What is it about American politics?

[CLARENCE 2015!]

I'm not asking this to be facetious or critical at all...but I've noticed many posters from Europe and Australia know American politics much better then I do- even at the local level. We don't agree often but your knowldge is very impressive and FAR beyond my knowledge of your politics...

So what is it that interests you about our politics?

[minionofmidas]

They shape the entire world. (So much so that it's probably not a good idea to restrict the US Presidential suffrage to US citizens. )

Also, there's a lot to find on the internet, and long has been.

[Antonio the Sixth]

We're all political nerds.

[Niemeyerite]

actually, I don't know. It's a mystery for me, too.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

For me it started when I was about 11 and read a book about U.S. Presidents in my school library. And it stucks since then

[politicus]

Besides the importance of the US for the rest of the world, I can think of two reasons for this fascination.

The federal structure with no less than 50 states makes US politics much more of a game with strategic planning than politics in other countries. This gives the whole thing a strategic aspect, that is fascinating.

Secondly it is both simple (two broad tent parties) and very complex (race, religion, social groups, old historically based exceptions etc.). This dichotomy between simplicity and endless variation is also exciting for political geeks.

[minionofmidas]

Secondly it is both simple (two broad tent parties) and very complex (race, religion, social groups, old historically based exceptions etc.). This dichotomy between simplicity and endless variation is also exciting for political geeks.

This is an excellent point.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Well, this place attracts political nerds who have spent a good whack of our lives reading and learning about it.

Also, we (generally) have more... outward looking cultures.

[You kip if you want to...]

Because American politics has an effect on everyone. And plus, America's constantly in election mode, while European campaigns only really last like a one or two.