In response to Mary's comment, if the British had been as cowardly and late entering into the second world war as the yanks you too would probably be talking German and may soon be talking spanish anyway.

COLIN, LOS ANGELS, CA

Mary from the USA, you are wrong. If it wasn't for the Soviets, we British would be speaking German. WWII was won on the Eastern and not the Western front.

Dwyfor Evans, Hong Kong,

RE: Privacy means nothing if you are dead, I have nothing to hide. Oh and by the way if it weren't for the Americans you British would be speaking German.

Mary, Comstock Park, USA Mi

Mary, if it wasn't for the British we wouldn't have a nation and if it wasn't for the French we wouldn't have democracy ....I can only assume that this sort of angry, uninformed vitriol comes from a sense of embarassment and fear from the many terrible missteps that we've seen this republican government take. Bush and Rove love people like you...you're so easy to manipulate!

Franklin Pierce, Portsmouth, NH, USA

Sarah from Canton, GA: Bush was dealt an economy in good shape, a budget surplus, and a reasonably optimistic and happy population. Now we have a shaky economy, a huge deficit, a split nation - and an army broken in a lunatic invasion of Iraq that was based on falsehood and an utter lack of strategic realism. As for what others would do - I doubt that most people would lie to begin an unnecessary and ruinous war. The liberal media is a convenient and largely false Republican myth - unless you think that Fox is liberal! If you do, I can only suggest that you visit earth at some point.

Nick, Boston, MA

For Mary from Mi USA,

If it wasn't for us Brits you Americans would be speaking Spanish or even more amusingly French.

Personaly I find Spain to be much more civilized than the States so it is rather a shame you aren't ; it would save a lot of confusion.

Martyn Millard, Calvia, Mallorca

The article comes across as matter-of-fact and is neither pro or anti Bush or Republican. How much money a party has raised is what it is, even if the party members don't like what they hear. If you went by the comments posted here, you'd think the Times reporter was spitting on their baby.

And as for all the Ron Paul comments on this thread, all I can say as a Texan who reads everything she can get her hands on and is politically aware is...

Ron who?

alice, Salado, US/ Texas

Tell us something. Why does the main stream media continue to ignore the obvious ground-swell of support for Ron Paul both on and off the internet?

Jake, New Haven,

I never ceased to be amazed at "off the cuff" "I heard someone else say it ..."or those that listen to what the other side of the pond thinks" "the liberal media puts out as fact" or all the other junk that the American public gets dumped on them...most of it is a great source of misinformation re-spewed by people that don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.

Bush, in light of the hand he was dealt has done a GREAT job. I would just love to see what all the un-informed critics would do if they REALLY had to take the heat for their decisions...it is easy to shoot one's mouth off, when there are no consequences. But President Bush IS THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF...not a committee job. I would hate to think that instead of having an executive like Truman (buck stops here) Kennedy (we will stop the Russians in Cuba) Nixon (we will reopen the China communication) Reagan (you threaten us, and WE WILL STRIKE BACK) Bush. (You blow up buildings in NYC and we will protect us)

Sarah, Canton, Georgia

Privacy means nothing if you are dead, I have nothing to hide. Oh and by the way if it weren't for the Americans you British would be speaking German.

Mary, Comstock Park, USA Mi

What? Posting a comment like that, you've just proved why you Yanks deserve Bush.

RP, Melbourne, Australia

Ever wonder why America's national anthem and Britons use the same music? John Albert: what are you talking about a jewish president? Who do you think calls the shots in USA and Briton? Why would they need a jewish prez when they own the guy already.

Ron, Dane, America/Wisconsin

RON PAUL in 2008!

lile, houston, tx

Hallelujah. And I mean that in the non-religious, New York liberal sort of way.

Robert Lattanzi, New York , New York

TD, phoenix, az: "Since the British have done nothing for us and we have saved their A** in two World wars...."

Dear me, can I hear a banjo playing? US involvement in WW1 was hardly piviotal. The US was also several years late in WW2, leaving Europe to burn while Dubya's Grandpappy and others profited from trading with the Nazis. It took Pearl Harbour to get the US involved, and by then Russia was at war with Germany.

Read a history book, don't just look at the pictures as they pop up....

Oh, regarding what have the British ever done for you. How about the fact that without us, your country would not even exist in the first place ????

Dan, Hampton, UK

In America as in the E.U. we have the ability to elect our public servants. The problem is we can not select our public servants. This is why Ron Paul is the best bet. The MSM censors him and this tells us he is not one of their selected for us to vote for.Except for Kucinich and Gravel on the dem side they are all puppets and we need to get rid of them all.

