But just because names like Obama, Clinton, Huckabee and Giulani (I just had to ask Google how to spell that and I'm still not sure I got it right) are all over the news doesn't mean that our proud democratic process of electing the next leader of the world's only superpower makes a lick of sense to anyone outside of America.
Born on that--to some, the correct--side of the Atlantic, I thought I had an innate understanding of how the machine clicked along. (This despite the best efforts of the student teacher in my senior year Government class who spent a good hour arguing with me about her belief that there was no inherent difference between Republicans and Democrats...) But when my inquisitive Dutchman watches CNN by my side I am now and again forced to give an impromptu civics lesson. And I'm starting to feel a bit, well, unprepared. For instance:
- Why was Iowa so important?
- Now that Nevada picked Hillary, is she the Democrat's candidate?
- Why does America use the Electoral College?
2 comments:
I feel exactly the same and I'm here in the middle of it. Even after watching the news, nothing seems any clearer. Maybe I didn't pay attention as much as I should have in school... it just feels like the media will talk about or spin things the way they want to, which is worrisome if people only get their info from them.
Hey, I've got a political science degree and STILL can't figure out why we use the Electoral College. Something about the forefathers not trusting the public to choose a proper President and all that jazz...
And be glad you are on the other side of the world. We were up to 8 campaign calls a day before Nevada's caucus!
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