NB: This is the longest of the blogs, but now that this interesting year is over, I felt my correspondents deserved to have their say.

The earth moved.
A rumble under the crust. Particularly around Calvary cemetery in Pittsburgh, the home of my dead Democrat relatives.
My brother voted Republican.
I’d suspected this already; in previous years as well. We even think our father voted once for Republican Ronald Reagan, although our stepmother threatened to sleep down the hall for the following four years. And my mother had a serious debate with herself about whether to support the long-serving Republican congressman in our district. I believe her Democrat family ties won that time.
But this time. All bets were off.
As Patrick explained to me in the only e-mail he has ever sent about this election, ‘I voted for (John) McCain because I really like him, but I think (Barack) Obama will be OK…McCain has tried to change things in Washington, but that is not easy. I was concerned about Obama's inexperience; only a few years ago he was a state senator…The media gave Obama a free pass…I am not sure if there was anything to find, but I don't think they really tried. A lot of other politicians would love to have that treatment.
‘The one thing that surprised me was how Sarah Palin was treated. Questioning her intelligence, giving her quizzes, and talking so much about her clothes. I am surprised more women didn't feel outraged…I don't know if she was ready to be president, but everybody talks about changing the system in Washington, and then they get someone who sure would be different, and they say she is inexperienced.’
Another precinct heard from was ML, who had remained reticent in e-mail and in-person for the past year. Here’s why: ‘Now that the election dust has settled and the contest has been decided, I will share my thoughts.
‘I was never a strong supporter of McCain. His time had passed…Yawn. There were better, more viable and appealing candidates.
‘But Obama? The day I heard him speak about the Constitution I said to myself, “John F. Kennedy would be appalled to call this guy a Democrat”…I am so opposed to the big, bloated government we have. I thought the idea was to have enough freedom to pursue our dreams. Why should we be enslaved to the government for our well-being?
‘I question Obama’s personal and political associations that were glossed over as unimportant. I question his readiness for the job. He doesn’t even look good on paper.
‘I give the Obama campaign credit for creating a political superstar. The campaign was glitzy and utilized the media to the hilt. Crowds of supporters looked as if they were in a hypnotic state. I thought they were going to anoint Obama. I understand now how Jim Jones got all those people to drink the Kool Aid.’
However, Cousin Cathy, of Orange Co, CA, one of the most conservative counties in the US, wrote:
‘I am so proud of AMERICA. I emailed my friend from Kenya (who used to be my Mother's caregiver) and we talked about how happy we both were. I am so happy to share with a black friend. You don't always know what to say, but she and I are pretty candid. New world and I love it. I also have (adopted) grandchildren who are Mexican. What a wonderful new world for them. I am so grateful to see this in my lifetime.’
My Obama-supporting friends reported in immediately. From Ruth in liberal Boston—‘Now we can all breathe again’—to Liz in Pittsburgh—‘We were biting our nails.’
One blue-in-a-red-state friend wrote, ‘Here (we) are ecstatic!...My son and his wife said they felt they could have kids now. This was a philosophical statement, but says something about the negativity in the US before and the real change in the atmosphere now…I made a five-hour trip to Missouri to campaign for Obama…I haven’t worked in politics for many years…but (made) calls for some state races this year… Everyone has a lot of faith in Obama, even though the times are incredibly bad.’
My other blue-in-the-same-red-state correspondent said, ‘What an accomplishment. I'm not yet ready to believe again in the system, but I'm damned near proud of a country that elected a black man president and rejects the (George W.) Bushees…Also very impressed with the mastery of the net that his campaign has demonstrated.
‘Before…his victory speech, emails went out to the millions of supporters… attributing the victory not to O himself, but to those same supporters. Every email was addressed personally—mine was simple and clear, using the informal tone so common to the campaign—“Signed Barack.” Yesterday morning I got another one, from Michelle (Obama) (we too are on first name basis). Taking the whole “friend of Bill” angle to a completely new level.
‘So my buds Barack and Michelle are on the way to the White House…Sarah, thank all gods, is headed back to Alaska and her willful and prideful ignorance.’
From South Florida, Dick wrote, ‘A great leap forward for the USA and I think everybody feels it. Also, a new generation taking charge and feeling that "power to the people" impulse…Just standing in line for four hours to vote, with a large yet civil crowd of strangers, was an uplifting civic experience—so many very different people really felt involved and united in this movement!
‘On election night (my son) Pete called me at 1:30 am from 14th and K Street, the epicenter of Black DC, which was having a giant celebration with dancing and fireworks. Down here in Hollywood (FL) at 11 pm there were horns and fireworks right after CNN projected the election. Then everybody watched McCain concede in Arizona and Obama accept in Chicago. And then it got quiet. This election was a lot of work for everybody, not just from campaigning but also from Florida's Early Voting period…, with huge lines of voters every day all day, and everybody at work and at home talking about voting every day all day, and so we all felt spent (all of us over 60, for sure).
‘On the Monday before election Tuesday I saw on (our) campus a VW van with Obama stickers, etc., which had brought two guys who painted…images of Obama on T-shirts and handed them out to the 50 or so black students who were hanging around…The license plate…was from California. (They) had driven all the way to Miami to help out in this "battleground" state. And we won here, too!’
Mary Lane, the oldest liberal I know, wrote, ‘A real triumph. After eight years of Reagan, four years of Papa Bush, and eight years of the dunce—that adds up to 20 years in the wilderness. I'm ready for a change…Both my kids—one in Sydney and one in Paris—are hysterical. Overseas can see progress, I hope.’
Alyce, a black Florida Obama volunteer wrote, ‘I am exhausted…I gave my all to this campaign and now I can…get some rest in peace with the knowledge that our country is headed in the right direction. When I hear from him about the next assignment, I will be ready…I have a renewed belief in humankind.
‘Two pictures (were) side by side in the newspaper. One was of McCain… surrounded by his admiring supporters. Their faces were contorted, their teeth were bared, and their fists were clinched. The picture next to it was of Obama and his admiring supporters. They were smiling, their eyes were bright, and their hands were raised in the air. Obama's signs expressed hope: "Change We Need," while McCain's said: "America First." No promise of good things to come.
‘Obama's volunteers (like myself) were instructed to never say anything negative about his opponents, just talk up Obama's positives. McCain's supporters said and did the worst things their evil minds could conjure up. Stolen yard signs, threats, misinformation, lies, lies, lies. The senator’s supporters reflected the man. The mean spiritedness of the McCain camp said so much about him, while the magnanimity of Obama's camp said just as much about him.
‘Their choices of their running mates gave clues as to their intentions…McCain showed his contempt for—or at least his lack of understanding of—his country…Obama showed his vision was to bring us back to the status we deserve and improve our lives in the process.
‘The President just (now) made his speech congratulating the President-elect…He claims he will cooperate and be open during the transition. Forgive my cynicism but I don't believe it. We all know the stuff under the carpet in the White House would put too many in jail if he were to be "open".
‘Our new President has a huge responsibility. He must fix health care, end the wasteful wars, revive the economy, increase energy possibilities, purge the corruption, restore labor, and attack too many other ills to mention. Give him time and the opportunity to bring about the “Change We Need.”
‘The world congratulates us; we congratulate ourselves. Savor the moment and then let's get ready to buckle down and get 'er done. YES WE DID!’
Even former Hillary Clinton supporters were pleased. Muriel said, ‘I'm feeling great relief. Obama was not my first choice…but McCain/Palin was my very last choice. I sincerely hope he puts Hillary somewhere in a top position…She had/has a plan and she has the ability and backbone to make it happen.’
And avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan David wrote, ‘WE HAD THEM ALL THE WAY!’
But what about our stalwart McCain supporter and youngest correspondent, Lauren?
‘I started to respond and found myself sounding like a very negative person and didn't like it. So I took a few days to cool off.
‘First, I was not shocked…We always go in cycles…One party works to put through as many items on their agenda as they can; then the other comes in and reverses it…Quite inefficient and ridiculous.
‘This economy lost this election for McCain. Exit polls showed that. His party was in the White House during the downfall, and so automatically, his party was to blame. I agree that people voted for CHANGE…A new party: as if it will solve the world's problems. People voted for the first black President, people voted to get Democrats back in the White House, but how many actually voted for Obama?
‘I had a friend who would ask every person voting for Obama what his current position was and how long he held it. Not many could answer right…This probably was the same of many McCain supporters. Stupidity is bipartisan.
‘Obama gained the trust of naive, young teenagers who have no idea where
he stands on issues or how his presidency will affect them. They know he is technologically “cool” enough to send them text messages; he and Michelle danced on Ellen (DeGeneris’ show) and he was younger than McCain. (And) there was the black vote. People stood with tears running down their face when Obama accepted the presidency—because he was black not because they agreed with his policies.
‘I understand how historic it is, and I myself was proud to see that historic moment. However…(I wouldn’t have voted) for Hillary just because she was a woman, (and) I don't think people should have voted for Obama just because he was black… Many people were intelligent, understood the issues and voted for him because they believed in him. I don’t disagree with their right to do so. I do disagree with people voting when they have no knowledge of the candidate’s stance on issues.
‘Clearly I am unhappy about the decision, but there are many good things that came from this. Obviously, we have made history just as we will when we have the first woman president, the first Hispanic president, and the first gay president…What makes our country great is that it is so diverse, but we clearly have a long way to go with equal rights. There has already been talk of assassination just because Obama is black. I find this completely deplorable and sad. I dislike Obama greatly, but I respect the majority opinion which elected him and I am horrified to know Americans can be so cruel and nasty.
‘(Vice President-elect Joe) Biden has much foreign policy experience, and that gives me great comfort as…Obama has ZERO. My husband (who is in the military)’s life is in Obama’s hands, and it is nice to know he has people with experience to help him through what are going to be very difficult times.
‘This election gave the world a sense that Americans are ready to embrace a new, different America. I saw news footage of countries around the world celebrating. That is certainly something special.’
Lauren ended by echoing the other McCain voters,
‘I love Oprah and she loves Obama, so I have been inundated with Obama quotes when listening to her radio (program…One) first made me mad, and then almost, kind of, a little bit happy: "To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your President, too." I first said, he isn’t my President; what an arrogant jerk! But after… cooling off, I realized…he IS my President. I’m glad that he recognizes I am out here; he has a lot of work to do to earn my support. I highly doubt he is sincere in this, but I’m always ready to be proven wrong.
‘Instead of spending the next four years being angry…I am going to (be) following his every move and seeing if he keeps his word. I am waiting for health care for everyone, my health premiums to come down ($3500 for my husband and I per year—and that is a really good price. My employer pays the rest), and lower taxes. I want to see new energy and an end of reliance on foreign oil. I want a peaceful end to the war that doesn’t create a bigger security threat. I truly hope he is as wonderful as he claims to be. I don’t believe he is, but I’d sure love it if he was.
‘I am just very happy the election is over. Maybe our country can now…get something done—other than partisan squabbling. And just as likely, pigs will fly.’
And from the previously quiet, not-supporting-either Mary Lou, ‘I wish Obama well because it’s my country, too, even if I disagree on nearly every aspect of this guy’s political philosophy.’
On a more upbeat note, my Republican-voting brother concluded, ‘Obama is my President and I hope he does a great job. I think the world may treat us just a little better now. George W did a lot of things I didn't like, but we may look back on him and say he saved us from some awful terrorist activities. Other presidents took extraordinary measures in tough times and were thought of much better after many years.
‘That is a little of what I’m thinking.’
Four years to go.

