Appalling barely covers it, Tzael, and thank you for sympathizing. The meanness I see in my fellow American citizens at election time is always hurtful and shameful, and this year it is far worse. I fear our "true colors" are showing. The United States of America began with such lofty ideas...but a woman and a black man on the ballot, an event which should serve to demonstrate our open-mindedness and our many opportunities, has instead brought out the worst in us.
When I read phrases like "McCain and Hussein", written by a person I know to be intelligent and sensitive in other venues, I am naturally saddened. That, and similar comments by others are really quite revealing.
In fact, we Americans are greatly blessed to have several intelligent, capable persons willing to lead our country with what I am sure are the best intentions. We are further blessed to be allowed a viable choice in that, via our votes.
No matter what else we may or may not know about other countries, we DO know that this is not a universal right. We are very lucky. We are, alas, quite graceless in regards to our election year behaviors.
As if that is not enough, this time we are also very hurtful.