Hello and welcome to the results of my reader poll.
I did wonder if it was a stupid idea to send out a poll on the political views of my readers, particularly given I did so only a couple of weeks after proudly declaring that one of my New Year’s Resolutions would be to pay less attention to politics. However, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and I probably did it in some kind of response to the fact that here in the UK we were legally leaving the European Union, which felt like an historic and important moment for the country. And for me.
Nonetheless – to all those who pointed out to me that it was a stupid thing to do – you’re probably right.
That said, it has answered a fundamental question which – on the day I set the poll at least – I was curious about. Even if I don’t know what I’m going to do with the information now. The results to the poll should show up below here, and you can see at a glance one big finding – the readers of this newsletter are significantly more left/progressive/anti-Trump & Brexit (I’m not sure which term is least judgmental) than you would see if this was just a sample of the general populations of the UK and US.
At the same time a small but significant proportion of readers do take the opposing view, and support Trump and Brexit (with Brexit being more supported of the two). And some, but not very many, don’t feel strongly either way.
Or at least, that was what I saw at first. But after I thought about it I realised a problem. It is an entirely self-selecting survey, so it’s possibly, actually likely, that those people who feel strongly on the matter were more likely to vote than those who aren’t bothered. This would decrease the number of not-bothered responses, and boost the number of anti and pro Trump/Brexit responses. So there’s two things we cannot have much faith in. One – the proportion of people who don’t feel strongly either way, and two, my ability to set a scientifically rigorous poll.
We’re on slightly safer ground with the first finding though. Of those who are bothered, most are against Trump & Brexit. Which is interesting. I didn’t really say, but this does match my views on the matter. Perhaps my views comes through in my writing and strikes a chord. Perhaps it’s a reflection that people who read more tend to have those views in the first place? I don’t know, but it’s interesting.
I realised a couple of other things as I read through the responses, which I’ll briefly outline here.
I failed to appreciate when I wrote the poll, how Britain and the United States are in a slightly different position regarding these issues. Here in the UK, we were at the point of legally leaving the EU – and for many people who were against that, it was a moment of shrugging their shoulders and accepting it, for better or worse. There was a kind of reflective mood. But over in America the battle was literally at a crescendo with the decision to impeach or not impeach Trump happening at that very time. Hardly surprising, in retrospect, that emotions there were much rawer than here in the UK. (And those readers who questioned my sanity on even asking the question were mostly from the US, suggesting it felt a less stupid thing to do to UK readers).
This difference will grow as the US election – and the sense of America’s destiny hanging in the balance – gets closer throughout the year, while little old Britain potters along on our new course, with no one able to change it. The only exception to this is the situation with Scotland, where anger and tension does seem to be continuing to grow rather than dissipate.
I guess another difference is that Trumpism is a blend of what his government does or tries to do, and the man personally. And while as an individual it’s hard to build a supportive case for him – we’ve all seen him lying (on releasing his tax returns, on whether he knew of the payments to Stormy Daniels, on countless other matters) – it’s still possible to support what he’s trying to do. With Brexit the personalities on both sides can be pretty off-putting, and there is no one individual that defines Brexit in the same way (Though several – Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson – would probably claim they do.)
However, through the comments left on the website, and also through emails from some readers, I did get a new perspective on why some people actually support Trump or Brexit. I confess to being pretty well insulated in a liberal middle-class bubble, so that most of the people I speak to have the same views as me. This means my biggest exposure to the other side of the arguments comes from TV and radio. And while I’ve suspected for some time that the media tends to seek out the simplest and most extreme explanations and characterisations of leave voters or Trump supporters, the responses to the poll seem to support this.
It was interesting therefore to read so many considered, articulate and persuasive arguments for why leaving the EU, or supporting Trump might be a good thing, (notwithstanding that Trump as an individual is pretty unpleasant and graceless. For example a reader from Denmark explained to me how her reason for opposing the EU from its very inception, because it came with a built in power-inequality. Señora Gonzalez from Spain could never speak directly with Frau Schmidt or Fru Jensen –because of the language barrier. Meanwhile the political elite use the money raised from taxing all three of them to translate everything, so that they don’t face the same barrier. I’m not saying I fully buy this as a reason to leave, but it was a point of view I hadn’t ever heard expressed in three full years of arguing on TV.
Another lady urged me to take some time to watch Fox News to see what’s a difference Trump was really making – and when I asked her for actual examples of the difference, thinking she wouldn’t be able to, she did reel off a list of concrete examples, the strength of the economy, the opposition to illegal immigration, the rise in employment. And while I probably could come back with counter arguments, I had to admit that the media I watch/read (mostly the BBC/Channel 4 news and the Guardian) doesn’t exactly highlight these issues in a positive light. And perhaps not even a fair light. My next reaction was to urge her to spend more time watching the news I watch, but then I thought – I don’t know what the economy is really doing, I don’t know what employment figures are. How do I know I’m right and she’s wrong?
There’s other examples, but you can see them below in the comments so I won’t go through them here.