Posted on Sunday 14 of December, 2008 [20:00:57 UTC]

‘While we're there, listen to what they are saying,' I implored My Irish Husband Tony. ‘You like American accents anyway.'

We were in Dublin airport waiting for our flight to Philadelphia and then on to Columbus, Ohio, a key state in the upcoming election. In addition to my pressing need for primary research for this blog, we were going to my niece's wedding, and then on to Pittsburgh to visit old friends.

The guy behind the rental car counter, with a typical American ‘glandular problem,' asked us about living in the UK. ‘We like it. Things are more expensive, but we get all that "free" health care,' we explained.

‘Hopefully, we'll get that here soon too,' he said optimistically.

The black guy at the adjacent rental counter was shaking his head ‘no.'

Driving through Columbus to our hotel we noticed an equal number of John McCain and Barack Obama bumper stickers and yard signs. It's a good way to ward off heated conversations with those who don't agree with you.

Obama was visiting nearby, but not close enough to make it worth the trip. I chatted up the guy next to me in the free internet room at the hotel, but he was Canadian. He'd seen people crowding the overpasses to catch a glimpse of Obama's motorcade, but personally felt George Bush was the guy he'd rather hang out and have a beer with. Saturday was spent at our family wedding, and apparently the guests felt it wasn't a good place to bring up politics. At the reception we timidly tried to strike up conversations. Shari, who described herself as a ‘die hard Republican,' said she hadn't made up her mind yet. ‘I want to vote for McCain, but he doesn't have much of a plan. I have no confidence in him,' she explained. ‘I thought Sarah Palin would be a good influence, but she really has no experience.'

The next day the extended family gathered at my brother's house for hoagies imported from Danny's in Pittsburgh. His brother-in-law Dick, gesturing with an IronCity beer in his hand, said to the groom, ‘Your aunt! The first thing she said to me was, how you gonna vote? I thought, whoa! Well, I said, I'm a libertarian, but... And she let me go on before she told me she wasn't going to vote at all! Geesh, lady! Why'dya ask me?!'

We drove from the flatlands of central Ohio, in bright, warm sunshine, through gently rolling hills filled with trees spouting golds, yellows, oranges and reds. When we crossed into western Pennsylvania, the hills got steeper and the trees got redder. Staying with our friends in the traditionally Republican suburbs, we saw a surprising number of Obama yard signs.

I went back to visit the university where I used to teach, in the heart of a regenerated downtown. Or ‘dahntahn' as we Pittsburghers say. The students sported a lot of Obama buttons, and, when chatting with my fellow academics, there was a tacit assumption that we agreed.

That afternoon I attended a guest lecture by William Green, a local political consultant with long ties to the college and the Republican party. Most of the 13 communications majors in the conference room raised their hands when he asked who was registered to vote. Some had taken advantage of early voting; the ‘non-traditional age' students had also voted four years ago.

Bill Green started in politics by helping to elect Republican Pennsylvania Governor Richard Thornburgh, weeks before Three Mile Island heated up. He has gone on to become a pundit on national public broadcasting.

‘Every four years they say it is a "critical election," but it isn't,' he told us. ‘But this year-it is. We have a war, a financial crisis, and no incumbent. And, to be honest, the last six years haven't been the best. Although 1968 was the worst year in American history until now, if you ask me.'

Not surprising, for a died-in-the-wool Republican activist. But then he did surprise me.

‘I have never seen a better executed campaign than Barack Obama's. How they introduced him, kept on message, organized, travelled the country. Not since Reagan in '84. They get an A+ in every area. Years from now political consultants will look at this campaign and say, this is incredible. And they did it using new technology.'

He described Obama rallies where everyone gave their cell phone numbers to be entered into a draw to meet the candidate.

‘So the organizers have their cell phone numbers. Perfect. It's because their campaign is run by your generation,' he told the students. ‘They have re-defined what it takes to orchestrate a political campaign to the point that they can shed taking public money.'

Obama has raised $400 million and declined federal matching funds, leaving him free to spend as he wants. McCain, who is taking the government money, is restricted to a measly $85 million. So could the Democrats finally buy themselves an election? Bill Green thinks so.

‘The Democrats "own" the media because Obama is such a great story. He's six points ahead and going to win. If the Democrats lose now, they should be ashamed of themselves. They will carry Pennsylvania wide and broad, pick up four to six Senate seats, 15 house seats and the White House.

‘If they do lose, it will be because their basic liberal philosophy is not what America wants. All that money being spent for health care, etc.'

Regretfully, Green told the students that, out of 200 million Americans eligible to register, only 50% do. Of those 100 million, only half actually vote, meaning you really need ‘only' 25 million votes to win.

I tentatively pointed out that six points did not make me very confident. What about those who tell a pollster they will vote for an African-American but pull the ‘white guy' lever in the voting booth?

‘That happens,' Green said. ‘But it goes the other way too. And we've still got a few weeks to go. I tell my clients, you are only one cell phone picture away from infamy.'

After three nights in the suburbs, we moved on to our old funky, liberal, city neighbourhood, Squirrel Hill. We savoured the best pastrami sandwiches on the planet, then pigged out on big desserts in our former local, Gullifty's. Wednesday night we settled down to watch the last debate with our like-minded friends, the Stocks. What are they thinking?

‘McCain's campaign has been a disaster,' said David. ‘I used to have a great deal respect for him. Bringing up this "terrorist" William Ayers should be beneath him, his dignity, his sense of honor. McCain lost his chance eight years ago because George Bush's henchman Karl Rove stacked the deck against him in the primaries.

‘The Republican slide started with hurricane Katrina and all the disasters they were associated with after that. Obama will win by a landslide in the electoral college, but not in the popular vote.'

‘But what if it's a tie?' I ask.

‘Not unless something bizarre happens. Look, states we thought were hopeless are now in Obama's camp.'

We enjoy watching television with the Stocks. Throughout the debate, just like during the Miss America pageant, we shouted back and threw things at the screen whenever someone said something stupid.

The next day I talked to my former-Republican friend Liz. ‘How did you think McCain looked?,' she asked.

‘Jumpy, jittery, nervous. Obama looked really smooth,' I said.

‘And at the very end, McCain was really flustered. He hugged his wife and then headed down those stairs and left her standing there. She had to come down herself and didn't look real confident. I thought that was horrible.'

We had a long but, thankfully, uneventful trip home. Treating ourselves to cheesesteaks in the Philadelphia airport, I asked My Irish Husband Tony what he was thinking, as a return visitor to America.

‘It's turning into a fughin' farce. Both had a chance to run an honest campaign, but now it's descended into lunacy. They're not dealing with issues, they're only dealing with personal vendettas.

‘How can either of them say they hadn't approved those ads? That malice? No one is saying stop!'

‘So they're equally to blame?'

‘Yes. I'm suspicious of both for the same reasons. McCain doesn't seem to be the full shilling; he's not with the program at all. If he'd won the debate he wouldn't be out looking for someone who said something about Obama twenty years ago. I think it's going to be a tie and Dick Cheney as president of the Senate will get to call it.'

