Medienkitik Readers Explain Why They Voted Bush

First off, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to write us about how they voted. That is not necessarily a given and we appreciate it. Secondly, we were surprised at many of the answers we received. Contrary to popular stereotypes circulating in the German media, those who said they voted Bush were not all members of the President's conservative "base" or folks from the American Midwest who have never owned a passport or been outside the US.

Here are a few of your comments. I have edited some of them because we simply don't have the space to publish them all in their entirety. Please click here to see the full comments section if you would like to see all comments in full. And now:

Pastorius writes:

I am a lifelong Democrat who never voted for a Republican in my life, until 2004, when I voted for George Bush.

Like many of the readers here, I was prompted to rethink my position by European hatred of George Bush. I have family in Europe. On 9/11 they made it a point to call me and inform me of why America deserved what it had gotten.

For the first time in my life I realized that, what I thought of as the "casual anti-Americanism" of the Left, was actually entrenched and visceral hatred of the United States and it's core values.

Having thought about this for over three years now, I believe that the Left is rotten to it's core and does not truly believe in it's own professed values.

For instance, I have watched in abject despair, as people whom I once respected have done everything but celebrate the new Democratic government of Afghanistan. I have listened, as members of the Left explain to us that it isn't true that all people would want Liberty and Democracy. I see that the anti-War Left will will march in the streets alongside Islamofascists who stand against Feminism, Homosexuals, and Freedom of Speech/Religion.

I am horrified by the irrationality and fear of these empty Leftists. I fear what it bodes for our world.

The Left seems willing to lie down, in a Pacifist pose, as all their professed values are taken away from them.

I am not willing to go along with them.

I pray that George Bush will be able lead us through this confrontation with the Islamofascists, who I believe are a force of terrible evil.

Phil writes:

I am an independent and a classical liberal and not a conservative. I voted for Bush because we need a strong leader who understands that in order to win we have to be on the offensive in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). I supported bringing Saddam to justice and liberating 24 million Iraqis and giving them the opportunity to establish a free society not only as an end in itself, but also as part of a larger strategy in the GWOT to oppose islamofascism with liberal democracy.

I was deeply troubled by the leftward lurch of the Democratic Party and the dominance of transnational socialist ideology with its ambition of subordinating the American people to the "one best way" approved by the French, Germans, EU and UN, which has proven itself to be a massive failure.

Equally troubling is the ubiquity in Europe of anti-American bigotry and hatred. It is a pattern that keeps reappearing again and again. Many Europeans need to look in mirror and wonder "Why do we hate?"

Caroline writes:

