political wives?

[KenC]

Lena is and always has been very interested in American politics.  More than I am.  She is always starting discussions regarding our politics and is especially interested in the presidential race.  Just wondering how other RW in America stand on this topic.

[AnastassiaAsh]

I am worried now more than before, because Bush is going unfortunately. I am a Conservative. I think I am going to vote this time, for the first time, allthough could have done it last time too but didn't.

[START2]

Ken,
 Valentyna has been paying some attention mostly because it's all news all the time at the moment. Of course she doesn't fully understand The repub. demo thing right now. She just uses her intuition. I took her to see/hear Fred Thompson back in the fall. She liked his personality but sadly Fred had to fire as she put it.  She thinks Billary is has too many faces and not to be trusted. She doesn't trust McCain. Something to do with his voice. She's on the fence with Obama but she asks why he never talks about his ideas.
  Funny thing. When the news was talking about shooting down the sattelite the other day we started talking about landing on the moon. She thinks it was not possible and that it was done in Hollywood. I know people here that think the same thing. I never thought to ask before that.Her info was of course from Russian news. I wonder what the other wives think about that and even though she wasn't born yet, it was learned in school. Ask Lena what she was told during her school days. I bet there are many world events that happened during the cold war era that we have different views about but can only base our knowledge on what our gov. told us. Remember back in the day when the only pics you ever saw of an FSU woman was the babuska walking down an old road with a bundle of sticks  or whatever strapped to her back. That's all I remember. Of course when I arrived in Kiev,(02) and then on to Odessa to meet up with friends, well, my eyes were wide open. Yes, I did see the old babushkas but man, I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty and grace of the FSU woman and I was no stranger to world travel.
  Back on topic. Val shows interest in Am. politics but doesn't quite understand our system yet. She was involved in the Orange revolution as well. I was there during that time and I know she was threatened with her job at the university where she taught if she didn't give her "voice" to Yanakovich. She stood tall and voted for Yushenko as did most of her colleagues. The next day her boss was beaten to within an inch of his life by Yana's thugs because he wasn't influential enough to his employees. They were forced to show these guys their ballot. Those that voted for Yanakovich were put on another bus and taken to another polling place to vote again.Yes, she can appreciate Am. politics. She asked me during the elections in 06 if it was safe for me to vote. Gets you to thinking. She probably just needs more time in our society to fully understand our RIGHT to vote.

[timothe]

Alas, I am engaged to a woman with political views just to the left of Dennis Kucinich.  She doesn't follow politics enough to be informed...she just reacts at things she sees as "wrong".  Some things, like climate alarmists, we are able to agreed upon.  But we pretty much can't talk about either Putin or Bush or the Orange Revolution with any depth without arguing.  It might become a problem in the future, but I think we went over this topic pretty well in Yalta and we both decided to agree to disagree. 

[KenC]

Lena was in the country for about 3 or 4 weeks when she proudly announced she was a Republican!  She has been disappointed in Bush's performance as many have been.  She is very pro-Putin and has had many "spirited" conversations with Russian/Americans on the subject.  She too heard the stories regarding our moon landing as being staged.

When Lena first arrived here, we were watching CNN.  I told her that American TV always portrayed Russian women as fat babushkas with missing teeth and digging potatoes.  Almost as the words came out of my mouth, CNN showed some stock footage of a Babushka holding a plate of potatoes with a scarf on her head!  TFF!  I have always said that if the media had shown us how hot RW really were instead of the babushka clips, the cold war would have ended much sooner!

As for the current presidential campaigns, Lena is very savvy about what is going on and regularly updates me on which candidate said what and when.  She also keeps abreast of Russian politics via her Russian TV. She doesn't have a very good opinion regarding American News and world events either as most of her information comes from Russian TV.  Lena also is a regular listener to conservative (Republican) talk radio too.
KenC

[Blues Fairy]

It's sad that Bush's unpopularity has undermined the image of the Republicans so much as to give another chance to the Clintons.  I'm rooting for Obama just so he can kick Clinton out of the competition.  That gives more chance to the U.S. to have a Republican president for another term.  McCaine, though, I'm not particularly impressed with.  But I don't have a habit of associating a political order with a single person, like those Russians who vote "for Putin" even in Duma elections.  One can despise Bush or distrust McCaine and still support conservative views, based on an objective analysis of the situation in the country and the world.   

