Americans’ vote split between Kerry, Bush

DUBAI — With the US elections looming, the polls scene in the UAE is abuzz with many Americans waiting for the results enthusiastically. With the pre-election popularity polls showing the race still tight, the campaigns being run by George Bush and John Kerry are focusing their efforts on fewer than a dozen states.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 27 Oct 2004, 9:58 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:43 PM

While many American nationals in the UAE have already cast their absentee ballots for their favourite campaigner, several others are still considering their option.

Khaleej Times spoke to a cross-section of the community to find out their views on this year’s campaigning and asked them whom they would be voting for — Kerry or Bush?

LIBBY MOLESKY, Executive Director, American Business Council, said: “The election in America is in the final stages of mudslinging. Both parties have lost sight of the main issue.

“They should keep the main issues in mind when campaigning instead of highlighting personal issues. I have already cast my absentee ballot. We should see change. Perspectives should change on both sides,” she added.

RICHARD DAY, Customer Services Manager, Fedex, said: “Though this year it is a very critical election, I have already cast my absentee vote for John Kerry because I think that Bush is not the right person anymore.

“America provides a good democratic process of elections and gives us an opportunity to exercise our choice,” he added.

ANNE JAFERY, member American Business Council said: “The elections in America are always crucial for the world because people have an opinion. Even non-Americans are passionate about their views regarding the elections as the country has a big impact on the world.

“I have already voted but I would not like to say for whom. All Americans need to remember that it is not only our right but our privilege to vote and we should all exercise that right,” she added.

ERIKA BERNER, a teacher at American University of Dubai said: “This is the dirtiest campaigning since the 1960s. There is too much mudslinging going on. Most people are going to vote for the cleanest candidate.

“Kerry seems to have an idea of the international politics, while Bush has no knowledge. It is not fair to send any American to war, if you yourself have not experienced it. In this case, Bush and his advisors have never experienced war, while Kerry has served in Vietnam," she added.

CHERYL VAUGHN, member American Business Council, said: “The government has realised the role of the expatriates in the economy. We need a government that can make a commitment on international trade while the world peace process is also an important issue.

“With regard to the relations between America and the Middle East, it is a two-sided street and both sides have to take equal steps. Though I am not a registered voter because I have been out of the country for a long time, I would have probably voted for Kerry," she made it clear.

JACK GREENWALD, lawyer and member American Business Council, said: “It is typical campaigning and it has always been this way. I am not a registered voter. I am also undecided on how to vote because I think Kerry has a strong stand on social issues while Bush is good on international issues."

CAROL HOUSER, member American Business Council, said: “The campaigning has been going on for too long now and should be shortened. I have not yet voted and would not rather say for whom I would prefer to vote.”