WHY DID YOU VOTE FOR BUSH? (INTERESTING ANSWERS FROM PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR HIM)

George W Bush was re-elected as President of the United States with a majority of Americans choosing him over Democrat John Kerry.

Mr Bush won both the popular and electoral college votes and has strengthened his control of Congress.

His second term in office does not officially begin until January, but he has already pledged "to reach out" to a divided nation.

What convinced you to re-elect Bush? What are your hopes for his second term? Send us your comments using the postform.

I made my choice for GW Bush based upon his strong "I won't back down" resolve to fight terrorism. I voted against John Kerry because of his betrayal of his fellow servicemen who were in combat in Vietnam while he was publicly trashing them to the world here in the States.
Lynda Roberts, Ruckersville, Virginia, USA

I voted for Bush because I am ProLife and against gay marriage. Bush stands more for these issues than does the Democratic Party.
David Schultz, Fenton, Iowa, USA

I voted for George Bush (to the disapproving consternation of my European cousins) because an election is a choice, and the two candidates offered two different approaches to leadership. Ever since an attempt was made in the 1770s to tax our favourite breakfast beverage, Americans have never liked being told what we should do, or how we should do it.

From what I have read, I expect the majority of the European populace, most of whom I assume were born post-war, not to approve of the American people's decision. For insight, however, I suggest that holidays or other visits to the US not be limited to Boston, New York and Los Angeles.
Arthur Xanthos, New York City, USA

I voted for Bush because he stands for many things I like. With regard to the things about Bush that I don't like, John Kerry did not present a clear and viable alternative policy. What else could I do?
Nathaniel, Houston, TX

I voted for President Bush most importantly because he holds strong moral convictions that do not waver. I believe America is in the middle of a culture war, perpetuated by Hollywood, the media, and elitists who are tearing down the traditional values that are so important to me and my family. Secondly, I voted for him because he has not turned a blind eye to the problem of Islamic terrorists who are determined to kill us. He is a good man with clarity in his beliefs, and he sets a good example for my children. God Bless President Bush.
Carrie, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

I voted for Bush because his political policies are most like my own. I voted for Bush in rejection of the corruption of the elite media. I voted for Bush in rejection of the vast corruption in the UN. I voted for Bush in rejection of fashionable politics with no substance. I voted for Bush because there is a time for diplomacy and he understands when that is.
Shante' Fosket, Chesapeake, VA

Because he doesn't believe that our foreign policy needs a global test. Europe needs to get on board with us or get left behind!
Ben Rice, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

I voted for George W Bush because he has a moral compass and a strong faith in the living God and these things are evident by his words, actions and deeds and they resonate with my heart. It does not matter how intelligent you are if you're wise in your own eyes and it doesn't matter how well you are able to speak if your words are clanging cymbals but it does matter who you worship and serve. You are unable to lead and serve others if you do not serve God first.
Penny, USA

1. Strong on defence
2. Strong on moral values
3. Staunch supporter of economic freedom for all Americans and freedom for all nations
4. Decisive and unambiguous
5. Will take care of North Korea's and Iran's nuclear arms ambitions
6. Will never sign the Kyoto insane Protocol
I have flown six thousand miles (from Poland) just to re-elect him. I shall do the same for Condi Rice!
Miek Kondracki, American in Poland

I knew I liked this guy right after 9/11 when he stood among Americans on a pile of rubble and stated "I can hear you, the world can hear you and soon the terrorists that knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon". Whether the Democrats want to admit it or not had there been a Democrat president in office at the time the most he would have done is throw a few harsh words at Osama and then would have forgot the whole thing happened.
John, St Paul, US

I voted for George because:
1. He is intelligent. He graduated from Harvard Business School. They don't give out free passes there.
2. He has character. I grew up in backwoods Texas where bank loans were granted upon a handshake. Your word was your bond.
3. We face a threat that does not respond to human kindness. He is resolute and unrelenting in the face of this threat.
4. He can love more than just his family.
God Bless America.
Warren, Salisbury, NC, USA

I voted for Bush because I will not have Bruce Springsteen, Gerhard Schroeder, Osama Bin Laden and Michael Moore telling me who to vote for. The world will respect Americans more because they have elected a strong leader and did not succumb to our enemies' demands for electing Kerry who would be more likely to appease terrorists and America haters then Bush.
Peter Sosniak, New York

