Look, I didn’t think I was going to bring politics into my blog. I really wanted to keep it separate, as political opinions and views always ruffle some feathers. However last night (technically early this morning), I had an eye opening experience being here which I’ll express below. This is just a preface that some political opinions may come out in the process.

First off, I never really took the time to think about what it meant to be a student studying abroad at this time in history.  It’s been surreal to say the least.  I’ve only really felt truly “American” I guess, at certain points in my life.  Being all over the place, I’ve never experienced some sort of culture shock either; even in France.  I guess I’ll start from the beginning.

Last night, as per the recommendation of my professor and CNN correspondent Jim Bittermann, there was a bar in Paris showcasing the Vice-Presidental debates live at 3 am.  I was sold.  This bar did the Presidential debates last week, but I passed out too early to make it there.  This time aroud, I needed to see this.  Heck, I even made a drinking game (which is being printed in AUP’s newspaper woo hoo) out of the event.  We were the first kids at the bar; Roomie, UK, Ireland, and I amongst others.  Eventually more kids came in and before I knew it, people were trying to take our table cause they were running out of room.  Around more than 50 young voters came to the event.  In a city like Paris where they could be doing anything else in the world, it was refreshing to see that the youth abroad still cared about where this country is heading.

For the first time in Paris I found a sense of unity.  It was a gulp of fresh water.  Politics plays such a strong faction of living in Paris.  After I meet Parisians and they ask me my name and where I’m from, the next question 99.5% of the time has nothing to do with how I’m liking the city, or what I’m doing here.  They hear my accent and ask “Obama ou McCain”.  My response is always, “no question.”  But then they go off on a tyrant about their views.  I feel as if I am always constantly trying to defnd my country, which truly is a hard thing to do when there’s what feels like the majority of things I see are distasteful.  Countless of nights have been spent in cab rides home, sitting at pont des arts, in top tier clubs such as Showcase, trying to explain to the french people I meet that politics in the US is vastly different from those in Europe.  Because in the States, it really is six countries under one umbrella government, and virtually impossible to please everyone.  That coupled with what is considered in Europe a highly controversial war and moreover administration, I have always tried to let them see where WE are coming from, why all the media received in France does not neccessarily reflect everything in the States, that this is all a result of the past 20 years and the culture of the American people.  All of this, every night said…and I’m trying to say it in french which is a little difficult.

But last night (technically REALLY early this morning), none of that mattered.  Expats from all over the US were sitting around tables.  True, the majority of them were liberal democrats so there was a concensus of what needs to be accomplished.  But it was so comforting to be speaking with people who are also educated in how things are done in America, be it the way the news spins items, traditional party leaders, and just plain english.  The crowd knew the facts, and knew also what was at stake.

What was annoying though, was watching the TV and thinking that so many people back home actually believe Palin is competent to run this country.  In my opinion, she never answered a question straightforward, and was even admitted to it in the beginning of the program.  What really bothered me though, putting aside her mixing up the situation in the middle east and unable to speak numbers and facts, was her reaction to Joe Biden.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/02/biden-gets-choked-up-talk_n_131449.html

Clearly, this was not in his script.  I’m glad he brought this up.  With so much talk from the McCain camp about “sexism in the media”, what about the sexism they are bringing to light with the “hockey mom” label?  I’m glad Biden took this issue straight on, that it’s not just females who understand family values.  I don’t think Palin saw this one coming, and you can’t fake that.  It’s just not possible.  This is what politics needs again, real emotion that will cause and spark a difference in the legislatures and administrations.  From these emotions, so strong and clearly still alive, things get done.  Palin’s reponse was inappropriate…how do you now emit any empathy for Biden’s situation, but rather try to gloss over what he said as quickly as possible so the focus remains on you.  Do we want a vice-president that doesn’t emit emotion?  Moreover, doens’t emit emotion, but claims she “understands”?  I don’t think so.  It would have looked better for Palin to acknowledge what Biden had said, it’s the human element that voters so crucially look for.

I think that’s really it so far.  It’s strange to be overseas and hear only so little about this election.  On the other hand, I can’t imagine being home right now; what a media circus and bombardment it must be.  I think my biggest issue is that journalists need to start being journalists again.  Don’t be scared of subjectivity, maybe that’s what we need now.  Forget the objective, and just state the truth.  On all accords.

Nuit Blanche this weekend.  Once I have a set schedule in life I will update this more.  It’s on my mind, trust me.