This is the first time I have been in the USA during national elections and its been a big eye-opener. During my life I’ve spent a-lot of time here, so I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did. All genuine Americans can tell me whether I stumbled upon a rather unusual election.
Presidential campaign
I met people with genuine enthusiasm for Obama, which was great to see. People I’ve met here in Minnesota were really exited about him as a candidate, and very involved. No republicans as far as my eyes can see. Perhaps they were hiding behind a tree?
Hopefully the next UK elections in 2010 will get everyone ranting, raving and blogging just as much, but somehow I doubt it.
The only downer was his half hour political documentary. It offended my English sensibilities in so many ways. Fairness – Why does Obama get a half hour slot when Mcain doesn’t? Aloofness – I couldn’t stand the biscuit and gravy stories of real Americans. I want straight policy talk goddamit.
Al vs Norm
Here in Minnesota there was a pretty disgusting senatorial campaign between Al Franken and the incumbent Norm Coleman. Al Franken was, in his pre-political life, a comedian and writer, whose credits include SNL. The main thrust of Norm’s campaign seemed to be making Al out to be an angry, sexist, crazy man. Al on the other hand wanted to make us belive that Norm was a bribe taking crook.
Apparently this was the most expensive senatorial campaign in the country. At $30 million its getting close to an entire UK general election budget. Split that across a population of about 5 million and you get an Idea of how bombarded we were with negative advertisement. Its a relief to be watching “New connectionless light bulb” and “Conquer the neck” infomercials again.
The race isn’t over yet either. Both candidates are stuck at 42% with a recount to take place soon. I can only hope that someone in Washington just forgets about it and neither of them get the job.