29 October 2009

Expatica ran a survey for a week in late October asking: What does it feel like to be an American abroad during the US presidential election? Thirty-six people responded and the following is a brief summary of the results.

Disconnected
The most popular response among poll takers was feeling disconnected, left out or alone during election season.

“I definitely have felt a little disconnected from the political race. I rarely talk about politics with anyone here and if and when I do it's usually explaining how it works or why the race is so crazy and such a spectacle. But what has made this election surreal for me is pulling all-nighters to watch live debates,” said Silas Crews, an American from Pennsylvania now living in the Netherlands.

Distanced
Living geographically far from home can be especially challenging for those who are excited about politics. “I feel left out. I really want to be home rallying, discussing, volunteering and debating during these monumental times. I'm a bit sad because this election will, either way, go down in the history books like no other and I'm not there to soak it all up,” said a respondent from Illinois, now living in the Netherlands.

Isolated
Some American conservatives feel isolated living in comparatively liberal European countries. “I feel like I'm one of the few Republicans stranded on an island full liberals,” said Jeff Lodge, a US citizen from Michigan, now living in Germany.

In the spotlight
Although more of an observation than a feeling, a majority of participants noted receiving extra attention from European friends and colleagues in response to the presidential election. A respondent from Tennessee, now living in the Netherlands, said the experience is, “A little like being in the spotlight yourself. This is such an important election and everyone wants to know your opinion. They think because you are American you are an expert on every issue. People tend to forget just how big America really is and serving the interests of so many people is not an easy task.”

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