I am a lifelong Democrat who voted for Bush because
1. The Democrats shamelessly politicized the Iraq war- e.g. calling it the "wrong war at the wrong place at the wrong time" - when both Kerry and Edwards voted for it - in fact regime change in Iraq was US policy under Clinton. Also falling under politicizing the war: the reaction to Abu Ghraib (Ted Kennedy saying that Abu Ghraib had opened under new management), calling Allawi a puppet of the US, calling our actual allies a coalition of the coerced and bribed etc etc. - all of this with apparently not a care that it might embolden our enemies and get more of our soldiers killed. Shameless!
2. Kerry was a liberal dove (with a long, weak record on national security) whom the Dems thought they could pass off as a centrist hawk because he fought in Vietnam.
3. Kerry has shown consistently bad judgement in matters of national security - including meeting with Viet Cong representatives in the early 70's, voting against Gulf War I - when we had an excellent coalition, and totally underestimating the consequences of withdrawing from Vietnam - he thought only a few thousand Vietnamese would be killed. I don't want to see that bad judgment exercised in Iraq.
4. Kerry does in fact flip-flop. He appears to have no real convictions.
5. I was sick of the Monday morning quarterbacking on the war. After the fact he could have done every single thing better. Give me a break. He never offered any realistic plan - other than this ridiculous lie that he would get the "allies" on board.
6. Michael Moore without a doubt. Its one thing for a guy to make a movie filled with a bunch of anti-American bile and lies - its another thing for the candidate for President to give the guy a front and center seat at the convention. Let me see here - Kerry was basically a traitor during Vietnam. Moore is basically a traitor during the Iraq war. There's the two of them together at the convention! No thank you!
7. Kerry put a ridiculous amount of faith in the UN when the UN is obviously totally corrupt. Besides the Oil for Food scandal, there's the lack of any action in Sudan and there's the constant Israel bashing. The UN is full of a bunch of despots having equal legitimacy with democracies.
8. The deficit is huge but Kerry's economic plans showed no indication of rectifying that.
9. I was sick of the sheer hysteria and vitriole directed towards Bush by the Democrats and the Europeans: Bush Lied! Bush=Hitler etc etc. It was utterly ridiculous. Bush didn't lie - he was mistaken about WMD - as were Kerry, Edwards, Clinton and practically the whole planet! I don't want to reward this kind of insanity with a vote. I was also outraged by the fact that the main stream media was obviously in the tank for Kerry. The Democrats had completely free speech throughout this whole process - including the blockbuster film Fahrenheit 9/11 but they threatened to sue the Swift Boat Vets and they succeeded in shutting down the broadcast of the anti-Kerry documentary Stolen Valor. Plus there was Dan Rather, the New York Times etc etc. I'm not going to reward this kind of crap with a vote lest they think they can continue to get away with it.
10. Finally I did not want to see America pull a Spain. It would have had 10 times the impact. It would have emboldened al Quada and jihadists throughout the world would have been celebrating in the streets. I chose instead by my vote to give hope to the many silent Muslims in the Middle East who do want democracy and know that a strong American leader who doesn't give a damn what the world thinks - is their best shot at it.

Tom C. writes:

You should consider that I was strongly opposed to the invasion of Iraq, that I was an early supporter of Howard Dean, and sent him a generous contribution in the beginning days of his campaign. Furthermore, I opposed the Viet Nam War, and refused to participate in that conflict. For me to support the election of President Bush required a lot of thought and study. I am confident that I have made the right decision. If I am shown wrong by the march of events, then I will admit it and support another solution. For now, however, I believe that he represents the best leadership that we were offered and that is why I voted for him, even though I think that he has made mistakes, and I expect to see him make some more. I do believe, however that he offers the best chance to get it right eventually. I respect those who disagree, but not those who are so ignorant as to demonize this President and those who have supported him.

Clifford G. writes:

I usually vote for the Libertarian candidate as a sort of protest vote -- not this time. In simpler times, George Bush would hardly be a symbol of my political sentiments. But these are hardly simple times, are they?

Why did Bush win? Why did I vote for him? It's so simple. If the choices are the values of angry posing "artists," armchair "philosophers," snobs and closet tyrants of every stripe vs. a guy from Texas who thinks totalitarianism is a threat -- I'll go with the simple and honest everytime. God bless George Bush and the simple quest for freedom everywhere (and I'm an agnostic!)

Rich writes:

I voted for Bush based on two fundamental beliefs I hold:

1. We are at war, not in a situation where police and lawyers take the point.

2. We have to smash the enemy, or else they will wax more powerful and eventually defeat us one way or the other.

Bush understands this and I have seen him act in accordance with these beliefs. I was never convinced Kerry did, and his acts were picked on the basis of how the polling on the issue was. Had the Democrats run Joe Lieberman, someone else who I think gets it, I would have voted for him instead of Bush. The Dems picked Kerry and lost my vote.

Victoria F. writes:

I voted for Bush because I have lived in France for nearly 10 years and, while I respect their choices, I would not in a million years wish this system on my home country. Ignorant American? Don't think so.