My decision can be summed up in most of these posts. The point I want to share is that these reasons cannot be understood by many who do not understand the philosophy of most Americans. The US was founded on Judeo-Christian values and a majority of Americans still hold close to these. Some may want to deny this, some may be deceived by what they see on the television, and some actually may not know this. This is hard to comprehend for a lot Europeans who have discarded these values and embraced secularism. But until you take the time to understand what we fundamentally believe in, Judeo-Christian values, you will never understand why we do what we do. Here's a hint to get you started, look at the election map and see who elected Bush and there you will find the heart and soul of America.
Michael, Texas

The liberal Democrats just don't get it. Jesus Christ, the American flag, the Ten Commandments, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness are as sacred as the Bill of Rights. Only President Bush and the Republicans have consistently stood up for these ideals. Presidents come and go but basic principals are here to stay.
David Belland, USA

During a war a change in leadership may bring comfort to the enemy. Never bring your enemy comfort. While I am a Democrat domestically I would never want to bring comfort to our enemies. Also democrats are not as strong on moral issues as we should be. Maybe this will wake some of the leadership in our party.
Dewey Simpson, Erlanger, KY, USA

My vote for Bush was a vote against Kerry. I do not like how Bush allows his religious beliefs to run his domestic policies. I had planned on voting for Ralph Nader instead. About a month ago I read the 8,000 word article in the Sunday New York Times magazine that discussed John Kerry's views on terrorism and how he feels it should be handled. Frankly it scared me. It scared me that he wanted to handle it in the same manner as it has been handled in the 30 years prior to 9/11.

Kerry scared me. I felt that the US and the world would be far less secure with Kerry in office. Sure we may have felt safe, like we had for the past 30 years. After all, those dying would be elsewhere... while terrorist organizations built themselves up for the next big attack as diplomats and attorneys worried about the legal and political ramifications of actually doing something.
Tom, Hudson, USA

I voted for Bush because I a run a larger corporation that needs him in office. Without the Bush administration's alterations of previously existing law, my company would not be able to make such large profits. The administration has provided the necessary loop holes in environmental and fair competition laws. They have allowed us to exploit the intent of the law without fear of prosecution.
J Black, Atlanta, GA

I voted for Mr Bush as he an honest God fearing man who will see us through these dark days of terror.
Tammy E Smith, Memphis, Tennessee

First, the US is not divided. Eighty-one percent of all US counties voted for Bush. Some cold water cities are out of touch with the majority; this does not represent a divided nation. The president received more votes than any other president did and a higher percentage of all votes cast in any presidential election after 1988. The president lives everyday the moral values that are important to my family, my country and me. I may agree with some policies and disagree with others but without the moral authority to lead it is all for nothing.
Jim, Duluth, GA, USA

President Bush makes strong, principled, and often difficult choices. A person like that is always going to be divisive because he can't be all things to all people. I respect him for that.
L Cardwell, Tampa, FL, USA

I voted for Bush because he in my view is a lot stronger on many moral and ethical values that I hold dear. He will stand up to those terrorists who want to harm our country. Unlike Mr Kerry, Bush will be able to help our country in the long run.
Katherine Pacha, Iowa City, Iowa, USA

There is a lot of Biblical teaching on how God judges nations. The story of Lot is one example on how corrupt societies corrupt good people and bring down a community. Gay marriage and abortion are a threat to our culture and security. I voted to preserve the morale values of this country.
Howard, Chicago, USA

I voted for President Bush mainly so he would be the one appointing a Supreme Court justice this term. Secondly for his moral stand. I hope and pray that President Bush will give serious and prolonged thought into bringing within his goals and/or policies some of the points and concerns that Senator Kerry has for our country.
Paul Young, Ivey, USA

I voted for Bush because he is an excellent commander-in-chief, has a long range understanding of US strategic problems and brings personal stature to the White House.
Donal D Kavanagh, Atlantic Beach, FL

I voted for Bush because we need him to appoint judges who will finally allow some reasonable limits on abortion in this country. The system of no limits abortion that liberal judges imposed in the 1970s is one of the great evils that our generation must redress. Bush has also proven that he has the spine to fight another great evil of our time - terrorism. And Bush has shown the heart to bring democracy to two of the worst places on earth - Afghanistan and Iraq.
John, Boston, Mass, USA