‘Who would you vote for if you could?'

‘I guess Obama. Yeah. He's the obvious choice but even he doesn't inspire confidence. I don't know why. He's a flash Harry; all style, no substance. The one place he'll be found out will be in the White House.'

When we arrived back in the UK, The Guardian reported that Obama was ahead 50 to 44% in Ohio and 51 to 41% in Pennsylvania.

But, in Ohio, one week before, on a sunny Indian summer day in Columbus, with global stock markets falling and, by all reports, the world going to hell in a handbasket, my niece and goddaughter Maureen walked down the aisle with Nick the Perfect Boyfriend, fully confident that he will be Nick the Perfect Husband.

Less than one month to go.

Posted on Monday 03 of November, 2008 [18:29:18 UTC]

We’ve talked a lot about all the presidential candidates in these blogs, so this month I asked my fellow Americans what they think about the new vice-presidential candidates, Democrat Senator Joe Biden and Republican Governor Sarah Palin.
Not surprisingly, Joe Biden didn’t elicit much emotion. But Mary in Pennsylvania was impressed with his performance on Meet the Press, ‘especially when he spoke on the abortion issue. He acknowledged he's Catholic and holds to the Catholic teachings for himself personally, but also acknowledges others have a myriad of beliefs and it is not his job to push his own religious beliefs onto others.’
Lauren in Maryland, my youngest correspondent and most committed supporter of Republican John McCain, says ‘Biden is an older white man picked by(Democrat Barack)Obama because of his foreign policy experience. As Palin said, I think Obama is seriously kicking himself (or should be) for overlooking (Hillary)Clinton. Biden himself recently said Clinton may have been a better choice. Palin is way too strong and interesting for Biden to get a headline in anywhere! Some say that Palin is overshadowing McCain, which may be true, but she's also way overshadowed Biden.’
Muriel in Miami sums up her thoughts succinctly, ‘Joe Biden—will do a good job; Sarah Palin—scary.’
The others focused only on Palin, with comments ranging from ‘desperation candidate’ to ‘an insult’ to ‘strategically…a great call.’
The two Europeans who responded agreed with the critics. Caroline, a Ph.D student in a science program, wonders, how can someone ‘get to be a vice presidential nominee at the same time as choosing to reject the overwhelming majority view of science? It's a very sad reflection on what the Republicans think their grass roots voters want. The UK equivalent would be electing a self-confessed “chav” to high office. As one comic over here said, it's coming to something when she makes George Bush look intelligent.’ And Pamela, a London PR consultant, admits, ‘If ever I thought McCain might be OK, Sarah Palin is definitely not. A weirdo!’
Some of the most vocal Hillary critics are also anti-Sarah. Liz from Pennsylvania wrote, ‘If McCain and Palin got in, it would be utterly terrifying and especially so considering his age. I think she is an insult to all intelligent women and particularly so to Hillary. I can't stand either one of them and try not to listen or read anything because I get heart palpitations. I feel like standing in front of people who are for them and screaming ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MINDS? WHAT CAN YOU BE THINKING? (They're not, that's the trouble).’ And Pat in Ohio, also no fan of Hillary, now says, ‘McCain “ordained” some female (whom nobody knows) from Alaska (not even one of the 48) to possibly be the next President by his singular proclamation. Unlike Hillary, who at least tried to do it on her own and thus won admiration of many, this gal has just been picked by papa.’
Hillary supporters have not been swayed by the Republican’s gender. Pat in Florida suggests, ‘She would make a good cheerleader or Mary Kay salesperson, but to nominate her for an office a heartbeat away from the presidency shows contempt for the intelligence of the voters (which, unfortunately, may very well be deserved).’ Mary in Pennsylvania would recommend her for hockey team manager, ‘but I sure don't want her leading my country…A lot of people went crazy over her even before they heard her say something that hadn't been scripted.’
And David in Pennsylvania figures he could do the job: ‘Sarah Palin is almost as qualified to be VP as I am! I at least I believe in science, the constitution and truth.’
It’s all enough to make Melanie in Florida wallow in exclamation marks: ‘A pit bull, with or without lipstick, is more qualified for VP than Sarah Palin! I can't believe that Americans could be so gullible. But then, I can't believe that the last eight years have happened either! What are the immigration requirements for New Zealand? I may be moving in mid-November!’
Our young McCain supporter feels just as strongly about his chosen back up: ‘I absolutely love Sarah Palin. And, it appears most of America is at least interested in her, even if they don't like her. I heard that her interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC was one of their highest ratings recently. Even though he was an arrogant ass who worked the entire interview to slip her up, and only succeeded once with a question on the Bush doctrine and 99% of Americans don't know what it is anyway. The pick of Palin for VP has really changed this election. People can't stop talking about her or her glasses which have apparently started a new fashion craze. She has given me hope for a McCain victory.’
CJ in Massachusetts commends McCain’s decision as good political strategy, because it ‘exposed the Democrats on dropping Hillary, and then the Democrats (some analyst said they were really good at circular firing squads) began denigrating a working mother. Gads. It also means no one is critiquing McCain.’
‘Which of them would make a better president, and does it matter?,’ he continues. ‘Would either president’s VP have the sweeping (current VP Dick) Cheney powers, or is this the usual, meaningless VP and we should pay more attention to the actual potential president?’
Next month My Irish Husband Tony and I are going to the States to do some firsthand research (well, mainly for my niece’s wedding, but…)
Two months to go.

Posted on Thursday 16 of October, 2008 [14:26:42 UTC]

This month I asked my fellow Europeans what they would like to ask my fellow Americans. In person and by e-mail, each paused before articulating thoughtful questions. My 11 American friends responded with equally thoughtful answers.

First I polled my colleagues at the university. Our librarian John asked, ‘Why are Americans so insular, not aware of what is going on in the world? Or perceived to be?' Seven Americans agree, including Pat in Ohio: ‘We are relatively physically "insular." Our Canadian friends have never given us a border fight…And, the US is so big. We are not forced to deal with neighboring countries and…languages. (But this) represents the heartland, not the edges.’
Recent grad Lauren from Maryland says, ‘Many Americans have never traveled outside the US, or (only)…to Canada or Mexico…mostly because of cost and distance. (A lot) know what is going on in the news, but that is really the only way they have to learn about the rest of the world.’
Bria, a former Brit teaching in New Jersey, acknowledges the distance factor—‘Europeans can get to another country much faster’—but also blames ‘little geography/global studies’ in American schools.
Others think more than distance is involved. Blue in a Red State opines, ‘American insularity is a fact. (Many) focus on coping with the immediate present and their own lives. They tune out the unpleasant or strange…anything that is different. They'll change channels…if too much “world” news intrudes on the local. The media, relying on advertising, thus caters to local vs world, entertainment vs information. The good news is that once you break through that ignorance, Americans can also be incredibly caring. The bad news is that it's hard to break through.’
Susan in New Mexico warns, ‘A significant group…preaches that it is good to be insular…that we will lose our freedoms and our power if we stop being insular, if we recognize that we are world citizens and that the limits of the known world don't end at our borders, if we actually strive to learn about the world. Unfortunately, most of our leaders come from this group.’
Cousin Charles in Florida feels this attitude changing: ‘With the internet being the first only true device to make the world flat we are seeing what's really going on, and frankly, it's scary. Can you believe what the Chinese did for the Olympic opening?!’
But Alyce, an African-American in Florida, says, ‘The rest of the world isn't their problem. Many aren't insular.’ Marge, a Pennsylvania arts administrator agrees: ‘Your colleagues are misinformed. We are not insular. On the other hand, why does it matter to your colleagues if we are?’
Ruth describes her home of Cambridge, Massachusetts, as anything but insular. Her neighbors come from and/or travel regularly to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Her local shops are ‘the oddest mix of a Portuguese credit union, Japanese grocery store, Brazilian butcher shop and Italian food wholesaler.’
She notes that Europeans have little concept of America’s geography, citing ‘a parent who said he always had to help his son’s international friends rewrite their airline tickets because they thought they could see it (all) in 10 days…Outside of the major coastal cities, Americans don’t interact with or have any need to think about the rest of the world during most of their day-to-day lives. They have, until recently, been pretty self-sufficient. In the last few years the world economy has started to affect the local economy. American jobs are going overseas and more products are coming from overseas, leading to some serious dislocations in the local economy and an isolationist movement.’
Anthropology professor Robert in DC is right back at ya: ‘Why are English so self-satisfied? Provincial, especially with the pound? Why do large numbers of Englishmen think it normal to belong to neo-Nazi groups?’

