While the Politics forum may be very active, I think many members (possibly not the ones who participate in P. discussions, but still) would view it as inappropriate to move it to the top. AWF walks a fine line in allowing P. discussions, which is 100% fine with me, but I wouldn't push the envelope too far, as it may distance members who want nothing to do with P. Whatever is best for the site is fine with me. My totally uneducated "guess" would be that it would not be in the best interests of the site to increase its prominence.
I myself participate in a lot of politics discussions, (and yes--I do use the End key alot to scroll to it!) but I support whatever is best for the site as a whole.
I would feel differently about the Watercooler, (and I think it's more acceptable for it to be at the top), because "watercooler" is such a widely used phrase that means innocent chat inevitably engaged in and accepted by, all business people. I actually think it's a brilliantly selected term for that forum, it gives it a sense of being acceptable in the context of the site. Whether that term exists in other parts of the world, I have no idea.
Random thought ... if we did something in "Politics" other than bashing America specifically, who knows--it may appeal to people from elsewhere. I am quite sure that politics matters to people around the world, only more likely within their own sphere of influence.