In just over a year's time the citizen's of the United States will be asked to cast their vote or to be strictly correct cast their numerous votes (if their various state voting system allows them) on the various federal and state positions of public office that help oversee American society. Understandably, the main focus will be on who will take over the central role in the latest version of the Oval Office, however, before we can even begin to watch this particular blockbuster, the episodic contest over who will represent the two great political parties in the main feature plays to different audiences in numerous 'theatres' around this vast nation. The cast of players on view remains a little one sided at present since the Democrats seem to have only five possibly six people willing to take a part whereas the Republicans have ended up with seventeen appearing at the initial auditions, two having subsequently decided to spend more time with their family as the part offered no longer seemed that (lucrative) attractive. However, this has not stopped the American public demanding to see and hear more from the latest series of this political Punch and Judy show as chants of 'oh no you can't oh yes I can', ring round the various auditoriums.
As Hilary continues her quest to play the main role in a serious if not lofty manner the main opportunity for 'laughs' are left to the new town clown of Republican politics Donald 'Duck' Trump who has decided either consciously or not - take your pick - to take his part very studiously by besmirching, belittling and ridiculing Women, Immigrants, Muslims, and his own fellow Republican political actors in no particular order. The outcome of these often racial and misogynistic reviews so far has been that the voices of 'professional' actors Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz et al have largely been drowned out by the continuing laughter from the back rows as Donald continues to suggest that his political understanding is as real as his hair. Moreover, since he is a white self made 'successful' business man he is the true representation of America and not a made up bit player of dubious origins and beginnings.
Some critics suggest that this political pantomime will soon give way to a more serious focus as the clock ticks towards first night and as the financial backers demand a cast that 'guarantees' them a long run and a healthy return on their investment. However, what does this ever lengthening and often grubby election process tell us about US politics? Firstly, that this reminds us that this political process is often unseemly but usually this part of the play gets shielded from the audience. Secondly, that neither party is in 'great shape'. It has been assumed for far too long that Hilary will get the Democrat ticket and that in part this has damaged her cause since this condition suggests a 'stitched up deal' that lacks a sense of transparency, democracy and legitimacy that most voters wish for but few actually receive. Since, do we really think that Bernie Sanders an independent and a 'socialist' stands a chance? Finally, that this comedic side of the political process only masks a growing weakness within the US political structure - a lack of genuine ability or facility to deal with the real systemic challenges of inequality, climate change and continual and continuing conflict. None of those issues we should find funny.
KK
As Hilary continues her quest to play the main role in a serious if not lofty manner the main opportunity for 'laughs' are left to the new town clown of Republican politics Donald 'Duck' Trump who has decided either consciously or not - take your pick - to take his part very studiously by besmirching, belittling and ridiculing Women, Immigrants, Muslims, and his own fellow Republican political actors in no particular order. The outcome of these often racial and misogynistic reviews so far has been that the voices of 'professional' actors Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz et al have largely been drowned out by the continuing laughter from the back rows as Donald continues to suggest that his political understanding is as real as his hair. Moreover, since he is a white self made 'successful' business man he is the true representation of America and not a made up bit player of dubious origins and beginnings.
Some critics suggest that this political pantomime will soon give way to a more serious focus as the clock ticks towards first night and as the financial backers demand a cast that 'guarantees' them a long run and a healthy return on their investment. However, what does this ever lengthening and often grubby election process tell us about US politics? Firstly, that this reminds us that this political process is often unseemly but usually this part of the play gets shielded from the audience. Secondly, that neither party is in 'great shape'. It has been assumed for far too long that Hilary will get the Democrat ticket and that in part this has damaged her cause since this condition suggests a 'stitched up deal' that lacks a sense of transparency, democracy and legitimacy that most voters wish for but few actually receive. Since, do we really think that Bernie Sanders an independent and a 'socialist' stands a chance? Finally, that this comedic side of the political process only masks a growing weakness within the US political structure - a lack of genuine ability or facility to deal with the real systemic challenges of inequality, climate change and continual and continuing conflict. None of those issues we should find funny.
KK
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