A Canadian’s take on the American National Party Conventions.

Before I actually talk about the conventions, let me lay some ground work. Full disclosure , I am a proud Canadian living in Canada. So I am talking about these conventions in that context. I have (relatively) small stakes in this years’ American presidential election. This hasn’t stopped me from following things from afar, and watching developments unfold.

I know what values and ideals my parties hold here in the great white north, and where they fit in American politics. To be honest with you, I am left of center, but appreciate moderate discourse and collaboration. Take from that what you will. I have seen how liberals, conservatives, and other parties along the spectrum can challenge each other, critique and call each other out, but still come together to get real work done here at home. That is one of the many things I love about Canada. We can be on opposite ends of the left/right continuum, but still come to an understanding.

With all that said, I couldn’t even bring myself to watch the Republican convention this year. I merely caught clips and stories in the aftermath. Again, I am trying to be truthful. There was so much fear and anger, not just at outside forces, and at real problems blown way out of proportion, but at the Democrats, and their nominee. Why? Why come at those who happen to have a different opinion with such vitriol? Perhaps it’s my Canadian-ness that makes this so confusing to me. Where I come from, the party who comes in second has the job of keeping the governing party in check, so we have less of a need to sling mud perhaps? Although our last election delved into the mudslinging a little. I recognize that politicians and leaders from my side screw things up on a regular basis, and need to be held accountable. I am not saying the Democrats have been perfect, there were and are some rather large mistakes that they will need to correct. However, spreading hate, fear, and chanting for an opposing candidate to be jailed seems mean spirited and unnecessary.

I have many friends and family members that are Conservative, and vote accordingly. I am fairly sure they do not do this out of fear, hatred, and anger, but because they believe that the approach the Conservative party takes to leading and shaping Canada provincially and federally is best. Just like I feel about my party on the Left, the NDP. However, nothing I heard from the Republican convention reflected Republican/Conservative values , as far as I can see.

I am under the impression that “Right wing” or “Conservative” versus “Left wing” or “Liberal” politics has to do with the size you want your government, how much it should intervene in people’s lives, and the policies and underlying values that prioritize those stances. I saw or heard nothing of policy or ideals from the Republicans. I heard fear, anger, and divisiveness. I heard about walls, and crime, and blame. Not how to change things for the better.

Contrast this sharply with the hope, optimism and levelheaded understanding of the Democratic convention a week later. Again, I only caught clips and highlights in the aftermath, so take this with as many grains of salt as you must. However, from what I saw and heard, the Democrats recognized their failures and mistakes when it came to inappropriate emails, and their unfair bias against Bernie Sanders. Those are glaring stains and problems that it seems to me, they are willing to address. Perhaps not to everyone’s total satisfaction, but they admitted where they made a mistake, and pleaded for unity. Beyond that, they emphasized clear, informed and calm visions for the future. As well as highlighting the experience and qualifications of their nominee. Think of her what you will, but Hillary is nothing if not experienced in the world of politics.

I think the things that struck me the most about the Democratic National Convention this year were the speeches made by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, and the President, Barack Obama. I highly encourage listening and watching both speeches, which I will link in a response below if possible. Both spoke with eloquence, heart, intelligence, grace, and real hard won wisdom. Not just about politics, or why Hillary would be a good President, but the hopes they had for their people. Whereas the Republican nominee claimed they were the only one who could fix things, Michelle and Barack spoke of their unshakable faith in Americans. They spoke with passion about all of the good they see, and all of the good that has happened and is happening in their nation. They spoke hope and courage into the roiling miasma of perpetual fear and division that is the twenty four hour news cycle. They talked about ways forward, and addressed concerns of their party, but also spoke of their children, and the sort of nation that they want their children to grow up in. They built bridges, and spoke of coming together all across the ways we love to divide ourselves. Their words elevate the political discourse and call us all regardless of our leanings, to conduct ourselves as citizens with dignity, pride, common sense, decency and boldness.

Whether you agree with their morality, or stance on social issues, you cannot deny that the President and First lady did not stoop to blaming, name calling, or cries to jail their opponent. They did not hate on Republicans. They did call in to question stances and actions of their nominee, but when booing happened, as the President so aptly put it “Don’t boo, vote”. They did not want unwarranted and unbridled hatred, they wanted change for the better, and it was certainly reflected in their speeches, and their convention.

Now there were loud protesters, dissenting voices, and logistical snafus on both sides. However, I think it is telling that the Democrats gave space for victims of recent tragedies to speak, and had musicians and celebrities eager to participate. Whereas for all the Republican nominee’s big talk, no victims of tragedy were present to speak, musicians’ and their estates were angry at the use of songs without permission, and only a few celebs wanted to join in. These may seem like small quibbles, but they spoke volumes to me.

In summation, I want to give a heartfelt Kudos to Hillary Rodham Clinton, and her well deserved candidacy. #ImWithHer. I may have originally #FeltTheBern, but I see that she is a leader of experience and understanding willing to address the concerns of all those who call themselves Democrat. Also, my sincere thank you to Barack and Michelle Obama for their courageous, wise, important speeches. All in all, regardless of who you vote for, can we agree that understanding is better than fear, discourse is better than blame, and bridges are better than walls, please? Thank you.