I’m also not saying I’m sold and I’ve changed my views. I thought, on balance, that both Brexit and Trump were the wrong choices before I did this poll, and I still think that. But perhaps the balance has shifted (a bit). It’s interesting how simply engaging on a one-to-one basis with people who are considered and thoughtful and not angry about these issues, helps to show them from other perspectives. I think and hope I’ve become more open-minded as a result of the whole exercise.
But even so, I still agree with those who emailed me to tell me it was a stupid thing to do! It also wasn’t ‘research’ – I don’t have any serious plans to write a political thriller at this point (I did actually try once, a couple of years back, and I got to 60,000 words before I realised it was the worst thing I’d even written.) Maybe one day, but for now, the whole thing is probably best written off as a relapse on a New Year’s Resolution, and I’ll try harder in future.
Results below. Now I’m off to get on with some real work…
[yop_poll id=”4″]
Hi Gregg,
Your getting involved in Politics is no problem for me, and I think a political thriller is a good idea.
One think you don’t mention is how we are manipulated (without exception) by the web. We have understood for many years now how the media affects our thinking (that’s why advertising works) but at least this is controlled to some extent. With the internet and social media however, this is not the case, and its been proven that once fake news is out there, its affect on people (even knowing it was fake) can never be undone. The use of ‘weapons grade’ Analytics (eg Cambridge Analytica, Russian and Chinese trolls) to influence elections and referendums throughout the world is well documented. The bottom line is nobody knows what truth is anymore, and this affects our politics. Might be a good theme for a book!
I’m sad we are leaving the EU. Our children and grandchildren will have to live with the consequences. I’m much more upset at what’s been happening in the UK over the past decade. Austerity has caused so much hardship for many families. I worry about losing the NHS and the underfunding of social care. The state of politics, and the bias of our media, has caused an increase of intolerance and selfishness. I hope things change and we return to the more caring and generous society we had become.
The death last August of young HARRY DUNN, killed by a US citizen driving on the wrong side of the road outside a USAF base in CROUGTHON, Northants (UK), has sadly been turned into a political issue and I’m incensed. Driver, Ann Sacoolas, wife of an intel officer at the base, was spirited away under the cloak of DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY and is still being shielded by Trump’s government. His actions at the White House last year, when he tried to engineer a meeting between Harry’s parents and the driver, amounted to an ambush and were no more than a PR stunt that, thankfully backfired. This political standoff will run and run and no doubt provide material for a political novel, Gregg. Meanwhile I’ll enjoy reading anything you write that features the sea/beach/coast, while my heart continues to bleed for the parents and loved ones of HARRY DUNN.
I am loving all this Gregg! I really enjoy reading real peoples opinions on real life issues and this is so interesting. Personally I am glad we are out of the EU – I do not trust politicians, I consider them self-serving careers piranhas who will say whatever they have to to get on, so from that stance I am happy we have less of them involved in running the country.
Trump? Seems like hes shaken things up a bit which can only be a good thing. I worry for Milania (sp sorry) and wonder how she copes but I guess shes counting the pension pot! Hey I could be wrong, they could be madly in love who knows!
The MOST WORRYING thng for me today is the Youth. I worry for them as they do not have the life skills they need. Young adults commiting suicide is so deeply sad. The family division has had a deep impact on life, and parents are doing too much for young people so they don’t learn self confidence or resilience from the start. That is our future and where our priorities should be. x
I agree with you Mia, I think Trump got in because the American people just had enough of their politicians not listening to them, and it was time to give them a wake up call.
I voted leave because I feel it’s time for a change. When our parents and grandparents joined the common market, they didn’t know what the future held, but embraced the unknown and looked forward to the future, we should do the same, fear of change holds us back, we need change (good and bad) to grow and learn. As for Gregg writing a political thriller go for it, a good writer, so I look forward to anything you write.
I’m proudly Scottish and voted Yes to independence and also Yes to leaving the EU. The second one I regret and was due to lack of real information, as supplied by the Westminster government, about the actual ramifications of leaving. The first one I stick by albeit with trepidation…and because no-one likes to be told they can’t do something!
Trump and Boris getting into positions of power were material for comedians a few years ago and I truly fear for the future of both of our countries now. Both of them appear to be extremely egotistical and self serving with the ability to change their stories to suit their audiences. Seriously, the President of America using Twitter to voice his thoughts is so ridiculous and totally beggars belief. I worry about what this pair will come up with between them.
Having said that, I love your books and would happily read a political thriller if you write one!
That is so true and it applies to the Welsh just as much!
Well that went well! As several people have pointed out, both in the comments above and in emails, that probably wasn’t my brightest idea… For those who were offended I do apologise for dragging the whole political mess into an area of life (reading) where it doesn’t have to be. I doubt I’ll rush to do it again. But at the same time I feel I should respond a bit. Hopefully not to stir things up again.