[timothe]

It's sad that Bush's unpopularity has undermined the image of the Republicans so much as to give another chance to the Clintons.  I'm rooting for Obama just so he can kick Clinton out of the competition.  That gives more chance to the U.S. to have a Republican president for another term.  McCaine, though, I'm not particularly impressed with.  But I don't have a habit of associating a political order with a single person, like those Russians who vote "for Putin" even in Duma elections.  One can despise Bush or distrust McCaine and still support conservative views, based on an objective analysis of the situation in the country and the world.   

I agree.  In fact, if a conservative Democrat ran for office, I'd vote for him/her.  Harold Ford Jr.-D lost to Bob Corker-R in Tennessee despite being the more conservative candidate.  I'd love to see a guy like him get traction within the Democratic party. 

But alas, the collective will of the nation is moving left and we'll likely need 4 years of failed liberal policies before the collective will moves back to the right.

[BC]

They are all quite conservative IMHO.  Interesting that religion plays such a large role in elections considering separation of Church and State.  Any recent president been elected that couldn't prove he goes to church on a regular basis?  They don't call half of the USA the 'Bible belt' for nuthin.

Recently Putin stated during an interview that he keeps a Bible on his plane.  Wonder how much he was saying between the lines.

Yeah, this is going far beyond the 'no politics, no religion' rule around here.

LOL

[55North]

I hesitated to join this thread as I do not live in America.
 
However, picking upon a couple of points.......

I came into bosom of my North Caucasus fiancee's extended family already with a couple of years intense "Ukrainian" experience behind me including close observation of Ukrainian politics.  I am a political animal, so, rather than biting my tongue, I resolutely defended the Orange Ukrainian positions, albeit with selective reservations.  I figured that I should it get my interests and viewpoint out in the open earlier rather than later.  Yes, the discussion was heated, but our world didn't end.  Indeed, I detected 'respect' for knowing so much about the history of Ukraine and Russia.  But then, most 'Russians' thereabouts have Ukrainian ancestors.  Also, the real voting figures for the Duma in that region (as apart from the 'official' figures) show a healthy disrespect locally for Putin.
 
So I was more than a little surprised when Alla told my on the phone that she thought that Medvedev was 'nice'.  I ducked this one, knowing she has a fetish about bears.  I'll put her right once she's here in the UK.

Oh yes!  American Elections.  The President.  Well, given the acres of newprint given over to your election in our press (as though it's important), I was distinctly amused by this conjecture.  I am one of those who rated the West Wing as excellent, compulsive viewing. 

Now read on..........
 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/21/barackobama.uselections2008
 

[Jazzyclassy]

Even though am not living in America and I will never ever live there, that does not mean I am not interested in what is happening in the whole World so to my mind,
if McCain wins the relations with Russia will go very bad, he is such a russophobe and simply very repellent represser. He promotes America to the be strongerst the greatest and the country which does not make any mistakes. Knowing some facts about American people one can easily conclude that He will win 100%

In my opinion the best person for American presidential nominee would be Barak Obama, he is for equality for justice and against racial intolerance, but again knowing some facts about Americans they will never choose him to be president or even if they do , he wont be able to rule long according to so many political analyst's opinions.

The other point I do not give a toss about it that much who will be the president am just curious, cos it will be interesting for me how America gonna come out of this chain of hatred which it provoked itself among other countries and nations.

Recent horrible act with Kosovo will lead to a such terrible consequences , God deliver us from the World war 3, because of America's caprice.

On the other hand we are just simple people  and we can not resolve those political conflicts, left only hope and belief for the better.

