No - not "some sort of lower life form," but rather a particular group whose opinion regarding American politics and politicians in general I find inconsequential - rather like the way most Europeans feel about any opinions Americans have about intra-European affairs.

And YES I must then be a "boorish, nationalistic American, and am darned proud of it. There would not be independent states in Europe today if it were not for the "boorish, nationalistic Americans." There hasn't been a battle fought on the American mainland for a century and a half, which is something that can't be said for almost everywhere else on earth, and it's been because "boorish, nationalistic Americans" have made sure it wouldn't happened, while trying to keep the rest of the world from turning into a self-inflicted cinder.

When the "going gets tough," the "enlightened" folk usually are nowhere to be found except to complain at great distance and with considerable rhetoric, and we boorish, nationalistic types end up with the job of fixing what the "enlightened" have broken.

So, if my feelings seem minimal about what a European crowd's opinion of a well-choreographed event designed to mimic Pres. Kennedy's "let them come to Berlin" show, and those feelings are not shared by the "Oh, isn't he wonderful" followers of the Democratic candidate-to-be, so be it! If the Republican candidate-to-be appeared in a similar venue, my feelings would be the same. If hyped theater and great publicity make for the better candidate, then Billy Joel or Garth Brooks (who draw as many or more in Central Park concerts) may be in the next ballot....