First the results. I haven’t stopped the survey, so it’s possible these numbers will change a little, but the general trends look settled now. On the two main questions that I asked – on Trump and Brexit – it seems that a greater proportion of people opposed to both, are reading my books, than who are in favour. But that a sizable minority of readers do support both. If you add up the ‘support’ versus ‘oppose’ votes you get three quarters of respondents who are against Trump, and only two thirds who are opposed to Brexit. But both these figures are still higher than what the real official polls show for the US and UK.
By the way, I should acknowledge here that it was a pretty shoddy poll in scientific terms for all sorts of reasons – it was self selecting, I don’t know where people voted from, so I can’t really compare the UK question here with actual US opinion polls… It’s lucky I’m a writer and not a pollster.
But I suppose this is understandable in the sense that it loosely matches my views. I haven’t explicitly said what my politics are, but they probably come through in what I choose to write and how I write it. So maybe I should just set it out. I voted remain in 2016 but only after a careful consideration of the two arguments, which I think shows I had very little love for the EU at that point. That’s kind of odd when you consider that my partner is Spanish and I literally met her because of freedom of movement, and I took advantage of it myself, having lived in Portugal and Spain. To be honest I didn’t really know much about it. I couldn’t have explained how the institutions all fit together. I didn’t know a single MEP. I was dimly aware of the term ‘single market’ but I couldn’t have explained what it was.
What’s strange now is that even today I still can’t – not really. I think that highlights how much of this whole debate here is emotional rather than analytical. That certainly seems to be the case on the Leave side – or at least, that’s the perception I see on the media, there’s a few posts above that do give actual considered reasons for leaving, which I haven’t seen much on TV.
I don’t know about Trump though. I always thought the two were similar and linked, but I’m less sure about that now.
It does seem the UK is in a less raw place though than the US – with the possible exception of those in Scotland. Down here in England we know where we are, even if half of us don’t like it. In the US the battle is really raging right now on Trump’s impeachment. Again, the two phenomena don’t quite match each other.
Finally, this really wasn’t about helping me decide whether to write a political thriller. That was just a random thought (I did try on a few years back, I got 60,000 words in and it’s TERRIBLE). It’s also so damn fast moving. And if you tried to invent a Trump character a few years back no one would believe you, and no one has that crazy an imagination!
Apologies again to those offended. I’ll go back to murderers, abductions, missing children – you know, harmless nice stuff!!!
I’m a leftie leaver. Lexit. I’m no believer in big government. I don’t like the stance of EU in Europe with military, banks or politics. (However, I did like many of their laws and stance against big biz.) On a more current affairs level, I’m massively against censorship. I detest the fake news put out my major media organisations that I dreamt or working for. I despise the manipulation of data. I’ve lost respect for many writers and academics getting into the Brexit debate when they haven’t analysed that data. It’s tainted them even though I know they are experts in their own fields. If you get involved do it cleverly within ‘fiction’. I dabble with politics within my books but keep it factual and hope the facts speak for themselves. I might have lost readers but am so far unaware of any.
Getting back to the political thriller idea – I will say this: I feel that the last two books you released were geared toward a younger audience than one of my age. Honestly, I started them both and didn’t finish either. I do like your writing, so it would be a pleasure to read a political thrill…as long as the main character wasn’t a teenager.
I say this in honesty – not in mockery.
I researched everything I could read written by experts, professors, industrialists and clever clogs (not taking any notice of the media) and found voting in the referendum on Brexit very difficult. We have a house in France, but in the end I voted Brexit. Why? Because I remember the ‘Common Market’, a fabulous idea to make trade easier between the 6 founding nations. However, this has morphed into the EU, a huge monstrosity that is controlled by an unelected ruling elite. True, some good has come out of it, but there has also been mismanagement and corruption of funding, not to mention a few lining of pockets! Let the UK make it’s own rules to suit our country and our citizens. I remember times before the EU when we travelled around Europe easily, students worked abroad and attended European universities. I don’t think this will change. To finish, I’d just like to say, I love Europe and its people, just not the EU.
On Trump … well not much I can say except all my US friends can’t stand him and he does come across as egotistical and rather unwise.
On Scotland …. please don’t leave us!!!
I feel thoroughly saddened by our exit from the EU, for myself, but even more for my grown-up children & their children because our world has become smaller and inward looking. We are now at the mercy of a right wing Tory government. I’m confused as to why so many Brits are happy about that and happy to turn their backs on the many opportunities we shared within the EU.
As a Scot living in Europe, with family all over Europe, I am definitely not in agreement with Brexit. All my family in Scotland voted Remain, as did my cousins in England. Now wondering how easy or otherwise it will be to make our annual trip by car … I still have my British passport but my husband has had to apply for an Italian one. Previously he could just use his ID card.
Great, we get Godwin’s Law even in the questions and then it just starts to disintegrate with name calling and general dissing. Not your best idea, Greg!
Political thriller – yes sir. You’ve a loyal audience here and we will keep turning the pages.
But political commentary? Emails? No thanks. There’s enough politics (and views on it) in the world to go around.
Keep writing, or run as an mp. Don’t mix the two!
Love all of this…….the very worst thing in the world is APATHY. Kudos to all who are concerned enough to voice an opinion!
