Yup, vodka is terrible and whiskey is amazing in all its varied forms. Americans apparently have no taste - as confirmed by how massive Bud, Miller and Coors are.
My personal drinking experience tells me that vodka in America is mainly in mixed drinks- like the Icepick, Martini, and my own milkshakes- where its lack of flavor is key, while whiskey is usually consumed expressly FOR the flavor it brins to the party, if not actually straight.
I mean, I've had both straight and on the rocks, and find no point in doing so further with vodka, since I no longer drink just to get drunk. Whiskey, OTOH...