I’ve a modest proposal. Australian voters ought to get to find out the results of the forthcoming US election. In spite of everything, we’re those paying probably the most consideration.
Not all Australians are as insane as me and my household and pals, I realise that. However many are. You possibly can see it within the lists of most-read tales on Australian web sites. We simply can’t get sufficient of American politics.
We sit on the sofa, texting one another. “Did you see Michelle Obama’s speech? What about Tim Walz? Do you assume Beyoncé will seem?” On Monday night time we discover our life hardly value dwelling because it’s Sunday in America, so there aren’t any late-night information reveals on which to binge.
We’re satisfied we’re insiders and use the language of insiders. We discuss of the “DNC” and listing the swing states with ease. Anthony Scaramucci, political podcaster, is known as one would possibly a treasured uncle from the Italian aspect of the household.
“Did you hear what The Mooch stated?” my youthful son texts me. The Mooch’s newest podcast has solely been up for an hour however the younger fellow has already consumed it. I really feel a have to level out to him, and myself, and everybody else I do know: “That is all very nicely however you do realise we don’t get a vote?”
Even crazier, I discover myself understanding extra about American politics than I do about our personal. How bizarre is that? Biden’s transport secretary is Pete Buttigieg. I do know the title of his husband and of the city that he as soon as served as mayor. (It’s South Bend, Indiana, within the unlikely case you don’t know.)
Australia’s transport minister is Catherine somebody. I’m positive she’s terrific however I discover myself unable to let you know something extra. I’m unable to say whether or not she as soon as served as mayor and, in that case, of which city. Nor the title of her husband. Oh, and by the best way, Tim Walz’s son is known as Gus and his daughter is known as Hope. As for Albo, I do know he has a son however I’m not sure of his title.
Once more: I don’t get a vote. However actually, I ought to. All of us ought to. We’re higher knowledgeable than the typical American.
Maybe it’s at all times been like this, Australians paying far an excessive amount of consideration to a rustic far-off. An early curiosity in America’s progressive politics is the rationale the Australian Labor Get together remains to be lacking a “u”. They took the American spelling as a result of they thought it represented the longer term. Later, Harold Holt labored up a rhyme to precise his fawning regard for the US president: “All the best way with LBJ”. A more moderen Australian prime minister talked proudly of being America’s “deputy sheriff”.