I think you should write whatever you feel inclined to write. It’s up to us if we wish to read it or not. I personally would, even though politics makes my blood boil. I’m sure you would come up with a twist that keeps the reader engrossed. Especially if you put in a bit of your humor which i love.
Great little survey, got a far bit of reaction, hopefully you will learn something about your followers lol.
Keep up the good work and newsletter x
Well Gregg, you’ve really opened a can of worms! Anything which gets your readers sufficiently riled to write in and share their thoughts must be good. Keep it up – write that political thriller and I’ll be the first to read it. Can’t wait – do you want another proof reader?
In very recent times here in Australia my home for 84 odd years we continue to never handle what nature dishes out to us helped by so much political correctness without worrying about who in fact is in control.
Gregg you style is unique keep it that way.
Totally agree that voting should be compulsory – but then they should add a line to tick for abstention. At present all you can do is spoil your paper, which I did at the last election by writing Abstain diagonally across it. I think it would be useful to know how many just can’t see anyone or any party they want to represent them.
I too am an ex pat living in France and was amazed when Britain voted to leave the EU….I know that a lot of my friends in the U.K. voted with their hearts and not their heads not being given the full facts of leaving…If given another vote they would have remained…It would have been better if Britain had remained and tried to revert back to the reason why we joined in the first place – free trade….How we got sucked into being governed by all the various committees I don’t know…..I think Brits will suffer by not having the freedom of travelling unhindered throughout Europe…I only hope that Boris Johnson comes out with a fair leaving deal otherwise we will end off the very poor relative….I would not trust Donald Trump with his promise of trade with Britain as far as I could throw him…
Trump wouldn’t have been elected, and Brexit would have not happened if voting was compulsory as it is in Australia.
If people can’t be bothered to get of their bums and go and vote, then they can’t complain about the result!
I’m a retired US Navy officer, mostly conservative living in predominately liberal Oregon. I lived in France as a kid, served on the staff of the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in Norfolk (Virginia that is) for 3 years while in the Navy, and after retiring spent 10 years working for a conservative member of the US House of Representatives as his military/veterans issues staffer here in Oregon. Write the political thriller!! Add a military angle and you will have punched all my buttons!!! Oh yeah, in addition to enjoying your books, I also enjoyed reading Jono’s windsurfing adventure.
With due respect, all of the above is why I do not watch, listen to, or read news. I rely on others to tell me of urgent world/local news and am far less stressed than when I knew the details firsthand. This is my FIRST ever Internet/public comment – I simply HAD to respond to Lucy’s comment about UK being farcical… WE (the USA) have to admit that an individual who does not have a rudimentary command of his native language is our President!! How he got that way is irrelevant to the fact that, unless we claim another land as home, HE REPRESENTS AMERICA. Much of the world has a negative view of Americans, but I’d rather be hated than pitied.
No rudimentary command of the language? but surely he does and bigly! So true..so true
I’m more concerned about what happened to Zollin than Trump!
As a UK expat living in AUS I never cease to be amazed at the rampant corruption when it comes down to spending govt. money (grants) or right down to local govt. in bribes for personal benefit.
A lot of doom and gloom people in this survey. As an American citizen, I will always support the Constitution. I feel like the bulk of opinion on the US president is given by non-Americans that get their info from the Trump-hating media. I think Brexit is an excellent idea. No country should give up their sovereignty to a “union”. That said, I love mysteries but probably wouldn’t read a political novel.
I stayed up late watching the results of the Brexit referendum and when Trump got in power and was completely disheartened by both results.
I am English and have lived in France for 13 years. Generally ex-pats in the EU are feeling scared. We have no voice and nobody in the UK cares about us. They assume that we are all living the Life of Riley while the truth is that most people can’t afford to move back.
As an American Brexit sounds good, but I don’t live in Britain so I should have no say.
Now, I am a strong proponent of the Constitution in America (as an originalist) and the Rule of Law. I served my country, sloped around in the jungle (which seemed like forever) and believe in Patriotism (whichever country you are from). So I have no respect for people today who complain about how everything is run, but have never served nor done anything for their country.
I must be the only reader living in Northern Ireland. Brexit will probably be a disaster for us, and I have disliked Trump since the days of “The Apprentice”. An interesting survey, thank you!
I spent my pre-school days in England, as my father was stationed there in the military, but I admit I haven’t studied the Brexit topic. I’m too concerned with having a lawless president, who has made a career of ripping off employees, small business owners, contractors, and even banks. Unfortunately, the rise of Trump has made all the racists feel it’s safe to come crawling out from under their rocks. They live in fear of the white race becoming a minority. I thought America had moved past the hatred and ignorance? I’m embarrassed and ashamed this mentally ill child occupies the White House.
I think you are totally wrong in your opinions. Trump has done more for America in the short time he has been president and he had to fighting against the corrupt and distorted press every step of the way. 6 million new jobs, lowest unemployment in 10 years, $4000 more family income, more construction work, better trade deals with China and Mexico, plus lower illegal immigration.
I just don’t understand why some people can’t see that he is not what the news portrays him to be.
