Well I was one of the many Canadians who watched the American election coverage last night and was undeniably awe struck. Not over the fact that Barack Obama will now lead as the first African-American president, or because after nearly 2 years of presidential election coverage had come to an end. I was awe stuck over the turn out of people and the passion they displayed on election night.
This is the turn out for Stephen Harper at his election head-quarters in Calgary.
And this is the turnout for Barak Obama at his election head-quarters in Chicago...
What a staggering difference. Just in the last few years have I really begun to notice the cultural and political differences in our two countries. Canada just seems so dry in comparison. Ok, Ok, before anyone shoots me. There are many things about Canada that I absolutely LOVE, but after a night like this I wonder more about life below the border. It has been a global pastime in recent years to hate on the Americans and I would have to admit that out of fear of being mistaken for one of those "dreaded, obnoxious Americans" that I had a Canadian flag sewn to my backpack while traveling abroad. But after last night's showing, I have a new found respect for the passion the American people display for their country. I was almost embarrassed at the lack luster enthusiasm Canadians showed for our last federal election. What a snooze!
A friend of ours who had relocated to Chicago a few years back, didn't even know an election had gone on in Canada. He does mind you still cheer for the Oilers and knows every move they make. But anyways I do send a big congrats to Americans for making history last night and I could almost feel the hope radiating from the TV. My wish is for Canadians to one day feel that kind of emotion towards our next political endeavor.
1 comments:
While I too was disappointed at the apathy we Canadians showed during our own election, I was semi-disgusted that Canadians seem more enthralled with our Southern neighbors goings on. I know that the effects of the American election will have global repercussions, so turning a blind eye would be naive and foolish, but caring more about their results than our own is ridiculous.
Perhaps it was the fact that there was nothing 'historic' about our election. Perhaps it was the four week vs. four year leadup by comparison. Perhaps it is the fact that American politicians become no less than Hollywood persona's via the media coverage. Perhaps it was the fact that they are currently in such DIRE need of a new leader, while we are much less unhappy with our current situation.
I watched the results too (up until bedtime, that is)... It was nice to see a country take passion in democracy. I just hope they would have done it even if there were no visible minorities or women up for the big titles.
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