US Elections - Impact on Latin America

So, the elections are finally upon us and the effect of the next US president in Latin America is still out in the air. Something very curious usually happens in opinion polls across Latin America regarding the US: people usually favor Democrat candidates and governments, although the policies of these (pro-unions, anti-trade when compared to Republicans) definitely benefit the rest of the continent less than Republican governments.

Why is this? Is it that Latin Americans are generally more left-wing and agree with Democrats on more issues than with Republicans? Is it that Latin Americans are more morally conservative, finding more points of coincidence with the Republican ideology? Pragmatically, the single most important issue that can benefit Latin America is trade, because it promotes economic growth, creates jobs, and solidifies economic stability. Why then the incongruency?

Thanks for your input!