It is sad.
Illegal immigration has been declining for years.
The economy has shown steady growth since 2009, with Obama posting far better job numbers.
Companies are laying off 100’s of thousands of workers, and moving corporate headquarters out of the country. Wages remain flat. $Billionaires now pay a lower tax rate than the middle class. Trump’s trade and tariffs deals have devastated American farmers with more bankruptcies then we’ve seen in a decade. Consumer prices continue to increase, most families can’t afford rent on one income, and have less than $400 in savings. It took America 241 years to accumulate $3 trillion in debt, Trump has doubled that in 3 years. Trump has ended environmental protections, clean air and water rules are gone, allowing companies to dump raw sewage in our rivers and streams, and opening our national parks to drilling and fracking.
The news merely reports what Trump says and does. That can hardly be called “distortion.” I don’t understand those of you who fail to see this is the single most corrupt administration in history?!
That last question didn’t really have a proper neutral choice. I’d have to read the synopsis before deciding to read it.
1 min left in eu …
We need some kind of (peaceful)revolution, starting with the education system and the political system. We need respect and trust back – respect for others and their opinions and beliefs, respect for elders and teachers. We need to be able to trust our leaders and our media.
Thanks for this little interlude to an historical Friday evening…which, for us, includes a child with a sick bug and a cancelled weekend away….”to hell in a basket”, you say?
Happy Friday to everyone, love your neighbour and practice Random Acts of Kindness.
Contrary to some of the remarks on here not all Scots wants other Indy Ref 2 we voted No To Independence that was the will of the people although Nicola would have you believe otherwise.
The problem in the U.K. is there are no real leaders we trust at the moment therefore people resorted to tactical voting to keep certain people out it’s a no win situation I voted to stay in the European Market and No to independence.
I’m an Aussie and not really fully aware of the Brexit impact so voted non committal but trump is an idiot no matter which country you live in, just wish our pollies didn’t feel the need to behave so poorly as well.
Love reading of any type so will read whatever you put out – level of enjoyment will depend on how good it is 😁
Brexit is the biggest mistake the UK has ever made. It is depressing to realize the extent to which voters were lied to and manipulated. The super rich, however, will be gleefully rejoicing, having fooled the public into helping them avoid rigorous EU tax evasion laws which come into effect tomorrow. The result of Brexit will be an isolated country, begging for table scraps from the US. And don’t even get me started on Trump!
Bravo Margaret. The small matter of our rich and powerful avoiding the new tax evasion laws by exiting the EU has been largely uncommented on by the media, yet some believe (as I am prepared to) that such avoidance was one of the main reasons for the referendum, rather than it being merely another political gamble by a conservative prime minister. Any co-incidence that we squeaked out just in time on 31 Jan? We should have been claiming power back from our own self-seeking politicos, the City of London and the other vested interests that the EU, with all its faults, helped to contain. We continue to be lied to and our ‘news’ is more frequently propaganda designed to shift blame from UK and US economic and political interests onto the EU, or if that doesn’t work, let’s have a go at Russia or China.
Agree completely, Nigel! Such a sad, sad day, especially for the future of young people. As suggested by “Led by Donkeys”, I really hope they keep our star safe for us for when we recover our sanity.
Since you didn’t limit responses about Trump to US citizens, I suspect you’ll get a tainted impression from a lot of UK people. The US media has taken a deep dive into getting Trump thrown out of office and has spread their nonsense around the world. In truth, most people I know do not think he’s such a monster. He has pointed us in the right direction and continues to do great things for America and its allies. Likewise, I have a tainted point of view of Brexit, as the media appear to be pushing their own agenda and like to compare those who support it to Trump. The American political left has an irrational hatred of Trump and Brexit as it undermines the EU, which is what they see as a second-first step (the UN was the first-first step) to world government. Thanks for the opportunity to comment. US citizen since 1947.
I’m a Brit but in view of the importance of the USA in the world generally I think we are entitled to our opinions although not to a vote over there obviously. The biggest thing I dislike about Trump is that he behaves like an overgrown schoolkid with his ridiculous constant tweets and the way he carries on. For me, he’s lowered the tone of American politics to the level of a barrowboy. A president should be a statesman-like figure but he’s definitely not that. I have a lot of respect for former President Obama. He (and his First Lady) represented the USA wonderfully and with dignity.
Being a follower of some of David Icke’s beliefs, the politicians are just the mouth pieces of the Puppet Masters that run the World, so it doesn’t really matter who is in power, or leading the country, the greater Agenda will still be the same, as will the corruption, and the ultimate control of the masses.
I like your books and would read a political thriller.
When you asked about political topics, I think the economy is really important, but it wasn’t there to choose from.
I generally liked your survey but some answers I would like to have given weren’t available. I must confess as a US citizen I’m not sure of all the pros and cons of brexit. However I generally approve of a country being able to decide how they want to run their country. As for the US, where I do live, I feel that the democratic party has “gone off the rails”. There is not one democrat candidate I could vote for. As crude as Trump is sometimes I feel that he is a true patriot and has the best intentions for our country. If you take an honest look at how the country has done since he has been elected you must admit that he is doing a good job. I would much rather have a good leader that puts his country first that a smooth talking incompetent one. (Not to names, but the last one we had). I did not study politics in school but have become very interested in it.