[55North]

Jazzyclassy, I really don't know why you, a Russian citizen and domicile can be so uptight about Kosovo.  Much better you attend to the neo-Nazi progression of your State, rather than pronounce upon some false sense of Slav / Orthodox unity and brotherhood.  Then show the world your civilisation by example.

http://en.for-ua.com/forum/read.php?4,48069,48069#msg-48069

http://www.exile.ru/articles/detail.php?ARTICLE_ID=16499&IBLOCK_ID=35
 
It is touching that the Kremlin (not the Russian people) and Serbia blame the US foremost for the Kosovo situation, but your ire is misplaced.  It is very much a European problem.  (NATO is the military force in play.)  It's the EU that is doing everything it can to prevent any more conflicts in its neighbourhood, with the Balkans the traditional touchstone.  You wouldn't expect the average Brit to have a worked out position regarding Abkhazia, Transdneistr or South Ossetia, would you?  (I do, but I'm not average.)
 
Personally, I think that it would have been tidier to a have split Kosovo ethnically between Albania and Serbia, though, of course, some will need to have moved house.  More importantly, the chauvinism of the Serbs (whose previous actions created the phrase 'ethnic cleansing') would not allow it.
 
Basically the deal is, in Kosovo (and could be in Serbia), stop annoying your neighbours, which includes us, allow us to create for you some semblance of civil society and honest trade, and we, the EU taxpayer (not American) will give you lots of money, if stop behaving like delinquent children.

[55North]

Constant reading from all sources (including this rather good discussion site), educates, broadens the mind and can seriously enlighten.
 
With reference to my contribution above, I offer the 'enlightenment' I have just come across.....
 
http://www.kyivpost.com/bn/28453/

[KenC]

Jazzy,
I do not think it is a lock that McCain will win by any means.  Your fear of worsening of US/Russia relations should he win are shared by Lena.
KenC

[Gator]

She is very pro-Putin

Something that I can not fathom.  Yes, he has been a strong leader towards restoring Russia's standing and status.  However, how can one overlook apartment bombings, assassinations outside and inside Russia borders, curtailing of free press, threatening to nuke Ukraine,.....?  My fiancee detests the man.

Recent horrible act with Kosovo will lead to a such terrible consequences, God deliver us from the World war 3, because of America's caprice.

To say an act of supporting self-determination and eliminating ethnic oppression is the start of WW III (or is worse that what I listed above)......Maybe you are correct about the start of WW III because Putin did say he may use "brute military force" to stop this.  BTW, Jazzy, your beloved UK also recognized Kosovo as did Germany, Italy, France, etc.

[KenC]

Something that I can not fathom.  Yes, he has been a strong leader towards restoring Russia's standing and status.  However, how can one overlook apartment bombings, assassinations outside and inside Russia borders, curtailing of free press, threatening to nuke Ukraine,.....?  My fiancee detests the man.
 

Gator,
You would have to take that up with the Mrs. as I am not informed enough to have a valid opinion.   That was quite some spread Time did on him as man of the year however.  Did you read that issue?
KenC

[Gator]

KenC,

Thanks, but I respectfully decline.  I learned a long time ago not to argue with a RW.

[I/O]

I learned a long time ago not to argue with a RW.

Gator: I suggest learning to argue like the devil with them, BUT also learn to wait for tomorrow for their real answer because the answer you get today often ain't the same.

I/O

[KenC]

Gator: I suggest learning to argue like the devil with them, BUT also learn to wait for tomorrow for their real answer because the answer you get today often ain't the same.

I/O

Seems as though I heard that one before!
KenC
Wish we had more data, but it appears that Lena is alone in her attraction to politics.
KenC

[55North]

Wouldn't it be fare to say that in any society, men are more likely to be interested in politics than women?
 
To some extent, that is indicated by the gender balance of elected officials in a society.  Furthermore, the difference in % gender balance between west and east is indicative of the developed standard of political fairness and freedom, given that women are usually initially attracted to politics through social and welfare issues, and avoid the skulduggery and shenanigans of young or barely formed political systems.
 
By that token, I would not expect most post-Soviet ladies to be really interested in politics per se before emigrating, and given their (usual) maturity when transfering, unlikely to develop much beyond that.
 
What I do look forward to is testing Alla's perception of the system as a whole, whereby (in the UK), our elected officials, and the Royal Family, are constantly being berated and tested by our voracious media, in a manner unlike the east, and, indeed, much of the west.

[Kuna]

My wife takes an interest in politics though of course her interest in American politics is low.

She has opinions on Bush (not good ones), Clinton (quite bad ones) but none on Obama... except that she doesn't think America will vote for him.

