Donald Trump won his third straight US state yesterday in the Republican primaries, while Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are fighting out for the Democratic nomination.
The election campaign is hotting up as more barbs are traded between candidates.
It involves a complicated and unfamiliar electoral system involving primaries and caucuses, but has it caught the attention of the UK general public?
We took to the streets of Wimbledon to see if the people of south west London have being paying attention to politics across the pond.
Are you interested in the outcome of the US election?
YES NO
42% 58%
Jawad Akbar, 32, a taxi operator from Wimbledon, said he was interested in the outcome of the US election.
“I want Hilary Clinton to win,” he said. “I want a democratic candidate to win overall – particularly to stop Trump, as I think he would be dangerous in power.”
John Clarke, a 44-year-old engineer from Merton, does not support a particular candidate but thinks it is important for this country.
He said: “I care because whatever happens over there will affect this country too.
“They are our closest and most important ally. They are a giant world power, so everyone should be interested in who is chosen to run the USA.”
Sarah Goldsmith, a 24-year-old sales assistant from Wimbledon, agrees.
She said: “I’ve been following it on the news every day and it looks very competitive at the moment.
“I think Trump has made people in the UK follow it more closely than they would otherwise because he was a celebrity before hand, but I really hope he doesn’t get in.”
Teresa Pocock, 50, a charity worker from Wimbledon, is only interested because of Donald Trump’s loud publicity.
“I don’t know too much about the whole campaign,” she said. “But I know that I don’t want Trump to win – he would be a disaster for the whole world.”
Many people either didn’t know the election was taking place or were not interested in its outcome.
Mario Idalicote, a 29-year-old painter from Raynes Park, said he only cared about election outcomes that will directly affect him.
“I’m not following the US election because it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I suppose I want somebody good to win, but to be honest I only follow the UK and Italian ones.”
Darren Lambert, 22, a labourer from Carshalton, had a similar point of view.
He said: “I haven’t followed it at all. I’m not too bothered who wins – I don’t pay attention to politics in this country, let alone in America.”
Some people have taken a great deal of interest in the goings on – and not just because of Trump’s involvement.
Edward Hillier, a 21-year-old student from Wimbledon, thinks that everyone in this country should care about the election.
He said: “I think that anyone who doesn’t care about it definitely should.
“The USA has the biggest economy and military in the world. They have huge influence worldwide.”
Jamie Phillips, a 25-year-old researcher from Clapham, has studied the candidates, despite not being able to vote.
“None of the Republican candidates are suitable for office and Clinton is too involved with the money,” he said. “If I could vote I would choose Bernie Sanders – the US needs a strong left-wing voice.”
Judy Evans, a 52-year-old social worker from Earlsfield, wants the US to elect someone to continue Barack Obama’s good work.
She said: “I’m a fan of Obama and I want someone who would be able to follow his lead.
“I’d like Clinton to become the first female president.”
Image courtesy of Gage Skidmore, with thanks
