[Dog Gone]

I share your general assessment, but please understand that this vote was not unanimous. There are many Spaniards who still stand by the US and are smarting from the outrage we are sending to their country.

I'm not sure quite what to make of this. Al-Qaida is certainly thrilled, and I think democracies around the globe might well consider postponing elections in times of national emergency.

But all this happened in a very short period of time, and drawing long-term conclusions from it is probably wrong.

[Will_Zurmacht]

I hear ya!
From the best I can tell, the PP was leading by about 5 points before the bombings, they still pulled around 40% in a multiparty election. Not all Spaniards sold us out.

As I prepare to be flamed, I would hazard a guess on the tipping point in this election.....middle aged and younger women voters.

just a hunch of mine, and I'd like to see a survey, but my gut reaction is the "moderate-soccer mom" types and some young urban men in Spain got scared and pushed the Socialist into the victory and Spain into defeatism. I'm sure the older guys and gals in Spain would never surrender.

again, just a hunch.

[inkling]

There are many Spaniards who still stand by the US and are smarting from the outrage we are sending to their country.

I hope you're right, but I am astonished at their rapid capitulation to the terrorists. Do you know any Spaniards? I would really like to know what they are thinking right now. I've tried trolling a few Spanish sites, but my español is weak.

[texasflower]

Here are two comments from the BBC website:

People from America and from over thirty countries that are working together with the Iraqi people to bring peace to their land. Forgive us

José Luis, Madrid (Spain)


Spain has only known democracy since 1975 and many Spaniards still don't understand what it means - that whilst it grants privileges it also demands responsibility.

They don't realise that if you give in to the bully, the bully will simply increase his demands.

Yesterday was a disaster for Spanish democracy, and I am deeply saddened.

It seems that Zapatero's "systematic fight against terrorism of all kinds" means surrendering in the first round.

Ed Wilcox, Malaga Spain