posted November 03, 2004 08:49 AM              

The voice of America indeed - but which America? How so many people voted for Bush is mind-boggling. An absolute disaster. This is a tragic day for our planet and for all of us, wherever we live.
Raymond Perrez, Toulouse, France

If Bush wins, as it seems now, we will have more problems. For the world it's a sad day. The conflicts with Europe will widen. And the hatred against the US will also widen. Just hope for 2008 and Hillary Clinton.
Peter, Gothenburg, Sweden

I find it simply amazing how much the rest of the world is shocked by the US election results. I think somehow they come to expect that the United States is here to respond to all the world's will and beckoning call. Not so! This time we opened up our political wallets and cheque books and spent our political capital on what is right for ourselves. Now as I sit and read so many, many whiny and selfish comments from the rest of the world, it reminds me of the young child that cries after he/she just had their lollipop taken away. Don't worry everyone, the sun is going to rise tomorrow and the world is not coming to an end. Everything is going to be okay.
John, Bolingbrook, Ill

I am so angry right now it's impossible to think straight. How my fellow countrymen can possibly think that George Bush deserved to be re-elected defies explanation. The man has isolated us from our allies, has waged a war that did not need fighting, has done nothing to improve the economy, and has used social issues to drive wedges through American society under the guise of morality. It amazes and saddens me that so many Americans can be so easily misled.
Joe, Martinsburg, WV, USA

According to this result the majority of American voters are apparently happy to live in a society that eschews any kind of social or liberal values whatsoever. I fear for the future of America's many poor citizens and the minority of civilised and decent and above all educated American voters who voted for Kerry. Most of all I fear for the future of the world and hope that Europe and in particular Tony Blair takes a much tougher stance against any more US military aggression that Bush has planned for his second term.
Matt, London, UK

I hope that Ohio is not called until all the votes are counted, provisional and absentee. At least one Ohio absentee ballot was not received until Nov. 1.
Maire Goss, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As an American living in London, I am pleased that the US results are going the way they are, it shows that Kerry's hype didn't pull off. America's position in the world is different to Finland's or Belgium, and Europeans have always been critical of the US, so why should it matter now? I wont be intimidated by what "Europe" thinks of my president because they didn't elect him.
Femi Aiy, London

To me the most interesting and the same time the most frightening fact related to this election-like reality show, is that we discuss and care about it. It seems that the American control over the planet enlarges to a fascistic dimension.
Thanos Didangelos, Athens, Greece

How pathetic! With literally tens of thousands of absentee and write-in Ballots yet uncounted, Mr. Bush is itching to declare victory. It's another very close race with Ohio as the final decisive factor.
Curtis Sherwood, Arkansas City, Kansas

Well I'm in the minority I guess but I'm so happy that Bush seems to be pulling ahead and will win the race. These difficult times require clear leadership, dedication and strength. Kerry didn't have any of those qualities. Bush is the only one who could lead America.
Fiona, Paris, France

It is now clear that the majority of American people do not share the same values and vision for their society that the majority of Europeans do. The UK government and the conservative governments in Europe should take note of this fact and build future EU/US relations accordingly. There is now no excuse for playing with a 'special relationship' with the US.
Ray Collins, Nicosia, Cyprus

It is "almost" unbelievable that the American people have once again chosen to allow Bush control of power for another four years. I feel as though they have turned their back on the international community, that they have forgotten that the world is small place, where America's actions affect us all.
Jennifer, Canadian living in Munich, Germany

I find it incredible that the US States are allowed so much time to count the votes. Perhaps some of the two billion dollars spent on campaigning would have been better spent on modernising their election system.
Mark Chapman, Esher, UK

I'm not a practising man but please God, Allah, Jahwe; don't let Bush win this one. The world has not become a safer or secure place. Nor has he brought prosperity or any good news. Come on Kerry or at least Hilary in 2008. Please, not another 4 years of misery!
Steven Marinus, Antwerpen, Belgium

Perhaps with a country so divided, it is time for it to be split into 3. I lived in the US for 6 years and loved it but many friends on the East and West coasts were tired of being dominated by the middle of the country. West Coast friends used to laughingly talk about 'Pacifica', a nation of California, Oregon, Washington State and British Columbia. They aren't laughing now, and neither is the rest of the world.
Fleecy Moss, St Bees

I was going to rant against the US people for voting in Bush. Having read the comments here, all I can say is: I am truly sorry for you, I too fear terrible times ahead.
Jim Tindal, Birmingham, UK

posted November 03, 2004 08:50 AM              

I am really eager to find out who will win the votes, but hopefully John Kerry will win. If Bush wins then it will be really bad for USA let alone the rest of the world!
Susan, UK