Trump patriotic? He puts himself first before his country. He is the most egotistical, narcissistic human being I have ever seen. He puts his own self interest before anything else.Its always about how it affects HIM first before anything else.
He has absolutely no respect for anyone, and if he doesn’t get his way, or is caught out in any of his lies, he cries “fake news” then deflects and covers with another lie. It’s a shame that the US has a moron like this representing the country. The “ good things” that he’s done for his country are the results of the work if others. Unfortunately Americans had to choose between 2 evils, as Hilary was no great shakes either.
I’m an American, who lives in Canada,. Everything that happens in the US affects us here. I have a lot of family on both sides of the border. Some are Trump supporters and some aren’t. Needless to say I have heard it from both sides.
The “ smooth talking other one” that Elbert Jackson mentions in his comment, consistently had his hands tied by the Republicans. All good things he was trying to accomplish were stamped out by them, no matter if they were good for the country or not. OMG I could go on for hours, Lol, but I think you get my drift.
As to Brexit, I’m not well enough informed of all the pros and cons to articulate an informed opinion.
Gregg!! Write the political novel! I have read all of your books, and have loved them all! Billy Wheatley for Presidant! ❤️😍😊
If your book opinion goes along with your poll results, I won’t read it. I have had my full of the brainwashing from the Liberal media for the last 30 years or so.
I’m a US citizen. It’s not that I “like” politics but that I find the subject interesting. I think that nearly all politicians are seriously criminal. I think that Brexit is a mistake that happened because most Brits weren’t paying attention when they voted for it and that the same thing happened in the US when Trump was elected. I sincerely hope the two countries survive.
I’m in the US myself. I’m sick to death of politicians period. Every single one of them is corrupt and out for their own sake. Nobody cares about the people they claim to represent. I think political parties are the problem and everybody feeling like they have to choose sides. It’s not a football match. It shouldn’t matter what team the person is on, it should matter what they’re saying and doing. I don’t have the answers on how to fix it, but the system over here is definitely very, very broken
Bring it on! With the world being destroyed by greed and self serving political ignoramuses and elected bunko artists around the globe we need a good book(s) to distract us or better yet, furnishing the readers with true facts as some of the populaces have just given up or are not paying attention which reflects in the now strengthening, there are many terms which could apply to what I see growing around me but, the term which I believe with my experiences fits today is Fascist in a cloak. Good Luck and fast writing.
I’m an Aussie!! “She’ll be right, mate!!”
I think you should write whatever inspires you, but no dirty stuff.
Trump is my President, period. I’m a conservative Christian who supports the Constitution, pro-life,well, you get the idea. God bless you in your endeavors. Btw,what was your name? (😁)
As an American, I’m very interested in what’s going on with the Impeachment nonsense. As an ex-pat American, it doesn’t disturb me greatly one way or the other. As a pretty old American, I’ve seen a lot of political nonsense through the years. It never ends. It’s not worth getting excited about. I live happily under Mexican law, enjoying the beach and the sunshine and cheap food and liquor prices. And reading, so keep writing, Greg Dunnett. I’ll read whatever you write. I’ve liked all your books, some more than others, but all worth reading.
I guess you’re trying to determine the general political stance of your readers to determine how to slant your political thriller? The poll results look refreshingly liberal.
I used to know a John Porter. He lived in Weyburn Saskatchewan.
On your question, “What is your opinion of Britain leaving the EU?” I would have liked a response something like, “I don’t know enough about it to have an opinion.” Lacking that, I chose the “Not really bothered either way” option
It really makes me cringe when Brexiteers claim that they have won! What the hell do they think they’ve won?! Unless of course the first prize was chaos and uncertainty?!!
I am a little concerned that so many of your readers are obviously woke. I am totally sick and tired of uninformed remoaners and a bit unhappy about being ‘on the same page’ as any of them. Good job I like your books – I would otherwise leave this band of supporters as I am diametrically opposed to most of their views.
Would someone please explain to me this new use of “woke”? I’m finding it everywhere, even in the comments on Doctor Who!
This may be off-topic, but it may be my only chance to find out….
My father came to the UK in 1940, after the fall of France, because he wanted to continue fighting the Nazis. My cousin helped negotiate Poland’s entry to the EU. I believe the EU managed to avert a nuclear war in Europe. Several of my cousins died in Auschwitz, which was originally built as a Polish cavalry barracks following Poland’s independence in 1918 and where I believe my father stayed as an officer cadet in the 20s, and I am currently ashamed to be British
I think you’ll find the British did considerably more to help the victims of the Nazis than did the French. Read your history books. If you’re ashamed to be British, I am sure you can make another’s choice.
I respect your views on Auschwitz but I think you will find it was NATO that averted a nuclear war in Europe.