Louis S. writes:

I voted for President Bush because I support him in his bringing the war back to the Islamo-facists who started it. Although it has been many decades since my sister and I lived in New York City, I used to work 4 blocks from the World Trade Center, and my sister used to work in the World Trade Center. I will remember the day that the Twin Towers were destroyed just as I remember exactly where I was when I found out President Kennedy had been murdered. I support President Bush's general foreign policy of considering first the interests of the United States, and those of our true allies who support us in our time of need. I also support his domestic programs of reforming social security so that it doesn't go belly-up when I turn 67; of reduction and rationalization of federal taxes so that the US economy can continue to grow; of fostering reform of education through competition of schools; and of nominating federal judges who will interpret, not alter, the constitution and the laws.

I voted against Senator Kerry because I am a VietNam War veteran of the US Navy. I was over there in 1967 on the USS Fox, DLG-33. I was not a war criminal, druggy, or baby killer. My shipmates were not war criminals, druggies, or baby killers:--and neither were Senator Kerry's shipmates, either on the USS Gridley, or in the Swift Boat squadron. A whole generation of American Veterans were maligned by his lies as president of VVAW, and for years suffered discrimination in employment and in social life because of those lies. I will never vote for a man who craps on his shipmates. Further, Senator Kerry had private meetings with officials of North VietNam while we were still at war, and while he was still a commissioned officer in the US Naval Reserve. I will never ever vote for a traitor.

Dave writes:

I'm certain that elections here are similar to elections in Europe. Everyone is pretty clear on where the incumbent stands. It's up to the challenger to clearly articulate where he/she stands and why that stance is better than the incumbent's.

Kerry failed to do this. In addition to failing to do this, Mr. Kerry couldn't reconcile his 20 year record in the U.S. Senate with this campaign rhetoric.

Many other people will cite things like Mr. Kerry's service in Vietnam and his later protests against the Vietnam war. I don't fault them for basing their voting decision on this. But for those of us who are too young to remember Vietnam, it came down to choosing between two candidates, one of whom didn't articulate a position beyond "You hate Bush. I'm not Bush. Vote for me".

Bean writes:

I've traveled to almost every country in Western Europe. I was in Germany a few days after 9/11 as they lectured me that, "9/11 was really bad, but the U.S. sort of asked for it."What the world needs right now to defeat Islamic terrorism is a little less talk... and alot more action. So I voted for George Bush. Somebody's got to get the job done. For all the so called intellectuals in Europe you would think that they would understand what their own history teaches.

Appeasement doesn't work and it leads to only bigger problems in the long run. Moslems brought death to Europe in the form of war before. Heck, they could read their own newspapers and see it happening again today.

Gary writes:

I voted for Bush for the simple reason that he represents all that made this country the greatest on Earth. He's plain-spoken, direct, honest and savvy.There's none of the pseudosophistication,self aggrandizement or intellectual cowardice that marks the John Kerrys or Euro-snobs.

The war in Iraq was necessary and brilliantly executed. Europeans wouldn't know that, of course, and they wouldn't know that the strategy behind it has set fascist Islam on its butt. We here are safer for it. It also helps Europe deal with its growing civil war, but I guess you can't have everything.

Bush made us strong again by forcing the nation to confront two things: external evil and snide European condescension. We are relearning self sufficiency, right from wrong and above all, the courage to do what's right.

That's why I voted for him. It also felt good to pull that lever (the machines worked fine, BTW) knowing that the French, Germans, Spaniards and leftist Brits would be howling in rage the next day.

BMC writes:

I voted for George Bush because I support his policy of taking the fight to the enemy and not waiting for them to act first. No other issue matters more to me than the fight against Islamic terrorism. That his re-election has ticked off most of Europe is a delightful fringe benefit but nothing more.

Lark writes:

Contrary to the assumptions of BushHaters worldwide, I did not vote for Bush due to some slavish devotion to war, fanatical conservatism, bigotry, homophobia, or admiration of cowboy hats. A vote for Bush is, in fact, a complicated sifting of priorities and assignment of relative values to various issues - not least, of course, being 9/11 and the subsequent invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Americans understand that it is simply impossible to protect US interests and NEVER offend or anger other nations. Believe me, we do feel angst over such situations even as we are determined not to harm ourselves, or let harm befall us, in order to please others.

