'I can't stand it': American expats in Australia on the agony of watching the US election campaign

[Violet_Crumble]

In the weeks leading up to the 3 November election, US citizens living around the world have been casting their votes.

In Australia, where between 200,000 to 300,000 US citizens live, interest in the US election has soared, with presidential debates broadcast live across most major TV stations.

Guardian Australia spoke to several Americans living in Australia about their voting intentions and hopes for the upcoming election – and what it’s like living in a country that observes US politics as if it’s “a contact sport”.
ry
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/24/i-cant-stand-it-american-expats-in-australia-on-the-agony-of-watching-the-us-election-campaign

I wouldn't describe how me and my friends observe it as though it's a contact sport. More like it's a really bad joke where we're sitting there awkwardly smiling and waiting for someone to appear and tell us all we've been pranked and that a very large number of Americans aren't as stupid and racist as they're leading us to believe they are...

[LuckyLib]

1. So many Americans also have been shocked by the large number of Americans

that are so incredibly stupid and racist.

[appalachiablue]

2. Interesting piece from the article, one of several Americans' views:

- Dianne C, from Maryland, living in Sydney

A musician and mother of two who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years, Dianne describes herself as a lifelong Democrat, and has already voted for Joe Biden at the US consulate in Sydney. Dianne, who grew up in Virginia and most recently lived in Maryland, told the Guardian she has become “completely distressed” watching the Trump presidency from outside the country, particularly out of concern for her family who still live in the US.

“This wasn’t the America I grew up with, and it’s deeply saddening to watch it deteriorate as much as it has.”

‘This wasn’t the America I grew up with’: Dianne on Donald Trump’s presidency.

Having lived in Australia for several US elections, Dianne said the upcoming vote had generated more interest and discussion among her Australian friends than ever before. “I’m often asked to explain why Americans are listening to Trump and voting for him, and I can’t answer that. I don’t know why. It’s unbelievable.”

Gun control in the US had become a real concern for Dianne. Before she moved to Australia, two of her first cousins were murdered by a gunman not known to them. “That’s just the way it is in America, that’s what it’s become,” she said, noting she has “never felt as safe walking the streets after work” as she does in Sydney.

Dianne will feel “relieved” if Joe Biden is elected president, but she is worried riots could break out, noting there may be angry Trump supporters who own guns “venting their frustrations”.