My former student Ben, volunteering in Africa, was curious about the funding of our elections: ‘Could political messages be communicated more succinctly, reducing the media circus?’
Susie, a public relations professional, disagrees: ‘I see nothing wrong with marketing and selling policies to voters….That is exactly what candidates should be doing. What concerns me is that…the media (don’t) do a good job of cutting through the packaging to get to the meat.’
Retired ad executive Pat explains, ‘Most US advertising sucks…(Barack) Obama did the smart thing in infiltrating YouTube and the net. Unfortunately…to win he needs to get the good old boys…The middle class, non-college educated males are agin' him at the moment. Good old boys don't eat quiche or use YouTube…Only 20% of the advertising does any good…But it does cause talk. And…popularity equates with “know my name”…This election has ceased to be about issues and is now about personalities. Too bad.’
Others blame ‘the media.’ Alyce says, ‘Their livelihood depends on controversy and circus fodder. It definitely could be done more succinctly but not to their advantage.’ Blue in a Red State agrees, ‘It generates revenue. The media circus feeds on itself; I wonder where the money comes from, and where it would go were it not for the campaigns?’
Ruth calls it ‘an immoral waste of money. It takes way too long. We, the electorate, often get little more than meaningless sound bites of news and ads for all of that money and time (which) could be so much better spent on schools, or roads and bridges.’
Lauren, however, blames the voters who ‘aren't going to town hall debates, or actively searching for answers about candidate's policies. The way to get to them is advertisements…My younger sister, who turns 18 on November 4,…is voting for Obama because she likes the way he "can bust a move" (dance) as shown on the Ellen Degeneres show. Unfortunately, idiots can vote.’
But Marge is less cynical. The process ‘involves an enormous amount of words and persuasion and many of us love that about it. The fact that we spend so much money, time and effort shows how important it is to us. It may look bad to the outsider, and it can be…exhausting, but the energy and passion (are) proof that we still believe in it. And that makes me happy.’

The Europeans were particularly interested in the American candidates. My officemate Jonathan wondered, ‘How did someone who nobody heard of get to run for president?’
Lauren isn’t sure if he meant Obama or Senator John McCain. Both ‘have been on the political scene for quite some time. Obama was probably much less known, although he got a huge boost after appearing on Oprah (Winfrey’s talk show) and writing his book. The beautiful thing about America is you can go from someone nobody knows to the presidential nominee by getting out there, spreading your message and making people believe in it. It is, after all, land of the "American dream," cheesy as it may sound.’
The others assume Jonathan meant Obama, but Pat chastises his insularity. ‘You, my European friend, may not have heard of him. However, I had a grad student (African-American) who told me years ago that he was an up-and-comer and to watch him. It all depends on what magazines and newspapers you read.’
Alyce cites his debut at the 2004 Democrat convention. ‘He wowed the country with his knowledge, sincerity and oration. We knew then he was going places. In the beginning of the primaries he was a dark horse but he connected.’
Blue in a Red State explains, ‘Obama gave a moving speech, grabbed some attention, got Oprah's support and thus time on her show. She hyped his book. That kept him out in the public eye, and he seems to have taken it from there.’
Ruth agrees with Lauren about the American dream, ‘that peculiar American belief that if you are smart enough, fast enough, pretty enough, you can be whatever you want to be. It leads to some very odd results, some very bad ones, but in this case a pretty good one. Obama built…a superb grassroots operation. They are many, organized, eager and not to be underestimated. That is what did in Hillary (Clinton), in addition to the charisma.’
Originally a Hillary supporter, Ruth has been won over: ‘I…thought him talented but lacking in experience. He sure inspires a lot of folks.…I have finally succumbed, (seeing) him as the absolutely right person for the job right now, and wise enough to pick top notch advisors. He has a stature and temperament that is very hard to explain; you trust him to think before he acts, and to think long term.’

A graduate student asked, ‘What do you think of Obama being hailed as the next president even before the election?', echoing Pamela in London who wrote: ‘All we've heard about in Europe is the beauteous Obama. Is that the perception in the US? Was his mission to Europe a good thing?
Half of the Americans feel this is a mis-perception. Alyce cautions, ‘He's not being hailed as the next prez nationwide.’ Bria points out, ‘Some paint him as aloof and elitist and out of touch with that magic voter, the white, blue collar worker.’ Muriel, an executive in Florida, asks, ‘Is that the perception in the US? What's beauteous?’
Lauren cites political differences: ‘If you are a Democrat, Obama is the best thing since sliced bread. He is a wonderful speaker and the “change” needed for America. If you are a Republican he is an un-patriotic man without enough experience for the job… Some people are stuck in the middle and unsure. My opinion is that he is a well spoken man who is young, hip and appeals to a lot of people.’
Blue in a Red State explains Obamania: ‘Bush is unpopular, and now a lame duck. McCain is not as attractive an agent of change as Obama, and that fuels the talk. But Obama has a long road ahead…The hype works against (him). If his supporters believe that he's already got it (and I am sure they don't) they might not work as hard to turn out the vote. I'm hoping that the ‘08 election will bring a lot of new voters into the system.’
Marge agrees with the European perception: ‘He is beauteous in a way. He has a great smile. And he truly loves what he is doing. That infects people and draws them to him. Contrast that to the sour, bleak fear-mongering that the Republicans have subjected us to for so long.’
Susie thinks other factors are at work, ‘the deep and passionate desire for a new kind of leader who will give voice to the concerns and values of Americans (…about 90% of us) who don't feel represented today…The question Americans will have to answer is whether or not that beauty is more than skin deep.’ But as Cousin Charles points out, ‘We are about as deep as a thimble.’
Mary, a Hillary supporter from Iowa, alone is not impressed. ‘Barack (formerly known as Barry) Obama is the new Ronald Reagan, emoting the power of positive thinking over actual thinking. And just like Reagan, he is proving P T Barnum right: “(You can fool) all of the people some of the time.” Obama is not black; he is a man, he is good looking, and he is young so of course he beat the better qualified more experienced middle-aged woman out in the job interview.’
Everyone thinks his European trip was a good thing, except for Anthro Robert: ‘It wasn't good or bad, it was a spectacle to amuse you people. You are so easily amused.’
Pat points out that McCain told Obama to go, and then, as Alyce says, ‘he made a splash and McCain was put out by it so he became catty.’ But Lauren agrees with Muriel who feels that it didn’t ‘really address the serious issues at home.’

Pamela also had questions about McCain: 'Is he too old? Does he have a chance?'
Cousin Charles and Anthro Robert say he is too old, and Ruth agrees, adding, ‘He is dull; and everybody behind him in his TV appearances are elderly, white, and half asleep. And he can’t run away from the unpopular Mr. Bush.’
Marge can’t decide, and Muriel agrees with Alyce that ‘Age isn’t the issue. McCain is. If another 72-year-old were running he or she could be a better candidate (with) a better grasp of the world and the USA.’
My other five respondents say he’s not too old. Susie cites his experience, and Blue in a Red State explains, ‘Men can get old; women can't.’
Lauren, our youngest respondent, is a big fan: ‘Being young doesn't make you a good candidate for President. (His) doctors’ reports…show he is amazingly healthy…He is older, but he is in amazing shape. I'd rather have McCain's knowledge and experience for one year than Obama just because he is less likely to die in office.’
She also feels McCain has a real chance of winning: ‘He was a POW for five years who suffered terribly because he loved and believed in our country. His father and grandfather were admirals in the Navy which means he knows this country, its military and war, because he has lived it since the day he was born. If he were…younger he would be a landslide favorite. If people can just get over the age thing, they will see he is the man for the job. Don't we all know those who have lived longer usually know more than we do?’
Even those who aren’t supporters, like Pat, point out ‘The war in Georgia reminds everyone that war is always a possibility and that Putin is a very cagy KGB guy…A lot of white guys…would rather die than vote for a black.’ Susie agrees, writing that McCain ‘is a moderate, attractive to liberals who are concerned that Obama is inexperienced or too far to the left and…to moderate Republicans who haven't had a Republican candidate in years. Right-wingers can bitch and moan…that McCain is really a socialist in disguise, but they will have no other choice but to vote for him.’
Even Blue in a Red State admits, ‘He's viable. He's white, wealthy, well known, got the backing of the party. He's got solid credentials on the national level. There's a huge number of voters who are not comfortable with a black man in power and McCain's an attractive alternative. His down sides are known; but don't ever underestimate the attraction of staying with the safe.’
Ruth believes Obama will win, until ‘I go back to my home (rural Virginia) and my husband’s home (rural Idaho). I worry…about the slime campaign and the rednecks.’
Anthro Robert thinks McCain has a chance, writing, ‘Duh. Because half the people usually vote Republican? Because we, too, have racists?’

When I was asking questions and getting answers, neither running mate had been named, so many were interested in Hillary’s fate. Pamela asked, 'Where will she fit in if Obama wins? Will she be the vice presidential candidate?'
All predicted that she wouldn’t be chosen, except Muriel who held out hope and Mary who figured Obama was ‘losing Hillary's base to McCain. But I would feel bad for her to be chosen as VP and have to raise another President; that's asking a lot of any woman.’
Ruth envisions her taking on ‘health care reform or Secretary of Health and Welfare.’ Alyce pictures Clinton as ‘awesome in the Senate majority position,’ and Blue in a Red State predicts, ‘She's back in the Senate, working there. If Obama loses in ‘08, I think we can expect her back for 2012.’ Bria agrees with Marge, who says, ‘She will keep being a senator. The country needs her very badly. She still can have great influence. She will be quiet during the campaign but she will continue to be a great stateswoman!’
Even Pat, who is not a fan, says: ‘If she doesn't wreck the upcoming convention, she'll be a good senator and run next time.’ And Cousin Charles calculates, ‘in 2016 she'll be 69 and just three years younger than McCain (is now).
Anthro Robert has a more cynical view about Hillary’s next move: ‘Get a job? Sue the National Enquirer because they have outed her on her lesbian affairs? Crawl under a rock somewhere? Maybe start selling crap on late night cable tv?...She is like Freddy Krueger; just when you thought she was gone, she will slither back.’

