Interview: Perceptions of Canadian Press Members on American Politics

A Canadian Perspective on American Politics - As Americans it is easy for us to get swept up in our own patriotism and become lost in what is going on in our own country, often feeling like our busy lives don't allow us time to worry about what is going on in the rest of the world.

In recent years there has been a lot of speculation, hyperbole and indeed misinformation about our closest neighbours to the North, Canada, and their views on America.

Recently I spoke via e-mail with a fellow colleague, Canadian writer/journalist Mike Gagnon, about the influence of American politics on Canada and Canadian attitudes towards America.

Don: Alright, I guess the best way to start is to cut right to the chase. Is the current media depiction of Canada being anti-war/anti-U.S. true?

Mike: Okay, right here, I just have to say that that one point is one of the biggest misconceptions being portrayed in the political media. There are no mass groups wandering the streets in any Canadian city with anti-U.S. picket signs. The U.S. is our closest ally and trading partner.

The Canadian government and military are as actively involved in the war on terror as their U.S. counterparts. Our soldiers are over there in Afghanistan and Iraq being shot at and killed just the same as American soldiers.

The average Canadian supports our troops, and by association your troops. What many Canadians do not agree with is the reasoning and the way our administrations have handled the situation. I think that's something currently being reflected by the average American as well.

Don: Ok, thanks for clearing that up. So overall how do Canadians view the current candidates for the U.S. Presidency? Who do they find interesting?

Mike: Some Canadians follow American politics closer than Canadian politics thanks to American stations beaming into our homes.