I voted for President Bush because I refuse to be associated with a candidate or party that openly welcomes Michael Moore. I was actually leaning toward Kerry until Fahrenheit 911 was released. That heinous, hate filled movie and the fact that many in the Democratic Party and the Hollywood elite actually promoted it as the truth turned me. As a 911 survivor, it insulted my intelligence and the memory of all my friends, neighbours, and colleagues who perished at the hands of criminals.
Rob, Madison, NJ, USA

I voted for Mr Bush because he stands for the values as defined by the word of God.
Mike McF, Frisco, Texas, USA

He's a hard worker who has the guts to do what has to be done. He is working towards freedom for all even though he has met resistance. The world needs a man like him who is not afraid to be unpopular... and the irony is he won the highest popular vote since Kennedy. He's doing what is right even though it's difficult. This is a tough world, but his heart is in the right place. We need the world to work with us now and world peace will be closer than ever.
Ann Cipriani, PA, USA

I moved to Europe nearly a year ago, and while I have tended to vote Republican most of my life, I was not particularly warm to President Bush. After being in Europe for a few months, however, my support for Bush was galvanized by seeing the completely unfair treatment he gets in the media here and hearing the constant criticism and contempt displayed for him by most Europeans.

A few Americans I know conclude that this must mean he is bad, but most react like me, defensively, and rally around our leader. I think I would have voted for Bush anyway, but I was not about to vote for Kerry since that's what Europe wanted me to do. Bush is our president, we elected him, we care about religion, and Europe better get used to it because we're not about to let you vote!
John, Stockholm, Sweden

I voted for President Bush because he provided relief to all taxpayers. Most importantly, however, Bush has liberated 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq, 75 percent of Bin Laden's henchmen have been captured or killed, while the remaining terrorists are running for their lives. Thank God for President Bush and America's greatest ally, Prime Minister Blair.
Thomas Cunningham, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

His faith and dependency on the almighty God have won my respect. He is not ashamed to publicly declare his faith. I hope his second term will bring peace and democracy to the troubled regions of the world and domestically bring greater prosperity not only to America but also to the Third world.
Ben, New York

I vote for politicians who come closest to my views:
1. A strong national defence,
2. Smaller government,
3. More power and responsibility devolved to state and local governments, and
4. An end to carte blanche abortion.
While George Bush failed on smaller government, John Kerry fails on all of them.
Glenn Meyer, Bridgeton, USA

I voted for President Bush because I feel he is a decisive leader, who does not waiver in his convictions. The majority of Americans have a solid belief system based on their moral and religious beliefs. Contrary to most of the opinions I have seen expressed by most Europeans, we do not separate our personal, religious convictions from the expectations we have of our leaders. The issues of abortion and stem cell research played a significant role in our decision making process.

In addition, post 9/11, our country desires a leader whom we feel will never kowtow to the demands, threats and terrorist acts of any group, whether inside or outside of American borders. To the rest of the world, whose comments have been nothing but disparaging: You simply do not understand Americans! You never have, and I doubt that you will ever fully understand our thought process, which is intricately intertwined with our religious convictions, whether Democrat or Republican.
Leah, Richmond, VA

I think that it isn't enough that Kerry wasn't Bush. He had no solid plans except to make a better America. OK. How? He couldn't answer that. The more people heard him speak the more they realized that he had no clear plan. That is something that would be detrimental to both the US and the world. I am glad that Bush has four more years, he has been a better president than Kerry ever could be.
Alex, Boston, MA

Reason: He gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to get out; that's what we expected from Mr Carter a few years ago in getting our hostages back from Iran. In short, many Americans have waited all our lives to finally see an American president deliver an ultimatum and then back it up. Hopes: build trade with Europe, not just alliances against terror. Our trade policy now is merely a money pipeline to China.
David Rittenhouse, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

I voted for George Bush because he is un-wavering with his course of actions and I believe has morals based in true faith of God. All through the election I saw John Kerry change his stance on almost every issue with no real plans to back up any of his promises. To have a candidate come out day in and day out and state what he could do with no explanation of how to do it got old really fast.
Billy T, Marietta, Georgia, USA

I voted for President Bush because I believe he is honest, consistent, and truly cares about people; not just Americans. He desires democratic freedom for everyone.
Lynn, USA

I voted for President Bush, because what others saw as stubbornness and arrogance... I saw as strength and perseverance. A strong nation needs a strong leader. Especially one who has beliefs and values which are based on compassion and a true desire for elevating the lives of others.
Laura, USA