I am so sorry you feel this way. I voted remain But, as I live in a democratic society, which my grandfather (world war one) and my father (world war two) had to participate in, not because they wanted to, but because men in suits bid them, I have to abide by the majority and get on with it. Think yourself fortunate you have the freedom to voice your opinions, people have sacrificed their lives time and time again so you can.
Most of us Americans STRONGLY do not like our president! I haven’t been able to say the idiots name with the word President since the day he somehow was elected! …. zombies must’ve had something to do with it 🤷🏻♀️
Well he was voted in so clearly he does appeal to MOST of the voters. Accept the democratic decision.
No, it was not democratic. He did not win the popular vote, but the electoral college and voter district manipulation stole the election from us.
Not true. President Trump did win the popular vote. Those of us who disliked Obama still gave him the respect of being the president. Today’s Democrats seem unable to be grown up enough to accept the country’s decision. If it’s not your way, you’ll try throwing tantrum after tantrum. Shame on you!
Comparing Trump and Obama is an apple/oranges situation. Obama treated the country and citizens with respect regardless of what you thought of his policies; Trump does neither. Respect is earned – it isn’t included in the perks of the presidency.
And tantrum-throwing? Don’t get me started.
Have a lovely day!
Trump lost the popular vote by over 3 million votes.
Hahaha…I’m canadian and constantly getting Americans apologizing for him…..it’s all still quite unbelievable. The only reason he was voted in is because of the process of counting votes. Had they counted the POPULAR VOTE, he would have lost by a landslide…
Donald Trump did not get the most votes in the 2016 election. More people voted for Hillary Clinton. He won be the Electoral College vote. Shame, shame shame.
Time to be confused by the facts- He lost the popular vote by millions, and his “election” is only another reminder how the long since out of date “electoral college” continues to favor Republican candidates the same way it did since the days of slavery. . .
Pam and Willa are cry babies because the corrupt H. Clinton didn’t win the electoral college vote. She was only the Dems candidate because she stole it from Bernie. Do you even have a clue how this country works and why we have an electoral college? Clearly, most of us deplorable Americans, STRONGLY like our president because we all voted for him and he will win again in November. Get over it.
Agree 100%! Brits are clueless!
I’m Canadian so don’t think the Brexit thing will really affect me here. But I can’t stand Trump despite him being in another country. I think he puts the entire world at risk. It has been a very long 3 years, and if he gets back in I will have to question the entire election process.
I hope you write whatever you are called to write. Don’t worry too much about offending anyone. Everything will offend someone. Some folks are just too easily offended.
Unfortunately, most haven’t a clue how the electoral college works. The COASTERS (New York, Florida,California, Washington, and Oregon) don’t care about the rest of the country. They want what they want and to hell with the rest of the people.
Mary….where did THAT thought come from? “The Coasters? What??? Please enlighten us on that theory.
Hear! Hear! Lynn 👍
Trump is a tragedy in American politics and a stain on our constitution. The electoral college needs to go.
Dream on! Trump 2020!
Write it – you know you want to!
I’m a Brit living in Canada and if I was an American I would be ashamed and embarrassed to have such an abomination of a president.
Extremely decisive!! Proven lier!!
Totally agree with you Lucy. We do however have to pull together for the greater good of the country – and on the larger scale they planet’.
What a hoot!
I’m glad you’re doing this to stay relevant in a changing world. I am a reader, a Vet, a Father, and the World is changing into a place where honest conversation is frowned on. Stay the Course. PS I earned my right to discourse , was wounded in Laos when the average American didn’t even give it a thought.
I’d probably change my mind on the political book if it matched my political outlook. Probably. But then politics are so devisively emotion stirring, and tediously dull when no one changes their mind whatever the facts that I would tend to avoid. But fill your boots, if it’s calling you to write it, write it. Just be sure to give me another belter like The Glass Tower first please. 😀
Random but interesting
PS – Gregg, have you met your writing goal for the day, or is this side project an elaborate avoidance scheme? 🤔
You’re a writer, a good writer, so just write what you want.
I never trusted politicians before 2016. What scares the living crap out of me since then is that the leaders of our two great nations now lie openly and regularly with misinformation that is easily disproven. Are we fools, we’re certainly treated like ones.
This leaves me feeling that our best interests are not at the core of every decision, as it always should be, whichever political belief they follow.
I agree with you Jeremy. I think we were so misinformed regarding Brexit. We were told what they wanted to sway our vote. Is it true the politicians who had large offshore investments wanted to leave in order to save themselves a huge tax bill?
I’d like to raise the issue of corporate manipulation as one of my concerns.
The world is not actually controlled by politicians, its controlled by the supercorps and the faceless financiers behind them. The same financiers that control our partisan media.
I’m old enough to remember when we were given actual news rather than a biased opinion thrust upon us. Before we were force fed a diet of celebrity tosh and encouraged to think for ourselves.
We live in a divisive world where we are actively encouraged to hate our neighbours rather than the real enemy…. The ones who are manipulating global events for their own megalomaniac reasons
Trump Impeachment: A futile war of semantics that isn’t even fun to watch.
