the tragic mistakes in Iraq Simon Botley, Kuching, Malaysia

It seems to me that November is still a long time away, giving American people plenty of time to dull their memories of the tragic mistakes in Iraq. If the election took place now, I think Bush would be trounced. But November is a different planet, as far as political memory is concerned.
Simon Botley, Kuching, Malaysia (ex-UK)

Bush has under-estimated the American public. His massive oversimplifications and lazy, vague moral language may have been enough to successfully take advantage of a national tragedy, but there are enough forward thinking, reflective people here to make sure our country becomes truly safe once again.
Matthew, Santa Monica, California

As in the 2000 election, it doesn't matter who gets the most votes but who's counting the votes.
Paul Dillhunt, Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

Bush has repeatedly lied to progress his selfish agenda, is inconsistent and irrational in his reasoning, and the epitome of the stereotypical ugly, arrogant American. How can the American people re-elect this man?! But, since 9/11, I have lost faith that Americans are intelligent and independently-minded. Most of us will vote for the campaign with the best media spin. And, I fear that it will be the Republicans.
Diana, San Jose, California, USA

I am for Bush over Kerry although my true feelings are that American's do not have a great choice. The choices are greed vs. immorality. Bush is for smaller government, pro-life, will support our defence, and has the courage to do the right thing however unpopular.
Donna, FL, USA

Fear will be the deciding factor in Bush's favour Dave, Warwick

I have a feeling that once again Bush will win, a few miscounts, discredited voters and a supreme court ruling by his fathers friends will again make Bush president. I fear that the issues will eventually mean nothing. Fear will be the deciding factor in Bush's favour. I expect a 'terrorist' attack before the election and lots of scaremongering about it by Republicans to swing the vote Bush's way. But if Bush wins I feel that the UK should distance ourselves from the US.
Dave, Warwick

Whichever candidate is able to manipulate himself within the media in the best light is the one that will win. Whoever asks the least of the people - both in terms of giving up their personal wealth (which they value more than personal rights) and intelligence will win. Elections aren't about issues any more, few people read up on candidates or think through the doublespeak that they hear via the media. We aren't an educated democracy, we're mostly a bunch of sheep following the siren song of the 10-second video clip. Thomas Jefferson would be ashamed. This place feels like 1984, and it gets worse every day. I can only hope that Kerry is elected, but honestly I don't think he will be much better.
Joy L, Atlanta, USA

Bush or Kerry - it won't make much difference. Environmental issues, weapon control and growing debt are just some of the problems that neither of them will tackle.
Jaka, Domzale, Slovenia

Kerry is not causing the great swell of crusading zeal associated with a challenger who has caught the public imagination Roger, Wrexham UK

Bush does not seem to have the groundswell of support usually associated with the incumbent; on the other hand Kerry is not causing the great swell of crusading zeal associated with a challenger who has caught the public imagination. At the end of the day this one will come down to a traditional democratic solution; it won't be a question of Kerry winning, more Bush losing and at present Bush looks vulnerable on Iraq and unemployment, while he is not appealing to the broader multi-ethnical and social mix of all the USA. His people will know this and will try to ensure the maximum number of Bush voters get out there, while hoping that apathy will keep potential opposition at home. As USA politics works with slick efficient machines, it is likely Bush by a very, very short head.
Roger, Wrexham, UK

Intelligent, thoughtful people value plain talk more than smooth talk. President Bush is the logical choice.
Mark, Arizona, USA

The Bush administration is one plagued by frequent contradictions. Declaring war to protect our freedom, then passing the Patriot act to take it away. America went from active member of the world community to a rogue nation on the warpath with little concern for the rest of the world's opinion. While Kerry may not be the perfect candidate, I find it hard to believe that any American outside the elite 1% want another term with Bush. I just don't think our population can survive another four years of war on a noun.
Anthony, Iowa

It always seems to come down to a competition of image and personality N Murphy, Dublin, Ireland

For a democratic election to be worthwhile there must be genuine choices available for the people of the country to choose between. In the USA it always seems to come down to a competition of image and personality, which is really shallow. Where are all the other parties? Are there only two parties within the USA? And if so, both represent big business and the wealthy, yet this only accounts for a tiny percentage of the population within the USA! In this election we have an Imperialist President supported by oil and war hungry Americans against another very wealthy American who is yet to stamp his ideology on the USA. The people of the USA must look for real alternatives to their past.
N Murphy, Dublin, Ireland

Unless Kerry can make a name for himself soon - that is, other than a notorious flip-flopper - Bush may yet scrape by with another victory with thanks to peoples' ignorance of his history and policies.
Eric Allen, Hastings, United States

