Some dear American friends always talk politics when we get together . They seem to be black or white on their choices though.
British friends don't seem to be so intense on their feelings.
Personally, I love to hear about the politics of another country and am all ears.
Most girlfriends tend to guide the conversation around to the wives of world leaders ..

They're not Americans. They are North Americans and South Americans, along with being Canadians, Americans, Mexicans, Chileans, etc.

I had hoped to get away from US politics by moving out of the country

Why, dear Mr. Breakfast, thanks for asking. In a word ... tiiiiiresome.

I don't have enough experience yet with the Swiss, but having spent a number of years in Germany and traveling there often, I am afraid to say that I have become sick and tired of people with a default anti-American setting. There is rarely a true discussion of "American politics", rather tired one-liners about American policies overseas, which I may or may not even agree with. It's quite frustrating when the other person is not interested in the history of the issue or your own opinion (which may, in fact, be in agreement with his own), but only wishes to give his or her opinion based on very little experience with the real United States.

Luckily, I have come to understand that these discussions have very little to do with me and very much to do with the lack of education or dearth of curiousity of that person. If someone is truly interested in the political process of or current events in the U.S., I am more than happy to discuss it with him. If he plans to somehow make himself feel better by smacking down an American, I no longer have time for that in my life and I find that it reflects poorly on him/her. And yes, it's really funny when someone tells me, "Aber du bist die Ausnahme." Really? That's a complete copout. I have many very interesting, intelligent, fabulous friends in the U.S. Are they ALL "die Ausnhamen?" I don't think so. It's so nice to be older and wiser and not take things personally.

My husband has lived in the U.S. for over 15 years and recently became a citizen. Why? Because in all of those years, no one has EVER criticized him for being German. He finds the never-ending, superficial discussion of American politics in his country of birth unbelievably annoying as well.

They play a role in the lives of the average American?

Tom

I was faced with this recently while having lunch with a Swiss and an American colleague who is completely on the opposite end of the political spectrum from me.

Having been actively engaged in politics back in the States, the subject is something I will discuss willingly. And while our Swiss colleague grilled us on our perceptions of American politics, which differ significantly, the one thing we did agree on was American foreign policy.

It was also interesting to hear from our Swiss colleague his take on American politics.

Now this would be an interesting discussion, with three participants who are actively interested in the others' viewpoints and who maybe even want to LEARN something!

The biggest problem with discussing politics with anyone, foreign or American, is that you can't get beyond that the impassioned person discussing politics is judging you - if you agree with them, you're a good person, and if you disagree, then you are the scum of the earth. This is a real problem with a stranger or an acquaintance and often quashes (or serves as a hindrance to) a nascent friendship.

Politics is so polarized nowadays that I am not comfortable discussing it with anyone until I am confident that I know them well enough (and even then, tread lightly). Otherwise, it's a bunch of noncommittal responses as I seek an escape hatch.

I would sooooooo love to live in the US, because the domestic issues seem solvable, but we have 3 problems:

- US totally overreacted to 9/11. Instead of going after a small group of criminals with smart intelligence, they invaded two countries by full military scale. A total human, financial and political disaster.
- US should go totally electric in transportation. Stop importing oil from Saudi Arabia, so US could leave the middle east/muslim world. Start building electric cars, thousands of windturbines, solarthermal and geothermal powerplants.... jobs, jobs, jobs.
- Relationship with Israel. The Israelis have to push forward a solution with the Palestines based on the 1967 fronteers and stop building settlements. They cannot always count on the US support and behave totally unproductive.

But I'm quite pessimistic. I dont see how the US economy should recover, so they'll vote for Palin in 2012, ...and than ladies and gentlemen, goodnight everyone.

Do we need to start a political discussion, on this very thread?

Powerlifter... seems to me this thread is discussing whether or not any of us Americans care to discuss politics rather than a thread actually discussing American politics.

I do hope you can see the difference now that it's been pointed out?

If Beer ,BBQ,Margaritas,Beaches etc etc falls under Politics,then my favorite daughter in Law (Georgia Girl)and I are happy talking politic

I sure would, alas I'm expatriated now.

Tom

Can't believe I picked the wrong answer! lol.

I don't necessarily mind people talking about US politics or whatever aspect of the US. It does annoy me that people think they know what I think, who I am, my opinions, the basis of my opinions, what I know or don't know about the world, politics, history, etc, etc based solely on the fact that I was born in the US or really based on their perception of who Americans are.

What I really find tiresome however is talking to conspiracy theorists. Seriously. Try "discussing" with one of them. You'll want to slit your wrists.

__________________

Has anyone had the pleasure of meeting the chap (possibly even a member of this forum) who lurks around Orel Fuessli in Zurich, waiting to pounce on suitable victims, whom he treats to a long analysis of who's running the planet today? He's English, quite well spoken (vaguely southern accent), decently dressed - so clearly not a complete basket case.

He collared me when I was there in a sort-of official capacity and couldn't escape, so I felt obliged to tell him that I was an aerotarian and hadn't eaten any food for several years, therefore his theories on modern nutrition and the military-industrial food industry were of little interest to me.

If you're reading this, old chap, please accept my apologies - but you were really getting on my tits, so you can't really blame me for enjoying a little sport, can you?

.....where on earth does that last expression come from ?

Sport? Latin, I think.

Ask Faltrad - he's good at this sort of thing.

I can't remember meeting a US republican in switzerland. Is it fair to assume that most expat US in CH are democrats?

Not necessarily, but it's fair to assume that republicans tend to keep their mouths shut when behind enemy lines.

[QUOTE=MrVertigo;1218988]I can't remember meeting a US republican in switzerland. Is it fair to assume that most expat US in CH are democrats?[/QUOTE]
And voting for Ralph Nader