Which leads to my colleagues’ question, ‘Will Americans ever vote for a black or woman president?'
Most say yes, with Susie adding, ‘even though both race and gender reared their ugly heads in the primaries.’ Lauren predicts, ‘It may not be this time around, but it will happen.’
Some think that racism will re-surface. Pat fears, ‘large pockets of good old boys with “riffles,” pick-up-trucks and beer who will not vote for a black or woman in my life time.’ And Blue in a Red State cites ‘news stories about men…who threaten to kill Obama if he becomes President. Stories of people refusing to vote for him because of his name; there are always nuts.
Pamela was also interested in the other women in the contest: ‘Which would make the better President's wife?'
Those with a preference are all for Michelle Obama. Alyce sees her as ‘accomplished, wise, humorous and ambitious. She will support her husband's causes which are all about the country.’ Susie explains, ‘After eight years of Laura (Bush), who did a fine if bland job, we need someone who can shake it up a little.’
Ruth feels Cindy McCain is ‘a much face-lifted Barbie,’ and Pat calls her ‘a rich cold fish. Michelle is a real person. Depends on the "image" one wants of the presidency. And, bottom line, that's what this election may be all about.’
But Marge feels the two wives are ‘impossible to compare. So very different
in image and values.’
Everyone else responds with a resounding, ‘Who cares?!’
Except for Cousin Charles, who chooses Eleanor Roosevelt.

As August ended, McCain stunned the pundits by picking Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, guaranteeing that the historic primaries will lead to an historic election.
Three months to go.

Posted on Wednesday 03 of September, 2008 [11:24:23 UTC]

Despite the weak American dollar, wherever we went in Europe this summer, there were plenty of Americans abroad. We heard American accents in Birmingham, London, on the Eurostar to Antwerp and back again. The ones we actually talked to were mostly academics from our previous Semester at Sea voyages.
First we met up with the Semester at Sea ship when it docked in Antwerp and visited with our friends, Michael and Sheila from Connecticut. On a train trip to Ghent we chatted about the upcoming election, and they agreed with our friend the American sociologist we talked to last month.
‘The Hispanic vote will be a deciding factor,’ said Michael, an ethnomusicologist. ‘Barack Obama has definitely gotten more people interested, so he should bring out a lot of Blacks who rarely voted before.’
When My Irish Husband Tony asked again where Obama was getting his funding, Sheila, a school teacher, pointed out that a whole lot came from Oprah Winfrey. ‘He also did a great job of raising small donations through the internet,’ she said.
Back in our hotel, we watched live most of Obama’s speech in Berlin. I pointed out to Tony’s nine-year-old granddaughter that if that man on telly becomes the American president, and serves for two terms, by the time he is finished she will be 17 and he may have made decisions that will affect whether she and/or her future husband serves in a war.
‘He’s boring,’ she said. Everyone’s a critic.
So, back to Birmingham, where another Semester at Sea alumni came to visit, Nancy, an Oklahoman art historian.
We sat in the rare summer sun by one of Birmingham’s canals and the conversation drifted towards girl talk: sports, politics, world affairs. I asked her what Americans in Oklahoma were thinking.
‘Well, I’m not typical,’ she explained. ‘I grew up there as a Republican when it was a totally Democratic state. My father, a lawyer, even ran for Congress as a Republican but didn’t win.
‘But I got a master’s degree, served in the Peace Corps, and then I realized that I just didn’t agree with the Republicans, and so I switched my registration to Democrat. But I never told my mother. Now I’m a Democrat in a totally Republican state.
‘I was so disappointed that Hillary Clinton didn’t win the nomination. This was really her year, but Americans just aren’t ready for a woman, I guess. I’ll vote for Obama, of course, but I don’t feel as though it will matter because our state’s electoral votes will probably all go to John McCain.’
So what about the rumors that McCain will choose a woman for vice-president to bring in all those pissed off middle-aged women who supported Hillary?
‘I hadn’t heard that. I don’t know—who could he pick? I thought Mitt Romney was kind of classy, but pretty wishy washy. He might pick Mike Huckabee to satisfy the religious right, but he doesn’t even believe in evolution! Who could take him seriously? When Huckabee was running he was described as ‘representing values.’ To me, those are just code words for hating gays and being against abortion.’
The e-mails I’ve received recently echo the same messages. Those on both sides are also pleased to be able to watch such an historic election up close, but weary of negative campaigning and political rhetoric.
‘I am pleased to be here to be a part of it because it is I think a once in a lifetime opportunity,’ writes Ann, retired in Pennsylvania.
Susan, a Republican in New Mexico, isn’t looking forward to four more months of ‘disgusting, derogatory remarks about Obama.’
And David, a long-time Democrat in Pennsylvania, cautions, ‘If the Democrats lose this election, they should break up the party and start over.’
Four months to go.

Posted on Friday 08 of August, 2008 [10:33:24 UTC]

High above the Bay of Naples, overlooking the sheer cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, while cars and mopeds and tour buses narrowly avoided each other around every hairpin turn, an Irish man, a Canadian woman, and two American professors-one male, one female-sat on a balcony after a long, hot day of vacationing. They feasted on cheese, ham, bread and olives from the supermarket in nearby Sorrento. And four bottles of wine, two red, two white.

Before the first bottle was opened, I asked my fellow American professor Jim for his thoughts on the American election. His Canadian cousin Mary Ellen and My Irish Husband Tony threw in their two cents' worth as well.

American Female: This is an historic election. What does an American sociologist think?

American Male: Pass me the red.

American Female: No, seriously.

American Male: Never underestimate the stupidity of the American people.

Irish Male: Do you think they would trust a black man without a lot of experience to be president? Can I have some more mozzarella?

American Male: Even if they don't, this election already symbolizes a turning point in America. It's not that I think they are stupid, it's just that Americans, many of whom have true life interests with liberal candidates, have twice elected George W. Bush and that, even if Barack Obama is manifestly superior, they could vote for the conservative again because of race issues.

Canadian Female: But isn't it wonderful to have two candidates who are ‘minorities' get this far? In Canada we have all been watching this election really closely. Where's that other cheese?

American Male: Of course, Hillary Clinton technically isn't a minority, but a minority among candidates. It has taken America forty years to accept a black candidate. Obama came out of nowhere, and has done it on his charisma, not his blackness. The fact that he is a black person and has support shows that the country has come a long way. Pass the olives. It shows the Democratic party has come a long way. They never dared to put forth a serious black or female candidate before. Obama and Clinton are both seen as serious candidates.

Canadian Female: I understand she is one of the top ten lawyers in the US. I don't want any ham, just more bread.

American Male: Like I said, this symbolizes a real turning point in this country. The residue of sexism and racism is very strong. More mozzarella. But next time no one is going to care. It took a generation to not care if the candidate was Irish or Greek, etc. This is now over-caring about the candidate's race. But as Hillary said, gender is not over.

Canadian Female: I wish it was a non-issue. But I do think gender is a more overt issue than race. People still can make degrading personal comments about females running for office or whatever, but to make similar comments because of race would be totally unacceptable. That's my view. More wine?

American Male: I think it mattered this time, but next time it won't matter.

American Female: Those olives smell great. Did you try them, honey? When I've asked my friends in the States for their thoughts, I've gotten a lot of negative rhetoric about Hillary, even from her key demographic-middle-aged, middle class women like myself. But very little aimed at Barack. Is it ok to beat up the white chick but not the black guy?

American Male: A woman is a greater threat. Blacks have become like Jews, Italians, Irish. Most people, even conservative voters, will say, ‘They're probably okay.' But women have been in a genderized role for uncountable eons.

American Female: Well-here, have some bread-originally there was separation of labor so men went out hunting and we stayed home and had babies.

American Male: Separation of labor still has to do with power. When women run the world it threatens people. Hillary is tough and no nonsense. And that can piss a lot of people off. We're frightened of that. Men are frightened of that. Give me some more cheese.

Irish Male: I think the Republicans got exactly who they want to run against. Where else would Obama get all that money? Can I have some more red?

American Female: Don't have too much ham, honey. So who do you think will win?

American Male: Hard for me to say. Give me a bit more red. Don't underestimate the general lack of interest of the American citizen. Race will definitely play a significant role. But what will counter that will be the black people who come out to vote. There will be anti-black voting among Republicans and independents, but the blacks who haven't traditionally voted before will come out in numbers. Remember, the last significant black political figure was Martin Luther King forty years ago.

American Female: More cheese?

American Male: The fly in the ointment, however, is the Hispanic vote. Many Hispanics, traditionally Democrats, are threatened by blacks. They might not vote, and that will hurt Obama. My belief is-I always tell my apathetic students this-that a non-vote is a vote for the winner and, in a close election, that could be a vote for McCain.

