[Source: Cheezburger]
I followed it all day on Twitter and on BBC's liveblog while I was supposed to be doing work.
The funny thing is, I've never been this interested in Australian politics. Nor have I ever felt as comfortable discussing Australian politics as I have been about the US these past few weeks.
In the break-room at lunchtime, some person had left the election coverage on. One of the younger girls had a long, loud bitch that Ellen wasn't on. She asked (rhetorically perhaps) why anyone Australian would care about the American election.
Without missing a beat, I looked her in the eye and said "I care. Because they're one of the biggest economies in the world, with the biggest military, and Australia is their ally." I got a blank look in return but thankfully the others knew what I was on about.
Australia is extremely dependent on the US for trade. We look to them for foreign policy, and rely on them for military support. Our culture is pervaded by Americanisms. We love their TV shows, their fast food and their cult of celebrity.
So as much as I would like to say I was indifferent about today's result, that would be a complete lie. It's not for no reason they refer to POTUS as "the leader of the free world". Whoever sits in that position matters to a whole lot more people than just Americans.
Did you watch or follow the election coverage from America? Were you more/less invested in it than the last Australian Federal election?
Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm 33 and searching for my passion.
Until then, I slog away in a cubicle working full-time and focus on enjoying my downtime with things like TV (my old friend), movies, twitter, (trying to) cook, reading and hanging out with my hubby. My head is turned by things like vintage homewares, stationery, chocolate and scrapbooking. I blog about whatever takes my fancy.
I joined in with people on twitter and watch some coverage during the day but I grew tired of the continued retweets of same information. However most of it towards the final moments were Aussies retweeting which didn't surprise me as most tweeps are pretty opinionated on basically anything that sparks a circus forum. Didn't bother me directly who won as it's not something us Australians could change but as you said we needed it for our economics. Xxx
ReplyDeleteI followed it too, mainly because I know that any chance we have of positive social reform will be thrashed if America doesn't do it first.
ReplyDeleteI followed along. I wasn't as obsessed as I am about Australian politics (where we've been involved for years and personally know some MP's, so sit here and yell things at the TV :P) but of course it's important!
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