Sagabite

Troy told me this funny story about him trying to explain our legal system to a foreigner.  It seems that an American and politics don’t mix:

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Canadians love to discuss American politics:  especially with Americans.  I would be willing to bet that my neighbor helped me shovel snow one day, just so he could pick my brain about whether or not I thought America was ready for a black or female president.

I consider myself savvy when it comes to politics: no expert by a long shot, but fairly well informed.  I have voted in every election since 1976.  I read.  I keep up.

My ignorance of my own political system quickly became apparent when I tried to explain American politics to my Canadian sister-in-law Cheryl.

We were watching primary coverage on CNN in December.  The conversation went something like this:

Cheryl:  “So…what are ‘primaries’ anyway, eh?”
Me:  “Primaries are how the political parties choose their candidates for president.  The candidate who wins the most delegates is the nominee for president from that party.” (An easy one!)

Cheryl:  “What are delegates?”
Me:  “Each state gets a certain number of delegates according to its population.  These delegates go to a convention and cast their votes for one of the nominees.” (I think- two questions and already I am getting confused).

Cheryl:  “Ok…then whoever comes in first is the presidential candidate, and whoever is second is the vice presidential nominee, right?”
Me:  “Well, not necessarily.  The presidential candidate can choose anyone as a running mate.  They could choose me if they wanted to.”

Cheryl:  “Why would they choose you?”
Me:  “They wouldn’t.  The point is they COULD.”  (Couldn’t they?)

Cheryl:  “Why only 2 parties?  Here we have several parties.”
Me:  “We have several as well.  The Green Party, for example.  Or, anyone can run as an independent.”

Cheryl:  “A candidate from the Green Party or an independent could be president?”
Me:  “Well, it would be highly unlikely.  All the 3rd parties do in reality, is draw votes away from one of the 2 dominant parties and make it harder for them to win the election.”

Cheryl:  “Why have them then?”
Me:  “I don’t have the slightest idea.”

Cheryl:  “What are ‘super delegates‘?  And why don’t Michigan and Florida’s votes count for the Democrats?”
Me: “………………..” (Feeling like an idiot, I totally ignored this question.)

Cheryl:  “American elections are just way too confusing.”
Me:  “I couldn’t agree with you more.  Let’s watch some Seinfeld reruns.”