Ron, Dane, America/Wisconsin

While I have an opinion on all the issues brought forth, none of them would make or break my decision on a candidate. Seriously, all I want is some who seems intelligent, sincere, and honest. Someone that (at least makes me believe) that they want to do the right thing for the long run.

I wish my fellow countrymen/women could take a lesson from the rest of the world and start to think big picture, long term.

Rao, Denver, CO / USA

Here Here Darin Barrows!!

This country reminds me of a house in front of a tornado which will hit it square on. Those in charge of keeping the house safe know what is coming and see the silver and the china and think, "well, why not take all I can, the storm is going to take it anyway?" So you have a huge grab for the goods, a blind eye to the looting and stealing. Get your fill, and move on when it looks like the owners may be looking to closely. We have been sacked!! And the sad part is, we have been so dumbed down that most don't even know it and if they start to 'wise up' the fear of reality closes the mind and plugs the ears......"click"...."Wheel......Of......Fortune"...!!! (goes the TV).......sigh.

J. Passenger, Anacortes, USA

If only more Americans understood the concept of 'stay out'.

Derek Smith, Brighton, UK

As an American, I am thoroughly embarassed for my country. The only explanation I can offer is that the people have become complacent. They have far too much confidence that our political system can run on 'autopilot' without constant vigilance by an informed electorate. They are wrong.

Our anthem poses the question, "...does that star spangled banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?" Sadly, the answer is a resounding 'no'. Otherwise, we'd impeach and imprison this entire administration for countless acts of treason.

For obvious reasons, I dare not give my actual name. I don't care to be incarcerated like a Guantanamo detainee.

Robert Novak, Phillidelphia, USA

Ron Paul has a good chance of changing the status quo, judging by his rising trend in recent Republican Straw Polls, (most of which are unreported by the MSM, but google them!):
April 21, 2007, Greenville, SC ~ Ron Paul finished last with 1 vote out of 421
April 21, 2007, Spartanburg, SC ~ Ron Paul received 0 votes out of 700
April 21, 2007, Richland, SC ~ Ron Paul received 0 votes out of 126
July 7, 2007, Concord, NH ~ Ron Paul finished 1st with 61.9% of the vote (182/294)
August 4, 2007, St. Louis, MO ~ Ron Paul finished 3rd with 14% of the vote (NA)
August 11, 2007, Ames, IA ~ Ron Paul finished 5th with 9.12% of the vote (1,305/14,302)
August 13, 2007, Gaston, NC ~ Ron Paul finished 1st with 36.6% of the vote (NA)
August 17, 2007, Springfield, IL ~ Ron Paul finished 3rd with 18.87% of the vote (NA)
August 18, 2007, Stafford, NH ~ Ron Paul finished 1st with 72.7% of the vote (208/286)
August 18, 2007, West Alabama ~ Ron Paul finished 1st with 81.2% of the vote (216/266)

Brian Horsfield, Fairfield, Iowa/USA

There is nothing more dangerous than a desperate US President who has poor judgement. I expect Bush to order a preventative attack on Iran before his disasterous term ends. Bush has led his party over the cliff, so has nothing to lose in terms of legacy. It will be interesting to see how the Republicans treat Bush at their campaign rally next year in my city of Minneapolis-will they treat him like Clinton (who had sex with that woman), or will the Republicans be true to their authoritarian roots and honor their leader regardless of the poor job he did in office. Too bad Republicans don't promote on the basis of competence, but instead appoint on the basis of cronyism (this is a fair description, not just a partisan attack). Like the article says, the Republicans are going to get creamed in the '08 elections, because they can't easily distance themselves from the Iraqi quagmire, which they've been unflinchingly voting for again and again. Too bad, so sad, the electorate is mad.

Brad Arnold, St Louis Park, USA/MN

I am very impressed with the article and not surprised. George Bush is becoming like a dictator. I am very much astonished why congress did not impeach him and save America and the world. As far as I am concerned George Bush and Tony Blair accotable for invading another country Irag and both should stand trail in Hague. Sometime I think how these people can sleep in the night when I see the devastation in Irag every day. May God mercy upon the people suffering. I am a devout christian.

George Lonen, Dinas Powis, Vale of Glamorgan

US Politics should be none of my British business but unfortunately what has happened under Bush and his gang of thugs makes it my business. I would like to see the Party system broken up and for Americans to elect individuals of no fixed Party but with the independent credentials of common sense and some wisdom. Bloomberg looks like that person right now. A Jewish guy as President would be a step in the right direction and then just maybe we would get something done about the Mid East balls up and some decent long term thinking about Foreign policy. Certainly not that mascarading self important Hillary.

