Andy Said:

McCain, Obama, Paul... does it really matter in the context of Presidential power?

We Answered:

Essentially, you are correct. Obsessing over politicians in Washington fulfill the same void in people's lives as obsessing over celebrities in Hollywood (only with a greater feeling of elitism and self-importance). Even local polliticians have a much greater influence over our daily lives than politicians in Washington DC, but how many people on here do you think pay attention to local politics as much?

That does not mean we should not be informed voters when it comes to national politics. The President's power to veto, nominate Supreme Court Justices, act as commander-in-chief, etc., are all important, but his greatest influence has become the symbol he represents to the rest of the world. Just the same with every country, what your most powerful public figure stands for is how the world will perceive you and your fellow countrymen.