THERE is tribalism in politics, as in sport. I put it down to the Tower-of-Babel episode, which occurred a mighty long time ago.
You roar for either Manchester United or Liverpool, whatever 'right' or 'wrong' they have done. You root for either BN/PN or PH. Not both. Is that not right?
What about Trump and Biden on the other side of the world? Lumbering seventysomethings or thundering godlings? Who do you want in the Oval Office running the world from 2021 through 2024?
Not the world, you would say. So would I. Let them rule the roost only in the United States.
But who would you prefer? Trump, who has battered everyone and batted away the virus, or Biden, the battle-hardened politician.
The first debate between the two may not have helped you decide. The one between their running mates may have helped you laugh. Yes, the fly on Pence's head.
Insects and politicians can be terribly irritating but mighty useful. One comes from kindly Mother Nature, the other from among the best and worst of us.
We have to live with both. Enjoy and enthrone one, eat and eliminate the other. Choose what you may.
So, again, Trump or Biden?
What do you say? I ask two Malaysian friends.
K.K. Sinnadurai says: "I am a Trump supporter. Naturally, I think he deserves to win. Since his victory in 2016, he had raised America to a better economic and military position, until the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
"Sometimes I wonder why the Democrats couldn't come up with a better candidate. Biden stammers and bungles in his speeches. But it's amazing that without any public rallies he is leading in the polls.
"Biden may be better for Malaysia with his policies on trade and immigration. He will continue with Obama's policy of bringing in many refugees. Trump being a businessman, with profit and loss in mind, will surely be hard to bargain with as he seeks to make America not lose in any business deal with any country.
"For him, the days of charity are over. It's time for America to recoup what it has lost. That is his goal. This makes him unpopular with the UN and other leaders.
"The country which may flex its muscles in this part of the world is China. We can rely on Trump to come to our aid if this happens.
"Biden, on the other hand, will close one eye.
"Politically, Malaysia is not going to be happy with Trump's policies. Trump has no tact and is like a street fighter, who will not hesitate to take the bull by the horns to gain victory.
"America for trade surplus will go in search of bigger markets. It's Malaysia who will need America and not the other way round."
Kwan says: "In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Biden mentioned 'Decency, Science, Democracy, they're all on the ballot'. He ended it nicely with 'The end of this chapter of American darkness ends here tonight'.
"For me, he offers a ray of hope in the current darkness where science and human rights have been compromised. It's just what the US and the rest of the world need in these unprecedented times.
"Trump, on the other hand, in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, capitalised on fear and darkness. I interpret it as this: 'You may not like me, the best man for the job, but your alternative is your worst nightmare.' I don't like this kind of talk.
"Personally, I think a Trump re-election is good for Malaysia. Two bright spots we noticed in the economy this year are the tech and glove/healthcare sectors. If he wins, the trade war with China will continue and tech companies will choose alternative locations like Malaysia.
"Also, I don't foresee the pandemic coming under control with Trump at the helm. So demand for gloves and ventilators made in Malaysia will continue to rise.
"We need a stable and cool-headed president to ensure a peaceful South China Sea. I have read reports of ex-White House officials who spoke about being wary of the impulsive president.
"Meanwhile, Biden is known to be a reconciler. I believe he will do a good job in restoring relationships between countries in the South China Sea area."
The American election is a little over 4 days away. Ours may be on the horizon. The latter is a tale for another day.
As for Trump vs Biden, I favour the 'fly'. It's the Tower of Babel going up once more.
The writer is NST production editor