Americans are fully aware of our power and that our policies affect the world, but we are sick and tired of twisting ourselves into a pretzel in attempting to make everyone 'happy'.

Why were there no massive demonstrations against Saddam that demanded he abide by UN resolutions so as to avoid war? HE was the one who has waged ground wars over and over again.

Americans are sick and tired of being blamed for every ill that has befallen mankind.

The Fautt writes:

Simple as that. Bush may not be perfect and he may not be the smartest in the book, but he does get things done. Whether people like it or not, everyone should have the right to live their lives the way they want. That's all we're doing over in Iraq. This Blood for oil bullshit needs to stop.

Cowboy is a compliment writes:

I voted for 'W' because he is an honest man who says what he means and does what he says. That wouldn't be enough, but the things he says he'll do: Take less money away from the working people of America, when the war against the Islamofascists, is what I want to happen. I wish he would reduce spending, but no one is perfect.

With Kerry, I have no idea what-so-ever what he would do on any subject, other than raise some Taxes. I could detect no firm beliefs or plans from him.

Thank you again for your responses. For any of you who still want to write us why you voted the way you did, the comments section is open...

Comments

[Eliza]

As a Libertarian Party activist, it need hardly be said that I consider Bush's first four years an unmitigated disaster on the domestic front. And I, like any sensible person, am dismayed at the ham-fisted incompetence of the Iraq reconstruction (though the work in Afghanistan seems acceptable). And yet ...

The salient argument in his favor is international credibility. (Yes, you read that correctly). In all of its pre-9-11 communications, al-Qa'ida returns again and again to the theme that America is the "weak horse" to their "strong horse", a "paper tiger", a nation of cowards that retreats in the face of attack. They openly mock Bill Clinton and William Perry's hollow threats and weak response to the murder of Americans. They cite Lebanon, Somalia, and Vietnam, as well as our failure to respond to the 1993 attack on New York, the USS Cole, the Khobar Towers, the bombing of our embassies in Africa, etc., as evidence that we will placidly submit to any outrage without meaningful response.

Thus our enemies failed to anticipate America's all-consuming fury at the murder of three thousand American citizens on our own soil -- before our very eyes. I accept the argument that GWB's swift, sure response is what has kept America terror-free for the last three years. They fear him, as do rogue states like Libya. His defeat would signal weakness, and that would mean death. This is why our enemies favor a Kerry presidency. This is why I voted for Georgw W. Bush.

[Huan]

Because Bush believe that democracy and freedom is the solution to counter hatred and fundmentalism giving rise to terrorism, and he is willing to make tough decisions to make it happen.

[neo]

well, voting for bush just because europeans dont like him is very childish..

[Angie Schultz]

voting for bush just because europeans dont like him is very childish..

Is it as childish as voting for Kerry because Europeans don't like Bush?

[Eric Anondson]

neo: well, voting for bush just because europeans dont like him is very childish.

A vote is a vote is a vote.

There are countless petty reasons select Kerry voters offer for voting against Bush, too.

[Paul]

Personally, I go with Dennis Miller's idea - I like that W wakes up in the morning, scratches his balls, puts his two feet on the floor, and says, "Think I'll kill me some f***ing terrorists today."
I was amazed that Kerry a)thought this was a "nuisance" akin to fighting gambling and prostitution b)admitted that September 11 "didn't change much" for him. Where the hell was he, Mars?
Look, when we win the war, we can go back to figuring out gay marriage, minimum wages, the sad fact that some women have to pay for their abortions, Kyoto, and whatever other cause comes across our transom. Till then, we'll keep W...and yes, pissing off the Eurotrash on both sides of the Atlantic is a nice added touch.

[syn]

I just saw the film "Voices of Iraq" shown here in NYC (unfortunately only one of five cities in the US) This film was made by giving 150 digital cameras to go around Iraq and ask Iraqis what they think.

If you can get your hands on this film, I encourage you to do so. It can be purchased at www.voicesofiraq.com

The people who opposed this war to remove Sadaam should be ashamed of themselves. After you see this film you will understand why not going to war to remove Sadaam was itself evil.

