Having been abroad since mid-June, we have been able to watch the party conventions, debates, and the run-up to the election through a very different perspective - that of an outsider looking in through a foreign lens. It has been really interesting to see what issues the NZ Herald harps on and those that are mostly ignored. There was a really interesting article recently about what a Trump victory would mean for the New Zealand stock markets, economy, property, and tourism (you can read it here). While I have always known that US politics affect more than just the US, this is the first time that I ever saw an article spelling out exactly how American election results could affect a country located on the opposite side of the planet.
Ross and I have had many conversations with Kiwis and other expats (not just Americans) in Wellington about the election. I have been constantly surprised with how well Kiwis understand and follow American politics. That being said, we have had to attempt to explain Trump to Kiwis. I have had strangers come up to me on the street after hearing my American accent and ask my opinions on him and how so many people can support him. I have been asked if I was voting for him. I have apologized for the country. Yes, the country. To strangers. For Donald J. Trump. Because I didn't really know what else to do. I have assured everyone that asks that I am not voting for him. Ross and I both voted absentee from New Zealand and so when people ask if we are voting, we let them know that we already have.
On a slightly more entertaining note, Trump is, quite literally, a joke in New Zealand. There is a company, Powershop, who is running a "Trump Trump" ad campaign right now. They take real quotes from Trump and allow people to change them (click here to make your own). These are displayed as giant posters around Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. They also have a couple great videos on YouTube (Kids trumping Trump and Kiwis trumping Trump are my favorites).
To get up on a soapbox for a minute, if you haven't already voted, please do so. The entire world is watching and waiting to see what the outcome of this election will be.
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