Canadian Female: I don't discuss politics with my friends in Toronto. In our neighbourhood they tend to be conservative and I'm not. Our one friend will make some stupid comment about Hillary and I won't let him get away with it. My husband says, Just leave it alone. But I have a right to say what I think. Do you want more cheese?

American Female: It just seems as though it is so personal this time. It's not about the issues anymore. Is there any more white?

American Male: But it is about non-personal things, like gender things. You know, I have had similar discussions with my women colleagues at the university. They tell me, ‘We still have to fight every step of the way. A woman's role is supposed to be the nurturer, and we have to remind the students that we're not their mothers.' They feel as though they are still being looked at only in a gender way. No one goes after me in a gender way. And Hillary isn't a nurturer. She's a tough lady and people are still frightened by that. Pass me the red.

Both Females: Did everyone get enough to eat?

Both Males: I'm stuffed. That was great.

Next month, My Irish Husband Tony and I are going to Antwerp, Belgium, to meet up with our friends sailing and studying with the Semester at Sea program. We'll find out what they are thinking over moules et frites and Belgian beer.

Five months to go.

Posted on Sunday 08 of June, 2008 [16:46:20 UTC]

Down to London again to visit our students who are working on internships, and—whaddaya know? There is another Democrats Abroad get together at the Duke of York pub, not far from my hotel in Marylebone.
On a lovely warm May evening—and don’t we deserve it after 18 months of winter, no summer, and yet more winter?—I head off in Marylebone, confident that I will remember where the old Victorian pub stands, or someone will direct me.
The guy at the hotel directs me wrong. The kind woman at the wrong pub points me in another direction. The two old fat Irish guys sitting outside that pub definitely know where the Duke of York pub is.
Turns out there are two Duke of York pubs in Marylebone. Who knew? And the wrong one sure looks like the right one when I get there. But they have no Americans and direct me to the right one (on New Cavendish Street, for the record).
So, an hour late, I get my half pint of cider and walk up the stairs to the tatty function room with ten or twelve Democrats Abroad sitting around discussing the current split in the party.
Emotions are running high. No one is fighting, but one of the few Hillary Clinton supporters points out that the body language from the Barack Obama supporters makes her feel as though she is being attacked. Crossed arms, pouting faces, raised voices about how Clinton is damaging the party by continuing to run.
‘I’m just saying that if Obama gets the nomination, his supporters are going to have to work to keep us Hillary people in the party,’ she offered.
Karin, an early Obama supporter, says, ‘One thing we can all agree on—the delegate selection process sucks.’ But no one can suggest a better way to go about it.
A newcomer from the back suggests, ‘It will go to a brokered convention and Obama will tell his delegates to nominate Al Gore.’
‘Oh, great,’ groans a former Hillary supporter sitting next to me. ‘The white woman and the black man aren’t good enough, so the white guy steps in and takes over. Perfect.’
Someone else suggests another white guy: ‘The best Democrat ever: Jimmy Carter.’
The conversation turns to vice presidential picks. More white guys: Gore again, John Edwards, Governors Bill Richardson or Ed Rendall, former General Wesley Clark. Some still hold out hopes for Obama-Clinton or even Clinton-Obama.
‘Can’t see it,’ declare others.
As the conversation dwindles, and I’m wondering where I will find something to eat at this hour, a loud noise draws us all to the window. The Marylebone Wednesday Night Skate rolls by. Time to go.
As I leave, I introduce myself to Karin to explain that I am not a spy taking notes, but just collecting info for my blog, which I promise to send her.
So the Democrats Abroad are thinking a lot about this election. Two days later I have the opportunity to find out what some American college students are thinking. Fifteen students and five faculty members from the college I used to teach at in Pittsburgh, now Point Park University, are in London for a ten-day trip. I’ve been asked to talk to them about advertising and public relations in the UK.
At the end I offer to have lunch with those who want to share their election thoughts with me after our agency tour, but as we split into smaller groups, and wander off to find baguette sandwiches in different parts of the Tube station, no one seems particularly interested in American politics.
Later that night, my former colleagues and I have a lovely Italian dinner in Marylebone, and I volunteer to show them a real old Victorian pub. Where else? The Duke of York. Helen’s son and his friend from the trip join us, and I buy her a half pint of cider. The kids get their own legal drinks, enjoying the lower drinking age here.
We settle down at one of the high round tables and I get out my pen and notebook.
‘So what are you thinking?’ I ask Helen’s son, Stephen.
‘Well, I went to register to vote and they screwed up the application, so I couldn’t vote in the Pennsylvania primary.’
‘This was the first time you were able to vote—were you and your friends following the process closely?
‘Yeah, sort of. Most of them aren’t talking about it.’
‘What about you?’ I ask his friend, Tim.
‘I voted for the first time, and it was mostly old people there.’
‘Define old,’ I ask, pointedly.
‘Well, it was the middle of the day, so I think they were retired,’ Tim replied. ‘But I did see Obama speak on my campus.’
‘Really? What did you think?’
‘Well, I had heard he was real inspiring and everything. And he was good and all, but he didn’t really say much. I mean, he spoke real well, but I couldn’t find out where he stood on the issues,’ said Tim. ‘So I went to his website and I pulled up Clinton’s and put them side by side in two different browsers so I could see where they both stood.’
‘And what issues are important to you?’
‘Social Security. That will affect me when I get old. Jobs, because I’ll be looking for one soon. I’m a registered Democrat; my mom is too. My parents always voted so I’ve always paid attention to elections.
From the regular e-mail update I get from my undergraduate alma mater, I learned that Obama had also visited little Lycoming College in Williamsport during the run up to the all-important Pennsylvania primary. According to the report in the local Sun-Gazette, ‘Among those hearing Obama’s speech was Whitni Ciofalo, a Bucknell University sophomore, who said she likes the message he offers. “I just think he’s a very progressive person who hasn’t been jaded by the political system,” she said. “He brings hope to the country.”’
‘What about your other college friends?’ I asked Tim.
‘Some say they would never vote for a black; some say they would never vote for a woman,’ he told me.
‘You’re kidding?’ I ask incredulously.
‘No, really. I was surprised too. I don’t care if someone is black, or a woman…’
Helen says that Chelsea Clinton made a visit to the Point Park campus in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh before the Pennsylvania primary as well.
‘That energized a lot of kids. They went to hear her because she’s a celebrity and it was right across the street,’ Helen added. ‘But right afterwards, some formed a College Democrats group. I think it really got them excited to see someone who is not much older than they are being part of the process.’
The Canadian bartender rang the bell for last call and it was time to find our way home through the streets of Marylebone. By now, I’m good at this.
We said our goodbyes and I walked past the little restaurant where I had had dinner on my own a few nights earlier, after the Democrats Abroad friendly ‘debate.’ At that point, my thoughts had switched from politics to antipasto, but I did notice that the two college-aged women at the table next to me were talking in New York accents.
One said to her friend, ‘And she was like asking me, would you ever run for president? And I was like, yeah, y’know, I would.’
Is that what American college students are thinking?
Five months to go.

Posted on Saturday 24 of May, 2008 [09:25:29 UTC]

About six months to go and time to do some polling. After sending out e-mails since last November asking my friends what they think, this month I decided to give them specific questions to respond to.

Contrary to my brother’s prediction, not all my friends are left-wing, northeastern, academic, National Public Radio-worshipping, chardonnay-swigging liberals. Well, not all.

Sixteen responded to my survey, or sent related comments, some of whom hadn’t spoken up before. Eleven female and five male, all white except for one African-American woman. Some liberal I am.

Of the bunch, there is only one stated Hillary Clinton supporter, Dick in south Florida. Three of the women are for Barack Obama, and two others, including the African-American, will vote for whichever Democrat runs. One Republican, the youngest respondent, didn’t come out clearly for John McCain, but two others did. Three people didn’t indicate a favourite, but lean Democratic. Four were vociferously anti-Hillary, two male, two female.

It’s not a scientific poll, but let’s see what they have to say…

Should Hillary Clinton drop out of the race? Why or why not?

Dick the Hillary supporter said no, ‘because she will win.’ And because back in December Merle Haggard predicted, ‘It'll be a landslide for the Democrats,’ at that time, meaning Hillary.

Sharon in Pennsylvania, one of the Barack fans, said yes because ‘she is behind and staying in may cause some to revert to voting Republican.’ The other two Obama supporters were split, and one of the uncommitted women says Hillary should stay in but, ‘I wish Bill would drop out.’ Both of the any-Democrat-in-a-storm women say she should stay in, cautioning, ‘It's not over yet.’ Blue in a Red State adds, ‘She won big states, and the super delegates are important…There's huge interest and focus in the media, all of which puts McCain in the shadows.’

Predictably, most of the anti-Hillary group believe she should go. Charles in central Florida says, ‘Her hair looks terrible and poor Chelsea is tired of defending her Dad's, "I didn't have sex with that woman."’ Robert, an academic in Washington, DC, feels she is ‘a liar, a thief, and completely unqualified to be president.’ Pat, a recently retired academic in Ohio, states, ‘The party is so divided now, and the dirt will only get muddier; by staying in she's almost handing the outcome to McCain. But she won't drop out. Ms. Clinton would not think of doing anything for the good of the party.’