I voted for Bush for the same reasons so many else did. With President Bush, you know exactly where he stands and his strength as a leader in these tough times is something that was not seen in Senator Kerry. Senator Kerry moved with the wind where as Bush walks through it. Clearly, President Bush is very misunderstood around the world due to his portrayal through the liberal media. Our friends across the great pond really need to dig past the media to understand President Bush. Ironically, it's the liberal media and those like Michael Moore which led to Bush's re-election. So, on behalf of Bush supporters - Hey, thanks!
Fayne Moore, Crofton, Maryland, US

I voted for Bush because I would never vote to put a Democrat in the White House when we are at war, their track record in that department being reprehensible. I voted for Bush because for the first time in my lifetime, we have a President who does what he says he is going to do, and in the end, I voted for Bush because I trust him.
Warren Jorgensen, New York, USA

I voted for President Bush because he wasn't interested in increasing the already heavy tax burden on the wealthiest classes. He made a point to outline his plans for America for the next four years, which Senator Kerry never did. At the end of the day, Kerry simply wasn't a strong enough candidate and Edwards couldn't even deliver his own state. This election was a testament to how out of touch the Democratic Party has become to the American people. They assumed that all it took was a few speeches and sparkling smiles to win the presidency, but America saw through it.
Paul, New York, USA

I voted for Bush because I could not stand the elitist media and the pundits telling me that he was a fool. I was tired of people like Michael Moore trying to influence my decision by making movies that had only one purpose - tear down the president. I disagree with many of his policies and would not have voted for him except for the fact that I am sick and tired of these people telling me that I am not smart enough to figure out for myself what is right and what is wrong. The Republicans should thank Moore and give him a prominent table at the inauguration!
Michael C, NY, USA

It boiled down to Bush being Protestant. I agreed with many of Kerry's policies and liked him very much, but in decisions that would require going on faith, I felt less secure trusting Kerry. Also, John Edwards gave me bad vibes. He was like a car salesman during the debates.
Jonathan, Washington, DC

I voted for Bush for a number of reasons, but I have to confess one of them was because of all the lecturing and condescending opinions I read in the foreign press and heard from the "holier than thou" crowd in Europe. It just got on my nerves so much that people who only get a sliver of heavily bias coverage about America could hold such closed-minded opinions about our elections. Maybe four more years will give you a chance to open your minds to new ideas and consider that there are Americans who have a right to believe differently than you.
Andrew, Washington, DC

I had made my mind up many months ago about who I would vote for in the elections. I believe in our president and his vision for the future. Morality, domestic agenda, international affairs, and the war on terrorism were key for my decision to vote for our president. The next term will be more productive. We will see more attention to domestic issues and continued international involvement. Terrorists will continue to be brought to justice and Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to develop towards their independence. It is a big job and going to be very busy for our president. I am confident in his ability to succeed. Thanks!
James, Lexington, KY, USA

In general, President Bush makes decisions based on strong, unchanging convictions (with which I agree) instead of what is politically popular at the moment. My three important issues are: belief in moral absolutes; strong national defence protecting American interests abroad; and limited government.
GI Miller, Raleigh, NC, USA

He is the best man for the job. He won't back down to terrorists. We know where he stands. He is a gracious and honourable man who is God fearing. As much as I wanted him to win, I never prayed that he would. I just prayed that God's will be done. I do believe it was. The bias liberal news media infuriates the American people for the way they treat Bush. I do believe this was a factor in Kerry losing. Just my thoughts.
Marie Dockery, United States

I voted for Bush, so that he can clean up all his mess during his second term. No-one else should be made responsible for all his folly and self-disillusioned war on terror. The only war that the world needs to fight is to eradicate poverty, diseases, genocide, atrocity and many unjust situations in many parts of the world. These are the real terrors that breeds human terrorists. Go to the roots of the cause. Don't try to be a fool to treat symptoms of these terrors.
Jaime Stuart

I voted for Bush for a number of reasons. I believe he is taking the correct approach on terrorism and that Iraq is an integral part of that war. I believe that abortion is murder and see his re-election as the best chance of reversing that barbarous activity. And on the few issues I disagree with him I respect the fact that I know where he stands, I could never make that claim of his opponent.
Richard Lamb, Jacksonville, FL