She asks questions about Australian politics and appreciates the differences in our major parties.  Once or twice she has (rightfully) mocked our new government over things she sees on television - warms my heart to see her conservative ideals! 

Ukr politics is where she gets most of her entertainment.  It's particularly funny the way she says, "It is circus... real circus", as shakes her head.



Here's somehting that was interesting for me. She actually doesn't believe women should be politicians because, "It's a difficult and dirty job and women should not be involved in that".

Seems it's OK for men to get down and dirty but all women need to be protected by that stone wall Mama was telling me about.   

Kuna

[I/O]

Seems as though I heard that one before!
KenC

Consider yourself proven "Right" again. It is almost laughable, in fact it often is, the way they argue the point over nothing only to come back sometime later with an action demonstrating the opposite view from the one they were so fiercely defending.

KenC, FWIW, there seems to be more than just a passing interest on this location also, although, IMO, no great depth of knowledge. Russians seem to be of the view that governments are places from where some should sometimes get money and if that is not what is expected, then the president is no good. IE: My Grandmother's pension has not improved under Putin so he is a good man but a bad president. Kind of having 2 cents each way as it were.

Personally, I am of the opinion the present and recent government in Russia has set Russia right up to fall a further 50 years behind the times with it's clear but somewhat disguised policy of disengagement. It's a pity, because I had the feeling a few short years back Russia was on the brink of a real watershed. I seriously doubt that is going to happen in the foreseeable future now but time will tell.

BTW, regardless of upcoming election outcomes, the best line, IMO, to come out of the political world in the last few years was the one coming from the USA forces in Afghanistan when Hillary Clinton toured there, they codenamed her aircraft "Broomstick One". 

I/O

[Voyageur]

Ken,   

To respond to your original question, my wife follows the Presidential election pretty closely. She also gets her information from the typical American news sources as well as opinions gathered from a popular Russian women's forum and Russian language news on the internet. She is not yet a citizen so she cannot vote herself.  I would say that she is neither Republican or Democrat, but would vote for whom she considers as the bet candidate.

Safe to say, she is less than impressed with the three remaining candidates.  She wonders how it can be that a country as large as the US could only have these three candidates to vote for  in such a crucial time in our history (i.e. after the Bush disasters) - which is another question in itself.

Safe also to say - response to Obama's candidacy from some of her Russian friends has been mixed.     Also not enough history on him exists and she has heard mixed reports on the "underground Russian network" that he is more pro-muslim than he appears. It is an opinion out there.

Some of her friends have noted to her Mrs. Clinton's age proximity to menopause which is thought to cloud judgment.  And John McCain appears to be ready for admission into a retirement house.  It is hoped that he will choose his running mate wisely.

I may not have captured all of her thoughts about this, but the jist of what I have been hearing.

[goforit]

Even though am not living in America and I will never ever live there, that does not mean I am not interested in what is happening in the whole World so to my mind,
if McCain wins the relations with Russia will go very bad, he is such a russophobe and simply very repellent represser. He promotes America to the be strongerst the greatest and the country which does not make any mistakes. Knowing some facts about American people one can easily conclude that He will win 100%

IMO, if McCain wins the Republication nomination, and that is not a given since he may very well be derailed by scandal, health issues, or just by putting his foot in his mouth, the Democrats will win in sweeping fashion. The perceived pro-peace candidate (whether Republican or Democrat) has always won going back a very long time, and McCain's 100 years in Iraq comment will destroy him in the general election.

Bush originally campaigned on a humble foreign policy - no nation building, no meddling around the world, etc. -my oh my that seems like such a long time ago.

[mischief]

I would vote for Bloomberg if he ran as independent candidate... I'm neither democrat nor republican ... I oppose taking ideas and views to extremes which both parties do... but I do like McCain ... would vote for Clinton ... but definitely not for Obama... he is only good at talking but that is never enough...
I was opposing Putin being elected with all my essence... but I guess Russians are not ready think for themselves yet  and need to be told what to do...

[deccie]

She asks questions about Australian politics and appreciates the differences in our major parties.  Once or twice she has (rightfully) mocked our new government over things she sees on television - warms my heart to see her conservative ideals! 

Hopefully she will be able predict the results of elections better than you can!