Are you like me -- tired of the nonstop theatrics by politicians from both sides of the border? It is going to go on for a lot longer. I am embarrassed for some of the candidates' blunders from either country.
As a Canadian, many of us pay attention to both sides of the border. Sometimes, I have to admit that the US Republican Party volley for power is ten times more entertaining. The stats support this. CNN's airing of the debate hosted 20+ million American viewers while Canada's meagre 60,000 tuned into the Globe and Mail's debate.
Statistically, overall, those are not impressive numbers when you consider the population of America: 320 million compared to Canada: 36 million rounded up. In either instance, the viewership was less than 10 percent. With what is at stake: economy, education, health, security - you'd think more would be tuned in. Then again, thanks to the internet and social media, one can always catch up. Even if it is skewed by those that are the loudest or tweet the most absurd.
Does that mean that both countries citizens are apathetic? Or, does it just mean that they're tired of hearing about Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau's theatrics? I had a chuckle when I heard that someone tweeted that Canada needed a Prime Minister, not a rock star. Granted, it appears obvious to me that Justin is appealing to the Millennials and The Donald is quite simply entertaining.
The nicest part, for me, on the cusp of two age distinctions, Generation X, 35-54 or 54+ Baby Boomers, was watching the debate with my 26 year-old son. He represents the Millennials while my husband represent Generation X mostly. We represent the smallest bubble of population, faced with security issues (both employment and terrorism) and financial woes (saving for retirement, paying for kids' education).
There were some major impressions that I got for Canada, and living in the oil-bust city of Calgary, is that our incumbent Prime Minister cannot be blamed for the oil recession in our midst. We should be examining how the oil prices were driven lower before we start to point fingers. It is a mistake that the other two debaters seem to be missing what is obvious to me. I wonder if others think the same? I'm undecided while wondering if I should support staying the course? After all, the experts say that Harper's finesse comes from a background in economics. That would seem to be a good enough reason to pay heed. Personally, I'm not looking for handouts, I'm just looking for a brighter future. That future looks like stability.
On the other side of the border, I have an opinion because I'm aware that whatever happens there seems to impact us, whether we want to admit it or not. Again, where I live is directly linked to the US because of our head office count cross-sectioned with Houston, Dallas, Texas. A wise mentor long ago, when I was working for a US corporation, advised smartly, to anticipate what will happen in the future, you should keep an eye on the south, politics and Wall Street. They have a habit of trickling over to us.
The coolest part was having both my son and I agree on one thing: Carly Fiorina was a stand out. If I could vote right now, I'd be all in with her. She stood steadfast, very poised, never waivered once. She showed class and demonstrated tremendous leadership by staying on point, and understood her positions on many, if not all the issues, the others were jockeying position for.
I'm not a feminist while I am a champion of strong examples for our young women to look up to. I pulled from You Tube, the following example:
Regardless of your political stance or views, tons can be gained from watching these debates. You can decide what type of person you identify with, regardless of party or politics. It is an open classroom for all to learn from.
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