I voted for Mr Bush because Mr Kerry cannot be trusted. He has no moral values and I need a leader that stands by his actions and does not run when it gets tough. The world does not understand us here in America. I'm a highly educated, married person that owns guns, hunts, and is against gay marriage. I live and grew up in Massachusetts.
Patrick Burke, Swampscott, MA, USA

Bush is our war time President. It is would be a nation defeat if he should have lost. We want him to fight these Islamic terrorists till the end. He needs to win the heart of the world by fighting this war more broadly and involving every one with a freedom flag. We hail Bush.
Saurabh K, Santa Cruz, CA

Europeans don't seem to understand American politics or our values. Americans including myself, voted for Bush because he was not afraid to show his faith in God nor does he back down from his word. He's a strong leader that can defend the US interests no matter the peer pressure from the world. Kerry is too liberal in his values and too cosy with the French. Americans prefer someone who will stand up to the world for America's sake.
Shawnay Faircloth, Glasgow, Scotland

We live in difficult times. The world faces an enemy that most people do not want to recognize. But our President not only sees the threat, but is willing to take the battle to their door step. No longer can the terrorist attack and go hide to come out another day. If Weapons of Mass Destruction get into the hands of the enemy, then the whole world will pay.
George Green, Tipp City, Ohio, USA

I voted for President Bush because I see all the crisis level issues as originating from the leadership of the Democrat Party. President Johnson's opening of the SSI trust fund to borrow to fund his Camelot dream has ultimately threatened our economy by encouraging debt spending (no politician fails to spend what's available) and threatened the stability of the retirement system itself. Carter's decision to de-emphasize human intelligence and rely instead upon electronic intelligence has threatened our security.

Clinton's decision to first take human rights out of China's MFN review process and then make the newly-renamed NTR status permanent for China lost high-paying manufacturing jobs to prison labour overseas. Every succeeding president has followed these policies, but the short-sighted polices themselves all have Democrat signatures putting them in place. We just can't afford another Democrat president and their feel-good record of implementing short-sighted, permanent national policy.
Leo, Buffalo, USA

"I voted for Bush because I a run a larger corporation that needs him in office. Without the Bush administration's alterations of previously existing law, my company would not be able to make such large profits. The administration has provided the necessary loop holes in environmental and fair competition laws. They have allowed us to exploit the intent of the law without fear of prosecution.

J Black, Atlanta, GA"

I don't think this one is sincere.

"I voted for President Bush most importantly because he holds strong moral convictions that do not waver. I believe America is in the middle of a culture war, perpetuated by Hollywood, the media, and elitists who are tearing down the traditional values that are so important to me and my family. Secondly, I voted for him because he has not turned a blind eye to the problem of Islamic terrorists who are determined to kill us. He is a good man with clarity in his beliefs, and he sets a good example for my children. God Bless President Bush."

wow I could not have said that better myself....this my favorite one....

5 posted on 11/04/2004 1:36:49 PM PST by RockinRight (Bush's rallies look like World Series games. Kerry's rallies look like Little League games.)

Not bad considering it's the BBC and most people who answer questions on the BBC website Hate Bush!

The Lord made the decision for a second term for GWB, the president walks a righteous walk and stands by his Christian values. He is steadfast in his resolve to protect the people of the US from the terrorists in a very dangerous world.

8 posted on 11/04/2004 1:38:49 PM PST by shield (The Greatest Scientific Discoveries of the Century Reveal God!!!! by Dr. H. Ross, Astrophysicist)

Nice of the BBC to let the people speak in their diverse views.

That's what I heard a lot.

11 posted on 11/04/2004 1:41:08 PM PST by jern (The only poll that this site think is accurate, is the poll with W. in the lead.)

If the europeans would read what these people have to say with an open mind, decide that the news they have been receiving is from a tainted source, and begin to understand true freedom, then maybe they could understand why America is America.

Reasons I voted for President Bush

To keep America from becoming a "SOCIALIST COUNTRY with Liberal agendas!!

Morality
Pro-Life issues: abortion, stem cell research
protection of our country from Terrorist's attack
Protection of Marriage

16 posted on 11/04/2004 1:47:19 PM PST by b4its2late (Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.)

I don't think my answer can be encapsulated in a sound bite. I think it would take an entire book.

"WHY DID YOU VOTE FOR BUSH?"

He is the right man at the right time with the right direction.

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