Considering Russia in the Voting Booth
July 9, 2012 -
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New Eastern Europe newsletter
New Eastern Europe's Managing Editor looks at why Americans should consider Russia in the voting booth this November and how Russians see the US elections.
Considering Russia in the Voting Booth
By: Adam Reichardt, Managing Editor, New Eastern Europe
During the 2012 American election cycle, it is clear that most American voters are paying attention to one thing: their economy. With unemployment in the United States sitting tightly at 8.1 per cent and many feeling the strain of a slow GDP growth rate under two per cent in the first quarter of this year, it is no wonder. Voters often vote based on their personal situation, no matter if the president is to blame or not.
“All signs now suggest that the 2012 US elections will revolve largely around domestic policy, especially the economy, unemployment, the government budget deficit, and debt. Few expect or believe that foreign affairs will figure prominently in the decisions that most voters make.” Ross Wilson a former Ambassador and expert at the Atlantic Council of the United States affirmed to me.
Obviously, American voters have many serious issues to worry about when entering the voting booth come November 6th 2012. But one area of critical importance to the future of America and its role in the world, which is probably not on the top of most voters’ minds, is foreign policy – and more specifically relations with Russia.
Vladimir Putin returned to the Kremlin in May 2012 as president of Russia. It is his third term and he has already proven that the strong image of Putin is no more diminished now than it has been in his earlier years as president. He has shown little regard for the growing opposition movement internally, despite massive protests, and his first foreign policy act was to snub the G8 meeting in May in Washington.
To read the full article please visit: https://www.neweasterneurope.eu/node/382
