[asp1]

I have always found that European obsession with American politics to be rather weird. They are truly a strange people. Most Americans don't know or even care who leads most European countries. I love the suggestion that Europeans loved Americans and had a good relationship with America in the 90's. That isn't true. Their dislike for us has been going on for a long time. Our dislike for them is something that is just formulating. I think our European "Friends" will find that we can give as good as we get.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Our dislike for them is something that is just formulating.

To know them is not to love them.

In a allied country my first question would be, will this leader back us in a fight? The second would be, will this leader promote an atmosphere where we can trade freely? But that is really really secondary. Other then that why should I care?

In an enemy my concern is, "will this leader be more likely or less likely to attack us?" Once again a very secondary consideration would be their views on trade.

Aside from that and as long as the country remains reasonably orderly and civilized why should I care about how they are arranging things.

Once you move beyond having those be your primary consideration you're interest begins to become unhealthy.