For the longest time, I've been wondering about what people outside of the United States think about the political situation within.
And you, being not from the USA probably think about our politics as much as I think about you: little to none, because they aren't retaliative to my life in a forward manner.
But I also know we have some... big personalities, enjoy being very involved with others, and so on. A lot of American websites as well.
So I want to see what you know/think about/understand/or have questions about in terms of the American political arena?

How much do the politic debates actually influence the civilians?

Nothing. Wars make an actual influence.

Does that include political wars?

>>2 Not much. Most Americans I know are unable to watch them due to working hours anyway.

The biggest influence on citizens regarding debate is how it's interpreted by the media and other citizens. Excerpts from the debates that are taken out of context and used for/against a candidate are much more likely to influence the civilians' opinions than the context of the debate themselves, unless a discussion opens up amongst the civilians regarding the context.

Political debates never really have an influence on people on their opinions of which political party they align with, but watching your party's debate often influences your opinion of which candidate you prefer within that party. Unfortunately, the source that most influences people's opinions is the media (ie the news, tv shows, music, internet, the radio, etc.). Excluding the radio, and mind of the internet, (because there are so many different stations and talking heads from different views), the majority of the media promotes one side and downgrades all others. Which is why people must be responsible and educate themselves on all points of view of the topics that matter to them.