Canadians Riveted By American Politics

Both Canadians and Americans will be going to the polls in October and November respectively.

For Canadian politics the timing couldn't be worst. Why? To put it bluntly, many Canadians follow American politics closer.

I don't know why this is so.

All sorts of explanations have been put forth. I think, on a rudimentary level, that Canadians just don't feel our elections matter as much as America's. Of course, on a global scale this is correct. But sad and sobering at the same time.

To others, our elections are plain boring - although I think this is somewhat overdone. And what does "boring"mean anyway? I don't think Canadian politics is that bad. It lacks a certain amount of panache, yes, but it's hardly enough to put you to sleep.

One columnist claims because our elections are more tame it makes us focus on the issues that matter to us more. I'm not sure this is the case in practice. Canadians and politicians don't necessarily debate the important issues and are just as easily swayed by dubious and secondary and issues political trends as Americans are. Furthermore, there's a sense of apathy that sets in on both sides of the border. The famous "democratic deficit" has, according to pundits, alienated voters. How many people actually know all the issues? Although, Canadians do take voting seriously as voting turnout here are much higher than it is in the U.S..

The hard reality is that Canadians, when given a choice, have always opted for American things; be it magazines, films, stores, cars etc. I often muse what the outcome would be on a referendum on CFL and NFL football. Which would Canadians choose? Sure we bitch and moan as we haul our asses to Wal-Mart (as opposed to Canadian Tire) but we sure love the roll back prices.

Politics are no different. Americans remain an intoxicating image to not only us Canadians but to others around the world as well.

All this to say Sarah Palin is not just a phenomenon down South but up here as well. Canadians will go out to vote on October 14 but will be rushing back to follow the latest news in American politics.