It’s fairly clear that the US has no idea how to properly direct the impeachment of a president.A very poor time for on the job training.
As an English person living in Scotland, I’m very concerned at the prospect of “Indy Ref 2” happening. Better together I say (but its true – majority of Scots still hate the “auld enemy”)
Told to you in complete confidence 😩
I think we’re in a no-win situation whatever we do-just can’t please everyone! No political leader will ever have an easy job and i pity whoever is unlucky enough to get it. I wanted us to leave the EU simply so the UK can be in charge of it’s own decisions, instead of being dictated to by people it doesn’t affect. But sadly the past 3 years has made the country look farcical beyond belief to the rest of the world, and I feel most UK residents are sick to death of listening to all the guff and just want it over!
Hear, hear!
I voted to leave the EU but did so on a basis of lies deom the government, had I realised ( or had we actually been told the truth) I would have voted to remain and I think leaving will be detrimental to Britain. Still, it’s done now so we’ve got to get on with it.
We managed very well before we joined so I’m sure we will again. We are resilient.
Regarding Brexit…To say that the leave side was the only side that told lies is being sucked in by project Fear that the remain side used….after the leaving the EU the wheels should have fallen off…the world as we know it ended and armageddon is only days away! That doesn’t include any of the shenanigans that the pompous MP’s threw in to thwart Brexit.
On Scottish Independence…same as Brexit…there was a vote and the vote was very publicly stated to be once in a generation vote. The vote was to stay. The UK and all parts of it are innovative and amazing in their own right and together they are even stronger. We are democratic and leave or stay…the fundamental ideal of democracy is that, whatever the result, we abide by it.
The EU parliament is not democratically voted for and is a jobs for the ‘boys and girls’ who are in ‘favour’ with whichever political leaders are in power. Is it better or worse to be able to set our own laws and control our own destiny or to be given stupid laws like ‘No hoovers over 1800w allowed’ or your oranges have to be a certain size or shape??? Madness!!
Let’s get back to reading great books 🙂
Thanks for your comments, possibly the most sensible and accurate brief summary I have seen in all that time. I agree strongly.
My thoughts exactly
! I voted leave, now let’s just get on with it!
I believe the US is more divided than ever. I do agree with you assessment of Brexit.
I do believe this upcoming book will really get tempers flaring…such fun.
Totally agree
Not true I’m Scottish and live in England and the same could be said here but I’ve got lots of English friends. Every nation is entitled to self determination so it is not a race issue. Personally I would prefer we stayed united6
I hope we don’t split from Scotland. We are landlocked after all. And more importantly while the Scottish have politicos named after fish. Salmond really? He was trustworthy! As for Stinky Sturgeon, don’t turn your back on her or you’ll have a dirk firmly imbedded between your shoulder blades. The Scottish should stick with us, we love you
Sandy: Landlocked? Where do you live – Switzerland?
OK wrong word. We are joined at a border that would you want to pass through a customs check point? Perhaps a No Mans Land in between the two countries, with border guards ready to shoot anyone trying to make a run for it from one to another
Totally agree with you Lucy. We do however have to pull together for the greater good of the country – and on the larger scale they planet’.
Totally agree Julie, I’m English living in Scotland, and feel the same. Wish they would get on with governing the country and stop the indy ref 2 nonsense.
I’m Scottish living in Scotland and couldn’t agree more. I used to vote SNP but no more.
Hi there, concerning the vote to separate in England…forgive me my ignorance of I’m stating that wrong, but I live in Canada and one or another of our provinces is always talking about ‘leaving’. While your comment about each country should be free to do as choose (I’m paraphrasing here), while agree, I’ve always felt that ‘united we stand’. At one point it was always Quebec who wanted to leave, but now, due to the LNG OIL situation, Alberta and Saskatchewan are grumbling about leaving….I think it would be very sad because our differences are what make us uniquely Canadian.
That’s the crux of the problem. Scots HATE the English. They always want England to loose in a football match whoever is playing whereas the majority of English fans cheer for Scotland IF England aren’t playing. There’s the difference.
Beatrice that is NOT true. I am married to a Scot and love him and his family. They have always shown me kindness.
He and 2 brothers were pro footballers and what you say about footballers hating the English side when they play is also untrue. I suggest that you get your facts straight.
Beatrice, you’re so wrong. I’m Scottish and welcomed our English son in law into our family. I personally really can’t stand English sports commentators always assuming that England are going to beat everyone else BUT I don’t hate English people. Just to be clear.
Totally agree with you Julie.
As a Scottish person living in England I feel the same! Better together. We may not be European but we’re still British. Can’t bear Nicola,by the way. 😫
Looking for Irish adoption so I can get a different passport. In the meantime, I am asking for Italian citizenship..
Nicola Sturgion(may she burn in he’ll minimum pricing of alcohols punishes the poor) but never the less i still vote for her a independent Scotland in Europe is what I would like. as for Boris and Donald i think they may be related both crass ejits and entitled the world would be a better place without the pair of them