I am one of the individuals who watched with interests the way the elections were conducted. It was fantastic. Keep the standards of democracy! Keep on shining!.
Alistar, Zimbabwe

Many people in this country seem to have voted on fear

Larry Douglas,US
I can say that the election results fill me with dismay. If Bush wins this election I can honestly say that I will be embarrassed to admit that I am an American. Many people in this country seem to have voted on fear instilled in them from right-wing propaganda. The fact that the people in my country do not see the serious damage that Bush has inflicted upon this country and the world boggles my mind. Fortunately for me my wife is Canadian and now I am even more motivated to pursue my citizenship for that more enlightened country.
Larry Douglas,US

I think a win for Bush will be a disaster for African States because of his foreign policy focused on the war on terror. Because of the war on terror, African countries are being forgotten.
Joseph Chidwala, Kenya

It is of great concern that the so called greatest democracy in the world has to have lawyers and independent observers to make sure that all is above board.
David Crowther, Huddersfield England

I woke up this morning very happy. I am a big Bush supporter. I think the Dems could have won if they had put up a better candidate than Kerry. Kerry was a poor choice with a horrible history on going back and forth on issues.
Mike G, Boston, USA

Well it looks like another 4 years of hearing about WMD. God help us all and the world.
Ann Keane, Beirut, Lebanon

If, as seems increasingly likely, Bush takes a second term, it is a bleak day not just for America but for the whole world. It is frustrating having to sit back helplessly and watch as America makes a huge mistake - one which will not be confined to their borders. In the past four years George Bush has wrecked the economy, ignored the environment and allowed lives to be lost in a needless war. Who knows what more he can 'achieve' during another term? One shudders to think.
Polly, Devon, UK

posted November 03, 2004 08:51 AM              

After looking through the comments from people in other great nations around the world, it is clearer to me now than ever that Kerry was the hope of the world. After seeing what Bush could do with four years to destroy America as we know it, and bring a dark cloud of war to the world stag, it is very frightening to me to think what he will be able to do with a Republican house and senate for another four years. God help us.
Nick, New York, USA

I just wish British elections were as close, stimulating and exciting as in the USA, whatever your political persuasion. Voter apathy in the UK is partly a result of there seeming to be no contest (whilst in reality there are huge issues at stake). People moan that there is no "opposition" over here - well if you want one, you have got to vote for it!
Richard, Kidderminster, England

I am not a US voter but my wife is. It is unbelievable how many Americans voted for Bush again regardless their experiences from the last 4 years. If Bush wins again that is bad news for the rest of the world.
Christoph Thuemmler, Edinburgh, Scotland

Oh well, looks like another four years of Bush. The good news is that this now clears the way for Hilary Clinton in 2008. Come on Hilary, the world needs you!
Steve, Munich

It looks as though George Bush is to be re-elected. I used to believe that Americans were largely well meaning, peace loving people. Now I feel that at least half of the country is driven by fear and selfishness to the detriment of themselves and the world.
Michael, Himeji, Japan

For us Palestinians, the American elections used to be an important thing, but now we don't even bother who wins. Simply they are both allied with the Israelis.
Rafat, Bethlehem

I just woke up to find Bush in the lead. I feel physically sick. I wish I could go back to bed and get up in another four years.
Sarah, Brussels

I believe that anything that happens in US Vote 2004 will be for the good for the people living in America. The thing of debate is for the people outside US. New approaches and new policies will be applied by both of them in the next term. I consider Bush to be solid in his approach, if Kerry fails to make it, we might not see his "real" approach apart from all the election campaign hype!
Avinash, Dallas, Texas, USA

The Flyover President. That's what Bush should be called, after winning all those states we fly over on our way from New York to California. By the way, Kerry should concede defeat: Bush won the popular vote. The people have (regrettably) spoken.
Gerald Graham, Victoria, Canada

posted November 03, 2004 08:53 AM              

I voted and I enjoyed a sunny day. As I am turning off the TV and internet, I'm seeing George W Bush pulling ahead... I'm going to go to sleep now with a sore and cloudy heart. I'm not religious, but I will pray for our world tonight.
Key, San Francisco, CA

I am hoping against hope that my state will go to Senator Kerry. I have spent the last four years ashamed of my president. I do not want to spend the next four years ashamed of my fellow Americans.
Karen, Ohio, United States

Not only has Kerry lost, but the House and the Senate have moved firmly, grimly, to the right. There is now little that can stop the Bush administration from pursuing its terrible, terrorizing agenda. We are shocked, numb, in disbelief.
Kara, San Francisco, USA

Well it looks like we have to put up with another four years of Bush. I think that in a country like America, it was naive to believe that Bush would lose elections. I think most Americans approve of the arrogance that Bush portrays to the world. Today, I wish Soviet Union never disintegrated and there would have been some balance still in this world.

