Profiling a Bush Voter

Jane Novak, Arab News

There has been much debate and speculation in the media in the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere as to the identity of the “Bush voter.” The large majority of analyses has been wildly absurd, from the notion that a hard core of evangelicals wanting Armageddon is the true face, to the old theories that only a stupid and manipulated American electorate could support President Bush.

The estimable Jane Novak, of Armies of Liberation blog, has an op-ed in today’s issue of Arab News. In it, she brings a great deal of light which will probably blind many Saudis–not to mention an awful lot of expats. The idea that “George Bush is stupid” is a popular one in the kingdom. Nor is there much respect for the US in any regard… “too young to have a culture”, “McDonalidization”, “shallow and unintellectual”.

While I could blame mass media for this mass delusion, and God knows satellite TV has a lot to explain, the arrogance of this attitude is sometimes pretty galling. The sound of rent garments and gnashing teeth will be decibels beyond belief if Bush is re-elected.