The Republicans want her to stay in, mostly to help them. McCain supporter Tom from south Florida says, ‘Why should she drop out if the race is so close and she still has a chance to win? Just because the media have fallen in love with Obama and are putting pressure on her to drop out is no reason for her to give up.’ And Karen from Ohio says hopefully, ‘the longer she is in the more it divides the Democrats.’ Our young Republican states, ‘I thought there was no chance a Republican would win, but as long as Hillary and Barack continue to bad mouth and campaign against each other, McCain can just sit back and wait for the votes. She's giving every Republican hope.’

''If she doesn’t drop out and does get the nomination…
Who should/will she choose as a running mate? And
What position should/will she offer Barack Obama?''

Hillary’s lone supporter offers, ‘a white male, younger, from a swing state.’ The other Democrats suggested anyone from senators Joe Biden, John Edwards, or John Kerry, to governors Evan Bayh of Indiana or Jim Webb of Virginia.

The anti-Hillary brigade was more cynical. Robert dismissed the question because ‘She will only get the nomination through either fraud or backroom dealings.’ Charles asked, ‘Is there anyone left from Travelgate not in prison or granted a presidential pardon?’ Both Pat in Ohio and Liz in Pennsylvania figure that Bill Clinton will be vice president anyway. Pat asks, ‘If she does not choose him…who in their right mind would want a second rate position working with a bitch who will never let him near the White House?’

Lauren the young Republican agrees about Bill’s place in his wife’s administration, but the McCain supporters and un-committeds suggest Obama or Edwards.

Most say that Hillary shouldn’t or wouldn’t offer Obama anything, although one anti-Hillary wit suggested, ‘Head of kitchen staff.’

''If Barack Obama gets the nomination…
Who should/will he choose as a running mate?
What position should/will he offer Hillary Clinton?''

Obama’s supporters suggest Biden, Edwards, Kerry, senators Chris Dodd or Edward Kennedy, or New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. ‘Someone very experienced in foreign policy,’ says Anne from Pennsylvania. Anti-Hillary Pat in Ohio also mentions the Hispanic governor because, ‘Clinton's term for Richardson is Judas.’

Dick the Hillary supporter also suggests Dodd, or anyone else ‘white male, older, from the northeast.’ The non-committed like either Edwards or Richardson, but still hold out hope for an Obama-Clinton rapprochement.

Robert says that Barack will ‘have to pick a white guy,’ and Charles figures, ‘a Jewish, female disabled war vet.’

Most of the Republicans say it will be Richardson, but Tom in Florida hopes for ‘Kennedy, thereby ruining Barack’s chances of winning.’

As for Hillary’s fate in an Obama-led America, most think she will go back to being a senator, ‘where she has more power, or try for Governor of New York’ according to Pennsylvanian Anne. Uncommitted Ruth in Massachusetts says ‘Czar of Health Care, taking us to universal coverage.’

Charles suggests Barack should ‘let her co-author his next book,’ and two other non-fans invite her to apply for an internship, ‘so she can learn a life skill,’ as Robert says.

Who should/will John McCain choose as a running mate?

On the already-decided Republican campaign, most agree McCain’s VP will have to be someone younger. The name mentioned most often is former candidate Mitt Romney with a few nods to Florida Governor Charlie Crist, by Democrats and Republicans alike.

Blue in a Red State offers, ‘I think he'll need a right-winger to bring back the “conservatives” for whom he's too liberal. Perhaps somebody from the religious right?’ Florida Democrat Alyce suggests, ‘A psychiatrist because he seems chronically depressed,’ and the two non-committeds say Condoleezza Rice, described by Howard in Pennsylvania as ‘maybe his only chance.’ Caroline, my only British respondent asks, ‘Is there more than one Republican left in the US?’

If you support none of the above, who would be your ideal ticket?

The McCain and Obama supporters are all happy with their guys, although Caroline could go with Bill Gates and Al Gore. Hillary’s man in Florida wishes for her husband matched with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Pat in Ohio votes for herself.

Charles in Florida seems to have no ideals left: ‘In one case we have a 70-plus ex-war hero from (count ‘em) three wars ago with little or no real government achievement other than real courage and commitment to country and on the other hand we have an ex-First Lady who could not even control her husband or his antics and is by all measures a "true bitch" in every sense of the word. Lastly we have Obama. Half black, half white, and all new. Gotta like his eloquent way of saying nothing but at least making it sound like change.’

More idealistically, Blue in a Red State wishes for someone with ‘Experience, intelligence, compassion, universal health care, education, against torture…accountable (problems for the Clintons on that one), anti-free-trade (…but since free trade isn't free, let's call it pro-fair-trade), human rights, women's rights (I'd so like to move past the abortion hot button). I just need to find another planet.’

But our young Republican still can dream: ‘I'd like to see an independent run and have a chance. It would be refreshing to see someone who shares views from both sides so we could actually get something done. It would also require voters to learn about the issues instead of voting just based on party affiliations.’

Uncommitted Howard would opt for John Lennon and Paul McCartney because ‘at least the music would be good.’ As My Irish Husband Tony adds, ‘now that’s a ticket to ride.’

So what have we learned? (1) I have really interesting friends. (2) This is a really divisive election. (3) No matter what happens, some people are going to be really pissed off.

Six months to go.

Posted on Tuesday 15 of April, 2008 [18:48:47 UTC]

We’ve lived through Super Tuesday, super Texas, super Ohio, tiny Rhode Island, tiny Vermont, deep south Mississippi, and vast, empty Wyoming. My sister-in-law, a teacher in Ohio, is glad to have reached the end of the political advertising and automated phone calls. ‘Let me say that John McCain can go on and on and on,’ she writes.
When I asked my fellow Americans on my e-mail list to tell me once again what they are thinking about this election, no committed McCain supporters surfaced. Howard in Pennsylvania dismissed the 72-year-old candidate on the basis of age: ‘I have over 50 senior citizens in the assisted living home I am operating and, as much as I love them, I wouldn't let any one of them run the microwave or lawn mower let alone the country.’
So what about the Democratic battle? While there are some vehement Hillary supporters out there, on my e-mail list, Obama rules.
His message must be getting through, because all used the same description, ‘a breath of fresh air.’ A recent college grad in Pennsylvania went on to say she thinks he is ‘a mover and shaker. Voting for Hilary would smack of nepotism...so many ties to old politics, past family members in office, yada yada yada—everything we want to get away from. Plus...come on, Hillary! What's with the football helmet hair?’
David, a non-voting ex-pat Brit living in Seattle, describes a U of Washington sociology professor as a Barackista, ‘though she’d love to see a female president. She worries that the Clintons owe too much to too many people and that Hillary will have to spend inordinate amounts of time repaying political debts rather than getting on with the business of sorting out the mess that George W. Bush is going to leave behind.’ She feels ‘Obama is more electable.’
This is echoed by a retired advertising woman in Pennsylvania, ‘I started off being for Hilary but over the past few weeks I have moved my loyalty to Obama. I truly am tired of the same old politics and I am hoping that he will bring a whole new perspective...not only by himself but through the people he will have around him.’
A Black educator in Florida is volunteering for Obama since Edwards dropped out, but would support Hillary. ‘Thinking back over all the years…I've encountered more problems because I'm a woman than I have because I'm Black…But that isn't why I'm voting for him. I truly believe he will make a difference in our world.’
David the Brit and his American partner who can vote are leaning to Hillary. ‘She has more concrete policies than Obama, giving you a much clearer sense of the action she wants to take once in office, and she is the more accomplished and assured of the two of them, particularly in off-the-cuff discussions. Obama is the more inspirational speaker, and is great at energizing an audience, but he’s been lacking detail, and that has worried us both. The dream ticket for us would be Clinton-Obama, she being the senior partner.’
A Pennsylvania arts administrator has gotten involved with the local Democratic committee to re-engage ‘with the ideals of my youth. The country is still kind of sick at heart I would say...I suppose if anyone can deal with it, it's Hillary. She looks stronger and more focused and confident every day.’
But who will be the winner in November?
Blue in a Red State predicts, ‘If it comes down to Obama vs McCain, it'll be new guys vs old, semi-black vs white, get out of Iraq vs stay the course…I think lots of excitement might be generated by O's folks; they really know how to get buzz going. My problem is, of course, that I find it very empty buzz.’
A Pennsylvanian supporting Obama because she feels he has a better chance of beating McCain, admits, ‘I’m afraid for our country. I think there is a lot riding on this election for us. Either Hillary or Obama will help us internationally, I believe, more than McCain.’
Pat, a professor in Ohio, says, ‘McCain sure isn't great—but far more trustworthy than Ms. Clinton. While Obama may lack experience, hope continues to be a good thing.
And, yes, rather than vote for Ms. Clinton—even I would vote for McCain.’

