Hundreds of thousands of Russians live in the U.S. and their votes could influence the outcome of the presidential election. Republican candidate John McCain has been vocal in his criticism of the Kremlin. But Russians

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the debate on foreign policy is hotting up. 

The conflict in Georgia has been used by some U.S. officials as a reason to criticise Russia. Apparently this rhetoric has influenced some of the voters but it seems that ordinary people, both Americans and Russians, are more concerned about human relations than politics.

Brighton Beach is the epicentre of Russian life in New York City. People from former Soviet countries flooded there years ago and many of them have long since taken American citizenship.

A significant number of Russian-Americans are expected to vote for Republican John McCain, who has been more than vocal in his criticism of Russia, especially in regard to the conflict with Georgia. Still, some of Russian-Americans believe he is the right person to run the United States.

“McCain will not be the only person in charge of the country. He will have a team, and that should help reason prevail,” one woman said.

Most of the people RT spoke to in this heavily Russian district said it didn’t matter who the next President was, as long as George Bush was no longer running the country.

Some Russian New Yorkers said the two nations need each other to avoid any trouble while others are convinced as long as the people of both countries are friendly, politicians will have to keep up.

“These great countries must be friends. It’s the people who matter and will keep ties strong, not politicians. There shouldn’t be any divided opinion about this,” another passer-by said.