MOSCOW -- My opinion poll on the possible outcome of the election has indicated that our “ordinary” people are not paying a lot of attention to the US election campaign. At least, not in my immediate surroundings.

The responses ranged from a lukewarm “I’m not particularly interested” to an irritated “Ask me another. I don’t care.”

Here is what some of the respondents said:

O., 29, owner of a child centre: “I don’t care. Why should I care? Personally I would limit current affairs programs on TV to two times a day and would make them as short as possible. It’s all brainwashing. I never watch them. We all know nothing depends on us. The only idea that crosses my mind when I hear about the candidates abusing each other is that the poor Americans have no choice.” (By “poor” she means she’s just feeling sorry for them.)

S., 19, student: “I’m not paying much attention to the election. Still I hope Barack Obama will win. The only reason is that I dislike McCain’s attitude to Russia. But I’m afraid my hopes are not likely to come true. Let’s live and see though. ”

S., 26, bank manager: “I’m much more interested in the possible outcome of the present financial crisis in this country than in the overseas election. I think that whoever is elected, it won’t help to improve the relations between our countries, which have always been far from friendly. And I don’t think it will make any difference for the economic situation. I don’t believe any election promises because no one ever keeps them.”

J., 28, English teacher: “I couldn’t care less. Frankly speaking, there’s no one to choose from. They only differ in age and skin colour.”

N., 21, student: “I’m rooting for Obama: He’s younger, he’s got energy and personal charm. Besides, an Afro-American president will prove that the States is the country of equal opportunities. I think that the president represents his nation and is responsible for its image. I don’t care about his political views because I don’t believe anyone takes election promises more seriously than bedtime stories. Besides, in a truly democratic country the president must not only think about the interests of his party, and the two-party system is meant to preserve the balance in the state. So, what I do care about is the impression the president makes.”

So, that’s it. I’m ashamed to admit I’m no different. I’m not paying any attention to the election. I haven’t even seen the candidates. So what I’ve learnt from my respondents was a revelation to me.