Pew Poll: Democrats have a more favorable view of Russia and China than republicans have

[pampango]

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of Russia?

Overall: Unfavorable - 39%; Favorable - 37%
Republicans: Unfavorable - 50%; Favorable - 33% (By a net 17% - a very unfavorable view of Russia)
Democrats: Unfavorable - 39%; Favorable - 38% (A almost even split between favorable and unfavorable views of Russia)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of China?

Overall: Favorable - 41%; Unfavorable - 40%
Republicans: Favorable - 35%; Unfavorable - 51% (By a net 16% - a very unfavorable view of China)
Democrats: Favorable - 47%; Unfavorable - 37% (By a net 10% - a favorable view of China)

http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/interactive/how-do-americans-view/

I wonder if republicans have a favorable view of ANY other country. They seem predisposed to be suspicious of 'others' whether that is other races, nationalities, genders or sexual orientations. Maybe they like Israel (because they dislike Arab countries more) but I can't think of any others. They are suspicious of 'socialist' Europe and Canada. I can't think of any other countries they might like.

Just because Democrats have a more favorable (or in cases like Russia a less unfavorable view ) view of other countries does not mean that we agree with everything that those countries do. (We don't agree with everything our own country does for that matter.) It is just our nature to be less suspicious of 'others' than republicans are.

[jpbollma]

1. Well in fairness

what is there about Russia and China that is particularly favorable? I am somewhat ambivalent towards them, but I certainly wouldn't say I think of them favorably. I have more favorable views of Western Europe, Canada, Australia and some South/Central American countries. Don't get me wrong, I reject war mongering or anything like that. I just fail to see much of anything from either the Chinese or Russian government to find favorable.

[Jennicut]

2. I favor their people.

I dislike Putin immensely. I mean look what happened to the young women in Pussy Riot. Don't get me started on the Chinese govt. toward their own people.

But I think Repubs just don't like foreigners in general. I mean, they think Obama is one and that is where their some of incredible hatred for him stems from.