The translation contest, embraced by Chinese web users with giddy interest, is just one indication of a growing Chinese fascination with American politics and political figures, kindled by the colorful events and bustling campaigns of the U.S. presidential election season. In the past few weeks, hundreds of thousands of Chinese tuned to the convention speeches as they took place. Volunteer translators rushed to attach Chinese subtitles to online videos and photos of these speeches just hours after their delivery. Mesmerized by what they saw, web users poured their feelings into discussion threads on Weibo that ran thousands of posts long. Despite popular sentiment here that can be at times hostile to the U.S., Chinese web users have this month expressed wonder and praise for American politicians' public demeanors, oratory, and the personal characters that they perceived shining through.

The Chinese adoration for U.S. politics might surprise Americans who have grown frustrated with their politicians and cynical about their government. But it's a reminder of the wide gulfs between the American and Chinese systems, and of a growing Chinese discontent toward their own leaders. It also reflects the similarities in the economic and social challenges both countries face, and the hopes and concerns both citizens share; a possible explanation for the conventions' resonance in China is that the issues the campaigns are addressing also happen to be on the minds of many Chinese right now.

A trait of American politics that Chinese seem quickest to embrace is its open, energetic campaign and the very public personalities of its politicians. Long accustomed to following Chinese politics through the limited scope of state media, where they see robotic officials droning through scripted speeches to halls of stone-faced listeners on the evening news, Chinese observers often refer to the vivid and engaging American campaigns as "entertaining political carnivals," and liken political figures to rock stars and movie actors.

"I only understood one word," touzilicai-shangchao said on Weibo after watching former President Bill Clinton's speech, "but the confidence, humor, and ease he carries shows infinitely superiority over those who just read off a script. People offstage are clapping -- and notice -- voluntarily and spontaneously!" It's a reminder of how different the two political scenes can feel that a Weibo user would think to notice that the audience applauded voluntarily.

"Look at how full of energy American elections are," Jerrychanist commented on Republican candidate Mitt Romney's speech. "Unlike in a certain other country, where everyone raises their hands to agree, and everything passes unanimously."

"A presidential speech there looks just like a rock star's concert, with fans listening to their idol and cheering for him," houqingchundexiaoyoushang observed of President Obama's speech, unintentionally (and, probably, unknowingly) echoing a frequent Republican criticism of Obama. "On the other hand, how big is the chance for common patriotic citizens like me to get excited for a concert of our own leaders in my lifetime?"