We just had an election. The U.S. is about to have an election. The U.S. election campaign has been going on for what seems like a couple of years now. The Canadian one lasted five weeks (as legislated).

Having elections running at the same time in both of our countries allowed me to see some of the differences between the level of political engagement by citizens. Beyond the differences in campaiging time, even.

I don't watch much TV, but from what I've seen, people in the U.S. strongly advocate their political views, even on talk shows that, if they were Canadian, would be fiercly neutral. Canadian television personalities rarely endorse candidates. Sometimes you will see certain issues being raised or put forward by various groups (such as a bunch of angry artists this time around who had just had some kind of funding program cut). But you won't see people like Elizabeth Hasselbeck (sp??) going to a party convention and introducing the candidate for Prime Minister.

But the best part is the paraphernalia. You see election signs sporting various candidate names and parties spattered around here and there in Canada. On the other hand, I have not been to the U.S. since before all the campaigning began, but I have in my house an Obama bobble head and an Obama keychain. I hear tell that you can also get finger puppets. I would like a finger puppet, but I don't think I know anyone heading across the border again before the election.

Not that I asked for a bobble head to be brought back (or a keychain for that matter). They actually showed up in lieu of the finger puppet I had requested.

I CANNOT imagine a Stephen Harper doll or Gilles Duceppe mug being sold here. Although I might be interested in a Gilles Duceppe mug for the sheer kitsch value of it. That would be awesome.

We are just so low-key here. I am sometimes frustrated by the lack of Canadian enthusiasm for political battles. Fortunately, American politics is almost as much a Canadian spectator sport as hockey. I, for one, will be in front of the TV on Tuesday night with my popcorn and hot chocolate, rooting for my "team". It will be awesome. I hope I get to see Elizabeth Hasselbeck yelling at Joy Behar again for her (what I see as perfectly reasonable) views again before it happens.

Yay American politics!!!!!!!!!