But Professor Dick in Florida cautions us, ‘One prediction you Brits can take to the bank: McCain will not win.’
One former conservative, living in New Mexico, says, ‘I look forward to wrestling my country back from the arrogant right wing of the Republican party and putting real American values to work at home and abroad.’
Unfortunately, my youngest correspondent is the most cynical: ‘It's picking the lesser of three evils, anyway. Politics are politics: innately corrupt.’
Those who fear an Obama candidacy will mean a Republican victory, feel this election is the Democrats’ to lose. In the words of the newest candidate, Ralph Nader, ‘If the Democrats can’t win this year, they ought to hang it up.’
In the words of Pat in Ohio, ‘How can a party—who had the election so sewed up because even a Democratic trained monkey could have won against the vestiges of "Bush"—be on the verge of destroying itself and losing in November?’
One Hillary supporter is so enflamed, she wrote to Democratic national committee chairman Howard Dean, and shared her comments with me: ‘I told him I was quitting the Democratic Party after a lifetime of personal Democratic voting; told him I hung in there when we were outsmarted by the Republicans in Florida and Al Gore lost; told him I was there when John Kerry was the best we could muster and even John Edwards’ charisma couldn’t light a fire under him and we lost again. But this year, this is the last. This year the election was a giveaway to the Democrats. Yet could we pull together and get behind the leading candidate? Oh no; god forbid that we strategize and form a voting bloc that guarantees the Democrats will win. Maybe the party leaders didn’t get behind the leading candidate because he was a woman. Maybe that wasn’t it. Doesn’t matter. We are pulling apart and this division will help McCain…The only question now is whether I will actively vote against Obama and help elect John McCain…Can’t say I would vote for someone against Roe v. Wade, but I may well sit home.’
On a brighter note, David the Brit attended the Washington state caucus, and found the whole process quite a contrast to that back in his home town of Birmingham, UK:
‘So how would this work in Europe? Can you picture a situation where people bring their children along to see what happens in the political process, and STAY for an hour or so? I remember going to the polls with my parents, but of course, there was no debate at a British polling station. Here, kids got to hear people discussing issues with good humour and a lot of passion—can you picture it in the UK? In Germany? Caucusing strikes me as a great exercise in democracy, and people came away feeling like they’d played their part in deciding the next person to run for President. Not a bad feeling at all.’
Eight months to go.

Posted on Sunday 16 of March, 2008 [20:21:23 UTC]

There may be nine million bicycles in Beijing (who counted?), but I saw almost that many in Oxford where I went to vote in the Democrats Abroad primary.
On the train from Birmingham I shared a table with two young men deeply engrossed in their laptops. Glancing out the window at the lovely English countryside, I glimpsed the USA World Wrestling match that the one next to me was watching.
The clerk in the station’s tourist centre pointed me in the right direction for the Rothmere American Institute. For the first time in weeks it wasn’t raining, so I decided to enjoy the walk.
The path was the same I had taken last month for the Dems Abroad ‘speakeasy’ I had come to as a trial run. Past the pub where we’d met that night, I crossed the street at Rhodes House. Is that where Clinton lived when he was here as a Rhodes scholar all those years ago? He hadn’t met his future wife yet.
That morning I had awoken to Hillary’s voice on Radio 4, at a victory rally celebrating Super Tuesday. ‘I want to thank my mother,’ she said above the noise of the crowd, ‘who was born before women could vote, and is watching her daughter on this stage tonight.’ What a world.
Past the chemistry department buildings, I changed from my walking shoes to my make-a-good-impression shoes and entered the modern building with the American flags discreetly showing in the window. Following the signs and arrows down the steps, I asked a woman where the Democratic primary was. ‘The noisy voices—in that room,’ she said.
She was right. It sounded like a different country. Not loud and obnoxious voices, but definitely American. After three years of living here—with My Irish Husband Tony’s Dublin brogue—it sure sounded foreign.
I filled out a form, showed my passport, and was given a blue form with ‘Provisional Ballot’ printed across it. It’s provisional until they check that you didn’t cheat and vote on-line as well; however, they can’t check whether you cheated and also voted in your home state primary. (I hadn’t.)
After voting and snarfing a complementary Oreo enticingly placed next to the blue plastic ballot box, I introduced myself to the tall, red-headed local chairman at the registration desk. ‘My cheap train ticket from Birmingham means I can’t go back until 7:07, so I can volunteer if you need me.’
‘Sure!’ he said, in fluent American. ‘Alex here has to leave soon, so you can take over for him.’
Alex looked familiar from last month’s pub visit. Originally from Portland, OR, he is studying for a master’s here, and planning to stay on for at least a year with his newfound British girlfriend.
He explained how the Democrats Abroad primary works.
‘We get 22 delegates to the convention. Eleven will be chosen by the vote of all the Democrats abroad, at primaries like this, on-line and by mail, and allotted by some complicated formula. The other 11 are super delegates, people from the party, etc.
‘Proportionately, you are better represented here—each delegate equals about 2,000 votes—as opposed to a big state like California where it is about 14,000 votes per delegate.’
I asked Alex how he got involved in politics.
‘Oh, my parents were always taking me along to political rallies. And I volunteered in New Hampshire in ’04 for Kerry,’ he said.
‘How was it?’
‘Cold,’ he remembered.
The woman who had directed me to the room joined me at the welcoming table after I had taken Alex’s position.
Geraldine has lived in the UK since the 70s. ‘I’m for Hillary,’ she confided. ‘That’s pretty unusual here.’
‘Why?’ I asked.
‘The students are all for Obama. But I’m really glad to see young people realizing how important this election is.’
The red-headed chairman, getting ready to leave, turned to me.
‘You said you can stay until we close at 5:30, right?’
‘Right. I can’t get the train back until 7.’
‘Then I’m appointing you co-counter. Is that okay?’
‘Sure!,’ I replied, honoured. What a country.
Bill, the chairman of Democrats Abroad UK who lives in Oxford, announced, softly, that a seminar was beginning in the next room and we had to be quiet so they wouldn’t ask us to move. We all began whispering and shushing each new voter who enthusiastically came in to cast a ballot.
I followed Bill in to the hallway to ask him how the primary had gone the day before in London, but I was intercepted by an Oxford Mail reporter.
After explaining where I was from, who I had voted for and why, she asked me, ‘And how old are you?’
I hesitated. I’d confessed to my students, but…
‘Old enough to vote,’ I replied.
A few Oreos later, I sat down with Bill to get the story on yesterday’s much larger London event.
‘We had 1700-1800 people there—three times what the hall would hold.’ He checked his notes.
‘1547 were voters, but they bring British spouses, partners, etc. Four years ago there wasn’t a primary in Oxford and only 600 showed up in London, so we had no idea how many would come this time.
‘We planned the program for 7 to 7:40, but only got through about 2/3 of it. The candidates’ representatives didn’t get to speak, but by now, most know what Obama and Clinton stand for. I made an announcement, “We have a problem, but it is a good problem. Could those who have voted leave so those waiting five deep outside can get in?” We had 400 voters per hour. After 9 pm we took the ballot boxes off the stage, leaving one by the door, and started counting.
‘It’s not a secret ballot. Each box has a label on it: Obama, Clinton, Other and Anonymous if you don’t want the others to know.
‘Everyone I’ve seen vote in Oxford was white. Was that true in London?’
‘Mostly white, but there were some minorities,’ Bill said. ‘Before you came there were some black students and a black mother with her child here.’
Bill checked his notes for the final London tally. ‘433 for Clinton, 998 for Obama, 16 other and one write-in for Gore. They will be added with the votes here, on-line and through the post, so we won’t have a total until the end of the month.’
Back at the check-in table, as one Democrat Abroad after another entered, took off his or her bike helmet, and listened to the explanation of how to vote, the conversation turned to typical ex-pat concerns. How long have you been here? Where did you meet him? Will you go back? Visas, passports, the government’s proposal to tax rich foreigners who earn money elsewhere but live in the UK (not a problem in our household), and dismissive ire for Americans who don’t bother to vote.
At 5:30, we closed. As co- counter I grabbed another Oreo and sat down with Bill to count the blue papers from the plastic box.
First, we separated them into Obama and Clinton. ‘Make piles of 25,’ Bill instructed. I counted Clinton—exactly 25 plus one that might be invalidated because it had no local address—noting that only five were male names.
Bill handed me his pile of 25 Obamas to re-count and re-check, and then the tall pony-tailed guy with the Obama button counted and checked another pile of 25. After three rounds of this, I realized that if two Florida counties had been this careful eight years ago, we wouldn’t be in this pickle.
Final tally: 118 Obama, 26 Clinton, to be validated after checking against on-line votes.
A fellow Democrat from the registration table offered me a lift in to town and explained on the way that she has lived here more than 20 years, coming as an international banker and staying on after marrying a Brit.
She dropped me at the Sainsbury’s where I picked up a salmon pasta salad with a handy plastic fork tucked inside the lid, green and black olives with feta cheese, a tiny overpriced bottle of chardonnay (no plastic cups—damn), and a double tiramisu to share with Tony back home. I noted an unusual number of young American voices ahead of me in the line.
After walking past the crowded bicycle stands outside the train station, I scammed a plastic cup from the coffee stand in exchange for a contribution to the tip jar, and waited on the platform, watching Hillary and Barack on the telly, both claiming victory for Super Tuesday.
On the train I offered my olives to the two women sharing my table, busily working on their laptops. ‘No thanks,’ said the one across from me. ‘Quite a picnic there.’
In the seat across the aisle I could see the headline in my fellow passenger’s Daily Mirror: ‘51st State: Democrats Abroad Vote in London.’
Nine months to go.

Posted on Monday 18 of February, 2008 [21:23:08 UTC]