President Bush did exactly the right thing in going to war to remove Sadaam and his evil spawns from power.

Modern Liberalism is completely backward.

[alex]

If you truly think that we went to Iraq so we could bring freedom to people there, or to find WMD, or to fight terrorism, you haven't been paying much attention to the history of the United States and Iraq/Middle East. The reason we went there, and the reason we're still there, is money and oil. Plain, simple.

Ask almost any soldier who has been over there, and they'll tell you the same thing.

[syn]

Yeah sure Alex, it was all about oooiiilllll!

Do you then believe that Theo Van Gogh's assassination by a radical Islamic Fascist was justified?

Maybe the killer was pissed because the Dutch are using Arab oooooiiiilllllll.

Alex, to reduce the hell Iraqis had to endure while the corrupt United Nations, specifically France, allowed Sadaam to continue ruling while certain UN members received millions in BLOOD MONEY through its oil voucher kick-back scandal to an idea that Americans when in for the oil is cruel and heartless.

You seem to be paying attention only to Michael Moore.

By the way, why is France bombing the Ivory Coast as we speak WITHOUT UN security counsel approval!!!!! Where's your outrage at this violation towards innocent lives?

I believe we went to Iraq so we can bring freedom to the people there, find Sadaam's WMD's(though by the time we received UN permission Sadaam moved them to say, Syria) and to fight terrorism.

Keep your well-oiled head buried in your bloody lies while enriching the life of the well-crafted propagandist Michael Moore.

[Huan]

It is both cheaper economically and politically to buy oil than to wage war for oil. Those who think the war was for oil still don't get it. The hypocrisy of those who claim to champion freedom and life but in reality they merely want to protect oppressed lives and discard any need for freedom.

[Joe]

alex,

And just how many soldiers have you asked who gave you that opinion.

I would like to know the units they were assigned to?

[Joe N.]

In teh sense that turning off the taps of the middle east would have a far harsher immediate effect on Mediterranean Europe, Africa, and most of teh Arab world which IMPORTS oil, I think it makes sense that Alex thinks it was all about OOOOOOIIIIILLLLL!!!!

[Joe]

Joe N,

Well it sure would make the Greens happy. They could then meet the goals of Koyto.

Alex is a Green can't you tell.

[Eric Anondson]

Huh.

What does a Chomskyite/Mooron believe is the reason the US boycotts Iranian oil? Why wont anyone else in Europe join?

Yeah, huh...

[Joe]

Eric,

I am not sure how to answer that.

If I were to believe Niklas it is because they cannot tell the difference between good and evil.

If I were to believe Gol, it is because only Europeans want freedom.

If I were to believe paris, it is to increase the influence of Europe.

If I were to believe Berlin, it is contracts and exports to prop up a failing social welfare system.

I just don't know what to believe.

I am sure Alex will tell us.

[gumbydammit]

"well, voting for bush just because europeans dont like him is very childish.."

Did you somehow miss the abundance of logical reasons given on this page by a wide varitey of American voters???

[greenmamba]

I particularly want to commend Caroline on her letter. She eloquently captured what were the main issues for me. She also showed that one can be a Democrat and have common sense and integrity. (Some of us were beginning to wonder.)

[William]

Yes. DM got my vote! I won't go into it at length here because of the fraught situation here in the Netherlands. I just want to point out this absurd comment from Denmark's Politiken (11/10) about the situation in the Netherlands: "Following the murder of Theo van Gogh, the Netherlands is running the risk of following the logic that led to Kristallnacht in 1938, which marked the beginning of Nazi opression of the Jews." This remark is outrageous in my opinion, and more besides. And this blog is one of those that help(ed) me to become focussed, so my thanks go to you for exposing biased, inflammatory and inaccurate media. All the best, folks.

[William]

Sorry everyone. That last comment pertains to "Medienkritik Nominated for Deutsche Welle Best of Blog Award".