While global opinion of the White House plummets, ratings of America's people and culture remain high. As a generation of disillusioned voters question whether democracy represents the will of the people, people are judging countries based on their popular culture, rather than their administration.

The NRA’s latest advert is a call to arms that pits gun-toting Americans against those supposedly destroying their nation – but keeps this group unnamed. By leaving the aggressors anonymous, the NRA is playing off a polarised society that can find enemies in anything.

From politicians to vloggers, digitally captured faux pas have become the fodder of much debate across media. But what makes cringe-worthy moments – which inspire feelings of embarrassment, awkwardness, and even pity – so captivating amid the stream of content fighting for our attention?

As Americans prepare to elect a new president, what qualities are they looking for in their future leader? What values do they idealise, and what traits are non-negotiable? Canvas8 sat down with 20 men and women from across the US to find out what they think makes prime presidential material.