How much difference does this election really make?

[heebyjeebus]

It seems to me that whether or not you have a Democrat or Republican in power, the US government is still going to fight for its role as the dominant world power. The illusion right now appears to be that with Kerry the world will somehow be healed, and that with Bush the confrontations will escalate. I believe there is a definite element of truth in that, however, they both keep talking about the "war on terror" and how the other guy isn't ballsy enough to stay the fight. So what does it matter: on strictly foreign policy issues they seem to be on a similar wavelength. The difference in effect is that Kerry would be diplomatic and courteous when exerting American interests, whereas Bush will be the ignorant and belligerent fool he's always been. Is this because Kerry needs the support of these supposed "fence sitters" who are all for world peace but still enjoy the odd fireworks display, or is it because this notion of American imperialism is endemic within both major parties? Please enlighten me.