The pressing issues are the state of the media, healthcare, and the Iraq occupation. Unfortunately, the Bush administration and republicans have thrown in deterring gay rights marriage on the agenda. As an abstinent, bisexual person, I find the latter to be upsetting. Kerry is a better candidate, but other more progressive candidates have been shamefully shut out.
Duc Dang, Chicago, IL, USA

We have seen what Bush can do, let's give a John Kerry a turn and we might have a better day tomorrow.
John Jacob, Minnesota, US

People of the US want the country back and our credibility returned Elizabeth, Hagerstown, MD, USA

Intelligent, thoughtful people of the US want the country back and our credibility returned from this corrupt conservative machine that uses simplistic language, moral issues, and scare tactics to attempt to manipulate the nation to their financial agenda. John Kerry is the reasonable choice.
Elizabeth, Hagerstown, MD, USA

Elizabeth, Hagerstown: Your comments demonstrate the ignorance of most liberals. People who support Bush are neither unintelligent or unthoughtful. When will liberals understand that their opinions are not always the right ones and not everyone who has intelligence or sense agrees with them? I understand all the issues rather well. I am well read and well travelled. I have lived in Europe. Yet, I am a political conservative and do not want to see this country handed to the liberals on a silver platter.
Mike, Kensington, MD USA

Mike, Kensington, MD USA: If the Republicans are so well educated and thoughtful, how do they keep producing party leaders like Reagan and Bush? Neither of these would seem educated or thoughtful. A country with access to the most powerful army and with a large influence on modern society, should surely have a leader with a proven education.
Lewiss, Cardiff, UK

There is only one candidate in this election, George Bush. People are either pro-Bush, or anti-Bush. You could easily substitute Kerry with a lump of wood and get the same results, as long as they are 'not-Bush'. On the plus side, at least the lump of wood would be consistent in their responses to the various issues.
Scott, Pennsylvania, USA

To Scott of PA. - Since a lump of wood would be consistent in it's responses to various issues, and Bush is consistent in his responses to various issues, can we equate Bush with a lump of wood? Of course we can!
Dave, Colorado, USA

Kerry certainly should win and in an ideal world he would. I remain hopeful but also have a growing sense of foreboding. I think the chances of something happening to sway the election Bush's way are growing.
Anna, London, UK

No doubt Kerry should win! Of course Iraq plays an important role in the elections. I seemed to have missed the reasons for us being there in the first place! While we focus on the strengths and weaknesses of both candidates, we must bear in mind the importance of a leader we can trust! Could this be the cause for Bush's sudden decline in approval ratings?
Hussaina Shagaya, USA

Iraq did not seem an issue but rather the economy Sharon Schafer, Pennsylvania

Yesterday I had lunch with four women: two were for Bush and two were for Kerry. Iraq was mentioned by one whose grandson was in Baghdad. The others are businesswomen and Iraq did not seem an issue but rather the economy. No one cared about social issues. Foreign policy in general never came up. I'd say it's a horserace with a photo finish likely.
Sharon Schafer, Pennsylvania, USA

As we get closer to the election, people will come to realize that the country and the world is headed in the wrong direction under the misleadership of President Bush. I don't think the American people can afford four more years of George W Bush and the ruin he will bring to our nation.
Charles York, Crawford, Texas

Hard to say - all it would take is another big attack inside the US and Bush's ratings could soar. It would also be within his (new found) power to postpone the election altogether in such an instance. I think we should all be scared about what is yet to come.
Marie Xenos, London

Kerry is too liberal and when it comes time to step into the voting booth, the majority of people will not be able to bring themselves to vote for him. I could vote for Kerry but I am a more open minded, middle of the road Republican. Most Republicans are much more conservative and any candidate who wins must get crossover votes to do it.
Kyle, Seaside, FL, USA

The polls show Kerry slightly ahead but polls can be manipulated Karen, Gainesville, VA, USA

The polls show Kerry slightly ahead but polls can be manipulated. Iraq and Gay Marriage will be the two deciding factors in this election. Most Europeans would say based on that, Kerry will win and in Europe, he would. However, they still repeatedly fail to understand the average American who is conservative. In my day to day life, I hear absolutely no one discussing the election. Things are so polarized that it seems most people are not willing to discuss it. People are keeping their opinions to themselves for the most part and I believe the world will be shocked and stunned when George Bush is re-elected.
Karen, Gainesville, VA, USA

Both candidates are in control of Israeli lobby. Doesn't matter who wins. Foreign Policy, the most important issue, will stay the same. Am I right?
Irfan Haqqee, Mississauga, ON

My heart feels Kerry will win but my head keeps telling me that the Bush propaganda machine will somehow swing the voters come November.
Keith, London

It seems as if terrorists really hold this election. If they launch another attack, American feelings could swing heavily to one side (in support of Bush like after 9/11 or backlash as in the case of Spain). I'm holding my breath but ready to vote no matter what happens.
Marysol, Nashville, TN, USA