Let's hope Bush learns from the mistakes made in the first term and we get a more peaceful and balanced world in the next four years. Maybe just like Reagan, Bush would be less radical in the next term. What's funny, except for America, Kerry would certainly have won an election anywhere else in the world.
HA Qureshi, Islamabad, Pakistan

I am following the results of the election as America turns tonight, sad, but not surprised. I knew the strength of the Republican propaganda machine and the power of the Christian Right. I, too, would identify myself as a Christian, but I will not turn my brain over to any organization who tells me how to vote. Here is a man who has involved us in an unnecessary war, rolled back ways to protect our planet, given money to the rich while many Americans can't make a living wage, and squandered much international goodwill. I am saddened that most Americans haven't seemed willing to understand the issues for themselves. I believe they would see that Bush has not done what is in the best interests of his country or the world.
Laurie, Taichung, Taiwan

...that's about half.

posted November 03, 2004 11:26 AM              

I repeat the words of HA Qureshi, Islamabad, Pakistan

quote:

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Let's hope Bush learns from the mistakes made in the first term and we get a more peaceful and balanced world in the next four years. Maybe just like Reagan, Bush would be less radical in the next term. What's funny, except for America, Kerry would certainly have won an election anywhere else in the world.

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posted November 03, 2004 11:31 AM              

I'm a lifelong Republican who, with considerable trepidation, cast my vote for John Kerry because I've been so disheartened by Bush's misguided domestic and international policies. I also hate that his tenure has so distorted and debased America's position in the world. However, you can't really blame the voters; too many didn't feel they had any choice but to stick with someone they knew. The real fault for sending Bush back for another term lies with the Democractic Party for not presenting a stronger alternative to Bush. Kerry never inspired the majority of the American electorate to view him as anything other than a protest vote. Trust me, many many people here held their nose as they cast their vote for Bush.
Jeanmarie, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Oh goodness, what a sad day this is for democracy. With Bush as president for next 4 years we can only look forward to more incompetence. America will continue to lose the trust within it's allies and the respect of the rest of the free world.
Darren Bussler, Staffs, England

A resounding victory by President Bush, both in the Electoral College as well as the popular vote; it'll be an even bigger victory once the military ballots are counted.
A US Army Ranger, Amarillo, Texas

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, to let their voice be heard. But I'm pretty tired of European criticism of my country. You guys are so willing to throw criticism around without looking at your own plight. Poor economic performance, rising unemployment, rising anti-semitism, etc. Try criticising your leaders, and let us (Americans) worry about ours.
Patrick, USA

The comments here split into two groups: Those outside America who can see the damage Bush has done and those inside America who seem to beleive the never ending propagada they are bombarded with.
Tim Barraclough, Birmingham, UK

Many of us held out hope that large turnout would reveal a sane, reality-based electorate, one that votes for policy rather than the made-for-TV "values" portrayed by these candidate-actors. This result, with such high turnout, is truly depressing. It shifts much of the responsibility for the out-of-touch, discriminatory, bullying attitude portrayed by our current leadership to the people themselves. Separation of church and state is no longer valued by the majority in the U.S. The founding fathers must be rolling over in their graves.
Christie, PA, USA

This election was irrational fear against highly rational anger. It looks like fear got the better of us this time. Here on the West Coast, we are holding on to the hope for Ohio - we haven't lost yet, and stranger things have happened. Perhaps there is still a miracle in the making.
Connie Howard, Palo Alto, CA, United States

Bush wins, and it really tells something about people of the United States. More war and misery.
Annika, Helsinki, Finland

The American People have spoken. The world's oldest democracy is thriving with record turnouts of voters across the entire nation. Kerry lost because he was fatally flawed in several respects and did not present a sufficiently attractive alternative to widely disliked President Bush.
Mark, USA

There are so many people here who cannot get over the fact that the USA is a democracy. If you lose an election, a fair election, in a democracy it is not the end of the world.
Kristian, Cambridge

Republicans ran a campaign blitz predicated on fear, shrouded in antiquated cultural mores, and will reap exactly what they have sown.
Ryan, Arlington, Virginia

posted November 03, 2004 11:56 AM              

People will think this is sour grapes but it's not. It's about something which is real and true, and something which is false and stolen. We should have nothing to hide.

