As Australians, we really can’t ignore American politics… So much of what goes on here - and around the world - is affected by decisions made in the USA … In areas like trade, defence, the media, and – of course – the economy. If you’ve been following the US presidential candidates, I’d like to know what you think of them.

• There’s Barack Obama… the church goer, who’s opposed to a ban on late-term abortion, and wants women to be free to make their own choice on that matter;  He also wants to withdraw US troops from Iraq within 16 months; and if elected, he’d be the first black US president.

• His opponent John McCain is the Vietnam veteran, who wants US forces to stay in Iraq at least until that nation can defend itself…  He wants to overturn the legalization of abortion, though he hasn’t always had such strong views on that. If elected, he’d be the oldest man to become president.

• Both want to fight climate change and reduce America’s dependence on overseas oil…

• Who would you rather see as the so-called “leader of the free world”?

• How do you feel about US government policy… Any changes you’d like to see?