I became a naturalized US citizen five years ago, and have been a political junkie for longer than that. Believe me, politics are a lot easier to understand in the states compared to my native land, Canada.

I’m spellbound by this 2008 campaign. It’s a thrill to be on the brink of a truly historic moment in US history.

There’s a lot on the line – but let me confine myself to the scope of this blog. What’s at stake for Zune in this election?

More than you might think.

Let’s set aside Joe the Plumber for a moment (you’re welcome!) and consider Jane the Music-Lover. Zune’s fortunes depend highly on one factor: how much discretionary spending is available in Jane’s budget.

(Yes, I just implied that Zune is a discretionary purchase. My personal credo is that three Zune players are essential, and anything above that is discretionary. But I recognize that I may be an anomaly.)

Jane’s about to make her Christmas gift-giving list, and her personal wishlist. She knows that Zune players are at the high end of the digital player market. For this holiday season, and for the four years of the next administration, will Zune stay on those wishlists, or get crossed off because of financial worries?

The US president has only a limited influence on the discretionary spending power of American consumers. But it seems the economic policies of the next administration, and how they affect the majority of American families, is going to drive consumer electronics sales in general, and Zune sales in particular.

Jane, wherever your political beliefs may fall, I hope you’ll be with me in casting your vote in November. This is one dance you don’t want to sit out.

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