The Global Election Effect
May 2nd, 2008 -- Posted in American Politics, World Politics | 6 Comments »This past week I was contacted by Andy Orin from Link TV to write about a new project that he manages and maintains called “Dear American Voter”. The essence of the site is that it allows people from around the world to post videos about their issues and concerns for the upcoming American election. Some Americans may laugh at the idea of people outside the USA taking an interest in the election but despite what you may hear in the media about the dwindling influence of the USA, America is still the no.1 superpower (not to mention the golden M everywhere). People around the world have always been interested in America but increasingly so in this election because of its extraordinary nature. The twists and turns have been followed closely by local media around the world because of the potential impact the next President may have on the global community and the direction of America.
I haven’t been counting this week but at least a few times a week, the local news on RTÉ has a segment on Election 2008. Some people may still not believe that the next election has a global effect therefore looking beyond Ireland; CNN has a segment airing this week on the Middle East Television coverage of the upcoming American election hosted by Hala Gorani. I even remember CNN doing a special with some students from the Middle East in a focus group of sorts where they were asked who they would vote for and some people even mentioned John McCain. Now there is a shocker!
Living outside the United States for the last year and a bit has made me realize how drastically the USA’s image has changed. I think many Americans realize this and it might be informative to have a look at the site to see what people from around the world think. I will admit in all honesty that many of my co-workers here in Ireland do not follow the election but they all have one unequivocal statement: “George Bush Sucks.” I think that statement says it all and probably personifies what many people around the world feel about the USA and why all of us as global citizens are invested in these upcoming elections.
I have to say I am actually tempted to post my own video blog on there and will probably do so as soon if I can find my Logitech Camera hidden in the attic. I do encourage Americans as well as people around the world to post on this site. You may not like politics but you have to concede to the fact that this election is ground-breaking, not only in America but in every country around the world.
Out of the few videos that I have looked at, this is one of my favorites because it describes why a Universal Healthcare system is essential in America:
