[GMMAC]

"But I've always thought that the Aussies' managing to get that much more distance between themselves and old Limey should count for something."

I'd argue that both Australia & New Zealand's relative geographic isolation has made them far less inclined to shake off - for better & for worse - their original "British" traditions & attitudes.

While Canada's proximity to America influences us far more - both pro & con - in your direction.

Further, because "influence" - by definition - happens over an extended time-frame, there's generally & depending upon the issue about a 5-10 year lag time.
(e.g. Harper's election on January 23, 2006 may well have been yours of November 7, 2000 finally coming around)

There's also an issue of the biased nature of the "American" influence we receive:
Although the internet is slowly changing this, unlike you Yanks, we overwhelmingly receive your msm & Hollywood's point of view while hearing far less from decent, right-thinking American sources.
Combined with the afore mentioned lag time, it's no wonder that, for example, Bill Clinton likely remains more popular in Canada than he is Stateside.

[NZerFromHK]

"Bill Clinton likely remains more popular in Canada than he is Stateside."

I saw a lot of Clinton-damning from his left from Canadians though. These are the people who thought Bubba is still too conservative. From the CBC and Toronto Red Star, Clinton damning was popular when he was in the White House.