John Albert , Lisbon, Portugal

The ONLY viable possibility for a geat president in 2008, is Ron Paul.

The chance of you even getting an election in 2008, is however slim. Very slim. Amazing how many Americans still think their democracy lives.

Rabbit, Perth, Australia

As long as the Dems keep in mind that they absolutely MUST pay attention to popular opinion as directly as possible, instead of relying on straw polls. As far as I know, education, health care and the environment are some of the biggest issues being talked about by people around me, not just what's on the Daily Show and NPR.

Bill, Jacksonville, FL

Doesn't matter who controls congress because President Bush will not be leaving office after 2008.

Yes. That's right President Bush is actually not a President but more akin to an unaccountable dictator.

Recent legislation allowing P. Bush to assume command by declaring martial law and the lifting of Posse Comitatus virtually guarantee that outcome.

Senaca, urban ville, USA WA

Since the British have done nothing for us and we have saved their A** in two World wars I think the next time around we should stay out of other countries' politics.
And as a side note believe it or not everyone in this county voted for Bush I didn’t vote for him and I DONT SUPPORT THE IRAQ WAR. And I hope you will listen… some hope.

TD, phoenix, az

Lets not forget Ron Paul even though the bought and paid for media has done everything possible to keep him hidden. If he can run the gauntlet of msm, bushco, federal reserve, and whatever diebold is calling themselves these days he could be the pres. After that he only has to worry about the federal reserve and it's elimination practices.

Bonanzaman, blaine, wa

In your dreams Waldo! If you want to know what's going on in your country, be sure to ask a foreigner..

Tom, Pasadena, Texas, America

If the Republicans want to have any chance of recovering, they'll need to embrace and nominate Texas Congressman Ron Paul. He's the only candidate on either side that's actively opposed to the Iraq war.

Mike, Orange County,

Who cares about either party? They both are working together against we the people here and those around the world. When everybody was crying for the Democrats in 2006, the establishment felt and heard the wrath and poof, the Democrats won. Now in that time period, what have the Democrats done? Continued the funding of the mass murder disguised as war, gave the cabal more power to snoop and spy, pumps their chests with threats and intimidation then does absolutely NOTHING! I can't believe it hasn't dawned on people yet at the complicit nature of both parties. They don't serve we the people, they serve the elite bankers, globalists, and Israel. They, along with the government, DON'T fear we the people. We as a nation and a people need to hit the criminals where it hurts most, IN THE WALLET. Stop buying foreign products, don't buy the newspapers that spew propaganda disguised as news, don't watch the "idiot box" or the shows that don't matter a whit in your life.

Darin Barrows, Scituate, MA

I agree with Abbie ( 1st comment ). My whole life I've considered myself to be a fairly liberal. Therefore I looked towards Democrats when I chose who to vote for. They always talked about being against Bush's policy and freedom, but that has changed and has never been clearer than when they allowed this President to invade our privacy. They are no different. That's why I'm going to have to vote for Ron Paul. He may be running as a consrvative ( a real conservative is NOT a Neo Con ), but he he is consistent and against the very things I hate about our Government. Ron Paul may just be what this country needs. He may sound crazy to some, but that's the kind of thinking this country needs for a REAL change to happen.

Ozzy, Las Vegas, NV

Brief Overview of Congressman Paul’s Record:

He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.

He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.

He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.

VOTE RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008

www.ronpaul2008.com

Mazz, n bellmore, ny

Warren - Unlike swathes of you countrymen at least you seem to recognise that this is a British newspaper but can you tell me where this article mentions anything about British involvement in American politics?
& by the way - I think we'd all breath a sigh of relief if your country practised what you preach.

Bodicea, Harlow, England

What looked like a sure Democratic victory in 2008, has now become a question mark. Instead of taking a strong stand for withdrawal from Iraq and denying Bush support for his unconstitutional spying on citizens, 16 Democratic Senators and 41 Democratic house members, broke rank and gave Bush more than he asked for. Voted for a law allowing him to continue and even allowing him wider spying on American citizens.

It is grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory.

Abbie Lipschutz, Houston, Texas

Bush and his cronies have managed to trash the Republican
party.. Thanks to him the GOP lost control of congress and
that gap will likely widen.
The war in Irac has become a unspeakable mess. And the
rats are leaving a sinking ship.
He does nothing along with a gutless two party congress
to get rid of illegal immigrants.
And he has opened the door wide for a Democrate to
become president.

Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA

An excellent sentiment by Warren. I only hope that the US will now stay out of other countries' politics. Some hope!

Raj Pal, Birmingham, UK

The British can stay out of American politics.

Warren, Olathe,