This Election Is A Nightmare

Hi folks, I’m back after a coursework-induced break (which will resume again next week for a few days). To be honest, I’m at a bit of a loss as to where to begin with election news. There’s so much going on that I couldn’t possibly cover everything, so I’m not even going to try. Instead, I think I’ll give my thoughts on recent events.

Though this blog is entitled The Expat Elector, I don’t often talk about being an expat. However, it feels necessary to bring up now. It feels incredibly strange to be away from my country during this tumultuous time. I can’t help but feel that this is a make-or-break election for the stability of the USA. Knowing that my entire family is there (and in the South) is concerning, especially considering the fact that I recently found out I will be moving to England for all of next year to go on foreign exchange. I will be further away from home than ever in the most consequential period I have experienced in my 20 years, other than perhaps after 9/11. The fact that the Republican party faces a choice between Cruz, a man hated by both Democrats and Republicans on the Hill, and Trump, a man whose policies have been compared by scholars of fascism as scarily close to the ideology. The battle between Democrats is also getting nasty – I fear that if Clinton clenches the nomination, Sanders supporters will be so frustrated with the DNC that they will refrain from voting at all in November. This election feels like a lose-lose situation.

All of my personal expectations for this year have completely gone out the window – I assumed it would be a simple election between Rubio and Clinton. Clearly, this has not happened. With Cruz’s win in Wisconsin earlier this week, pundits see the likelihood of a brokered convention increasing every day. Trump has made it clear that he and his supporters are willing to do whatever it takes to secure the Republican nomination, stating that “We’d have riots” at the Republican National Convention. America has obviously never been a peaceful nation in our short history, but one would at least expect some level of decorum in the election of the leader of the free world. I am extremely nervous for the safety of volunteers  and attendees at the Republican National Convention in July. While it will certainly be an historic event, it is equally likely to be violent and frightening.

I’ve always thought the “Oh if so-and-so wins I’m going to move to Canada” statement is trite and overused, but this is the first election of my lifetime that it seems like a reasonable option. As someone who actually did move to Canada, it has been a fantastic option and I will not hesitate to help friends and family with the visa application process if it comes to that. For now, all we can do is campaign harder for our chosen candidate and hope for the best.

For a bit of levity, enjoy this Tumblr post I found. I was in tears laughing after reading it.

With 214 days until the election,

Phoebe Warren