Phil, America is in this bitter argument, molded by the media, in which pure vitriol is spat back and forth without people being even slightly well-informed. The fact is that there are lots of traditional Democrats, unionists, i.e. the American "left" who are religious and socially conservative. There are also lots of younger fiscal conservatives who are socially very liberal, humanist and pro gay rights, etc. Neither of these groups have much, if any, political representation in the government or media, so they usually vote with their pocketbooks or due to fear or other populist reasons.
Jon Stewart, who I don't find that
funny, is quite good at pointing out the failings of the media. For laughs and more sophistication though, I prefer Bill Maher. The Washington Post was my home paper so I have to be a bit partial to it, though the NY Times is maybe better. Michael Moore brings up some good points, but often in a cheesy, sensationalist way. David Icke believes in reptilians. Enough said on that :lol:
I know what you mean about the Brit and Irish sense of humor. There are many differences between them and the Yanks and I think I fall somewhere in between, though I am originally a middle-of-the-middle class mid Atlantic American kid. I also lived in Sweden for 8 years and am therefore ultra liberal, egalitarian and at times overly shy.
The B&B does reflect a very American archetype: the patriotic "rugged individualist", which can really contrast with many European attitudes.