Why are we spending more time on the US election than our own?

“Harris or Trump?” 

“Trump or Harris?”

“Who will win? Who would you vote for? Have you read this New York Times article? Have you listened to this podcast?”

“I don’t know who I’d vote for.” 

“We’ll have to watch the swing states.”

“What will happen to the world?”

I live in Ireland. I am Irish. My blood has no claim to the United States. However, these are all remarks and statements I have heard or uttered over recent weeks. Today, Americans will go to the polls in the US presidential election. They will choose between the former president Donald Trump and the current vice president Kamala Harris. 

It has been a fascinating spectacle since President Joe Biden pulled out of the race in July. A series of events we can’t tear our eyes away from. The world feels connected to the outcome and we are consumed by the drama. It’s the strangest of parasocial relationships but despite this, the interest is understandable. While the ideal of the American dream may be waning, the country still wields unparalleled power on the world stage. Its decisions reach far beyond its borders, impacting international economies, security, and environmental policies. Whatever the outcome, whoever the winner, every nation will feel its impact. 

Nevertheless, the obsession is slightly unsettling. Here at home, it is likely a general election will officially be called by the end of the week. The whispers of such an event have been swirling for weeks. As a nation, we knew this was coming as the next election must be held before March 2025 to elect the 34th Dáil. Yes, it has come slightly earlier than expected but we can’t make excuses for our lack of engagement. My peers seem to talk more about the U.S. election than they ever have about politics on this island. Sometimes, it feels as if they know more too. 

The drama and intrigue across the Atlantic have captured imaginations in a way our own political landscape rarely does. Just like everything else in the US, politics is big. The personalities are large and the campaigns mammoth. It’s a country where celebrity and governing intertwine. Superstar endorsements from the likes of Beyonce can help to revitalise your campaign. It almost feels like reality TV but in the political spectrum. 

Irish objectivity is nothing new because this detachment is seen time and time again in our politics. The most recent reiteration was throughout the family and care referendum campaign in March of this year. Despite significant government support, both amendments were rejected by a large majority, with around 68% voting against the family amendment and an even higher percentage against the care amendment.

The referendum was a PR disaster by and for the government. There seemed to be an inherent belief that a yes vote would transpire, despite a very half-hearted campaigning circuit. It felt as if the population was fighting against a government that assumed they would vote for the presumed status quo. Leadership appeared confident that voters would simply accept the proposed amendments without questioning them deeply, underestimating the public. 

Meanwhile, communication surrounding the proposed changes in the referendum was notably insufficient. Information was delivered in a way that lacked clarity, leaving many voters uncertain about the specific implications of the amendments. Instead of providing straightforward explanations or addressing public concerns comprehensively, the messaging seemed scattered and vague, failing to adequately convey the importance and potential impact of these changes.

In the end, this scenario represented more than a referendum; it was a call for a more inclusive, transparent approach in future policymaking, one that respects public opinion rather than postulating. 

In the US, the choice of parties is relatively clear cut: Republican or Democrat. In Ireland, our options are more broad, even though it sometimes appears that two parties dominate the electoral scene. However, this poses problems. Parties here rarely have staunch political ideals and they often blend into one another. There are no superstar politicians who can galvanize public support. There is a disillusionment to the process here, so it isn’t surprising that voters feel more excited and spurred on by an international election than one happening on our own shores. 

Nevertheless, we must be active in the electoral process in Ireland, especially given the pressing challenges our country is currently facing. The state of our healthcare system is alarming, with long waiting times and insufficient resources creating significant barriers to access. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector is teetering on collapse, as rising costs mean businesses are being priced out of the market. This is severely jeopardising an industry that is vital to our economy and culture.

Additionally, the housing crisis persists, with many individuals and families unable to find affordable housing options, forcing them into precarious living situations or even homelessness. This ongoing crisis has sparked widespread concern and frustration as basic needs are not being adequately addressed. 

Over the next few days, all eyes will be on America. The world will hold its breath but as a nation, we must face our own reality once the furore dissipates. We can’t be passive. We must participate and interact with our political environment. We must engage with our candidates, question them, educate ourselves and understand the weight and implications of our vote. The power is in our hands. 

So, watch the US with interest. Keep note of the result, but don’t forget the mission at hand – the one that will shape our future. Because the real battle, the one that matters, is still on the horizon.