As for moving, there is nowhere else to go folks. America is the shaker and the mover. Why do you think the world cares who you elect so much? When America sneezes the world catches cold!

It is now about prayer and work. I believe we didn't do enough work spiritually. This country has a great karma to bear. We don't know for sure what will happen next, however one thing is most certain, as we sow is what we reap.

Pray that the hand of God will touch all our leaders and perhaps we can stop it getting worse. For those involved in wrong doing of any kind will have a hard burden to bear one day. A very hard burden. Oh well, back to my cuppa. I too have a very important thing to decide right now, cookie or no cookie?

Gia

posted November 03, 2004 12:26 PM            

I'll tell you guys exactly what went wrong with the elections this year and this is the only thing that I think that really stuck out like a sore thumb for us: You don't make radical claims towards or amongst those that are within extreem puritan beliefs! Things would have came out smoothly if John Kerry was able to tug on the heart strings of those that are religously inclined, by pointing out that war is NOT the answer and that maybe if they voted more for him, that Kerry would have brought out a more peaceful resolve towards Israel and the Middle East, but as soon as the homosexuals started they're push for "Gay Marriage", all of our hopes of Kerry winning and sending Bush packing went straight out the window!

Me personally, I couldn't care less what homosexuals do with themselves, so long as they don't push they're affairs onto me and they don't exploit they're lifestyle, like they have done in the past, to me, that kind of stuff should be in the privacies of the bedroom and stay in the bedroom! You don't rub "Gay rights" in the face of a priest! And that is what brought the major downfall for the Liberals this year, "Born Agains" don't share the same enthusiasm as Gays and Lesbains do over such a touchy subject! I was hoping that we could have presented a better arguement to them over that "bigger fish" to fry, but I guess that homosexuality to Born Agains is a big enough arguement!

posted November 03, 2004 01:00 PM            

Harry Potter didn't help matters either with the elections, for that to most people represents Paganism and everybody knows that one-tracked, die-hard, religious followers HATE Paganism! I'm sure that to Born Agains, that if Kerry can OK legal Homosexual Bonds, then to them he can also except Witchcraft into the norm! To Christians, those were the "signs of the times" that has been mentioned in the Bible that would bring Humanity to an end! I'm sure that they would have been damned that it would happen in they're country!

posted November 03, 2004 01:10 PM            

Nader too was also another problem in these elections for Kerry supporters and his methods was pretty radical themselves!

Radical amongst radicals!

Bottom line? Liberals need to start learning how to bring forth more sound based arguements into the debate, learn how to appease those that contrast to they're beliefs and stick with subjects that even the opposing side can realate to! If Kerry was able to just stick with the conditions of this nation and the "botched up" War on Terror and nothing else, I think that he would have had a better chance!

People like Bush for only two reasons, he knows how to just "keep it simple" and who to direct that towards! RELIGIOUS FOLLOWERS!

posted November 03, 2004 02:37 PM            

Just to put you on notice, you took your best shot and in spite of every conceivable cheap trick, every lie and every fraud the left could come up with, the left lost.

For those in the rest of the world who are against Bush, up yours Butt out and mind your own business.

Be very glad you got Bush and not me. I could and would show you just how easily America can do without you.

We can make our own cars, TV's, electronics and every other item we buy from you to keep your socialist economies from going under. We could cure almost every perceived and real ill in America by doing so with full, well paid employment in America.

We could pull our military forces out of Europe and everywhere else they are stationed in the world and let you kill each other...as is your history.

You are the ungrateful spoiled brats who have been on the receiving end of America's generosity for more than 50 years and we've spent trillions of our citizen's tax dollars protecting you and propping up your failed economies.

You would be surprised how easily we can do without you. You would be surprised how much more prosperous America would be without you and the constant drain on our economy you represent.

If you were my children, I'd send you to your room, without dinner and let you reflect on what your situation would be without America.

To the leaders of other countries who took the unpopular decisions and who exhibited real leadership to stand by those decisions to produce a real peace, not in the present but extending into future generations, thank you.

For those who attempted to thwart and obstruct the efforts to deal with terrorists and terrorist nations, giving terrorists and terrorist dictators your vote and support, rejoice, you got Bush to deal with and not me.

posted November 03, 2004 04:23 PM            

quote:

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For those in the rest of the world who are against Bush, up yours [] Butt out and mind your own business.

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quote:

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For those who attempted to thwart and obstruct the efforts to deal with terrorists and terrorist nations, giving terrorists and terrorist dictators your vote and support, rejoice, you got Bush to deal with and not me.

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