Anna Ulyanenkova, 19, student

I'm not interested in politics, even in Russia, so I have no idea which candidates are running for president now in the States. But I do realize that America is very influential in world affairs, and I recognize that Russia is very interested in securing a partnership and friendship with it. For this reason, I'd like to see a politician interested in developing strong business relations with Russia as the new U.S. president.

Alexander Goryanov, 45, reserve military officer

I've been closely following the U.S. election campaign, and I've come to the conclusion that no matter who wins, it doesn't matter much. During their campaigns, each candidate says whatever will bring him the most votes. But after inauguration, the new president just pursues the same old policy as the previous one. So it wouldn't really surprise me if either Bush or Gore – two candidates with largely opposing views – were to follow Clinton's foreign policy and forget about their own programs.

Lyudmila Moiseyenko, 72, pensioner

I want Al Gore to be elected. He'll continue Clinton's policies with renewed vigor and fresh ideas, although I hope he will be more diplomatic and skillful when it comes to regulating the world's conflicts. I agree with Clinton's political views, and I'd like them to be pursued. I share Gore's position on Yugoslavia. Bush says that Russia should have served as a mediator between Milosevic and the opposition. But this statement is only an election trick. As I see it, Russia shouldn't meddle in Yugoslavia's internal affairs.

Dmitry Nikitin, 27, courier

It's totally insignificant for me who wins the presidential campaign. I have no doubt that Russia is an independent country, so there isn't much the States can do to humiliate us. Their elections won't have any effect on my everyday life. I'll be working and solving own my problems, just as I did before. When it comes down to it, everyday Russians aren't dependent on American investments, neither is the Russian economy or its industry. The officials appropriating this money – they will be closely watching the results.

Svetlana Kudryavtseva, 29, lawyer

I always watch "Vremya" on TV, so I'm pretty much up to speed on what is happening in the U.S. But it doesn't really matter which candidate is elected. The fact is that Russians have too many problems of their own to take American politics to heart. Putin's latest political decision or maneuver is of much more critical importance for me. Let the Americans decide who is worthy of being their new leader. I just hope that he will support diplomatic relations with our country, even though I understand that my point of view won't make any difference.