But surely most American didn't vote for Bush, Jim Lad. About half of those who voted voted for him - slightly less than his main opponent first time, slightly more the second time. But about 40% of the electorate didn't vote for anyone.

.............

"America-baiting threads" - I think "teasing" might be a more accurate way of putting it, a game that gets played in all directions, generally without any malicious intent. It's true enough that in some circumstances real bullying can disguise itself as "only joking" - but I can't see that applying here most of the time.