By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
With the U.S. presidential election nearing, Townshippers with dual citizenship are sharing varied perspectives on the state of American politics. Each brings a unique viewpoint on issues surrounding this contentious race, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. In interviews conducted on Oct. 31, Rachel Garber, Evelyn Rose, and George Englebretsen offered insights on topics like political polarization, media influence, and implications for Canada. All voiced concerns about the future of democracy in the United States and its impact globally.
Rachel Garber, a dual citizen with roots in Ohio and Virginia, emphasized that this election feels different due to what she described as an elevated “fear factor.” While she’s voted from Canada through Philadelphia’s mail-in ballot system, Garber notes that not all expats receive ballots smoothly, with friends in states like Idaho and New York experiencing delays. “It varies from state to state,” she observed, reflecting on her relatively problem-free voting experience.
The importance of this election, Garber suggests, extends beyond the traditional issues. “The divisions in the U.S. have always been there,” she explained, “but they’re much more apparent now.” Garber cited long-standing issues of racism and a fear of shifting demographics as core issues driving this polarization. “White people are afraid of the growing majority of brown and black-skinned people,” she said, adding that these tensions now feel more visible and intense.
Evelyn Rose, originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, now living in the Townships, expressed her own frustrations. Visiting family members who remain staunchly Republican has become fraught. “Most of my family are still there, and they’re Republicans,” Rose noted. “They’re going to vote for Trump no matter what.” For Rose, this unwavering allegiance is less about support for Trump and more about a deep-seated opposition to the Democratic Party, which she says some in her family refuse to consider, regardless of Trump’s controversies.
Rose sees the media as an additional factor fueling these divides. “Fox News has been lying on there forever and ever,” she argued, emphasizing her trust in more centrist outlets like CNN and ABC. Yet, within her family, “they would never listen to CNN. Never. [CNN are] liars.” Rose observed that the refusal to listen to opposing perspectives contributes to a widening rift that impacts relationships and national stability alike. “There’s talk that if Trump doesn’t win, there could be rioting in the streets,” she warned, noting that such predictions add to a sense of instability.
George Englebretsen, a former Nebraskan who moved to Quebec in the 1960s, expressed a similarly dismal view of the current American political landscape. “It’s amazing that Harris is just tied with Trump,” he said, referring to the close polling figures between the candidates. “Trump has completely corrupted the idea of democracy in the United States.” Englebretsen, who was educated in the States and spent a few years teaching at the University of Colorado, noted that while he can still vote in U.S. elections, he has abstained in recent years. “I have no more use for the United States,” he stated bluntly.
Englebretsen reflected on the origins of today’s hyper-partisan atmosphere, dating it back to Reagan’s presidency. “Before Reagan, there was an idea that both main parties could cooperate now and then,” he recalled. However, Reagan’s policies, particularly his disdain for government involvement, were instrumental in fostering the current distrust. “When Reagan came in, he got a lot of Americans to believe that the government wasn’t there to serve them,” Englebretsen argued, suggesting that this mindset paved the way for today’s divisive rhetoric.
Each interviewee also addressed potential consequences of this election on Canada, underscoring the interconnectedness of the two countries. Garber echoed an old saying from former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau: “When you’re sleeping with an elephant, you notice every move.” Garber expressed her worries about the rise of far-right ideology in Canada, noting recent polls suggesting Trump has more support in Canada than [current Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau. “I’m afraid some of the racist and far-right conspiracy theories are infecting us too,” she said.
Rose similarly voiced fears of global repercussions if Trump were re-elected. She suggested that a shift in U.S. foreign policy could destabilize international alliances, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine. “Once Donald Trump decides he’s no longer going to support Ukraine, then we’re in trouble,” she commented, envisioning a scenario where other nations, including Canada, are pulled into unwanted conflicts.
Reflecting on the overall tone of the campaign, all three expressed a shared sense of unease. Englebretsen argued that if Trump were to win, he would implement a more authoritarian government, replacing civil servants with loyalists. “It would be a disaster for the way the government functions,” he contended, suggesting that such changes could undermine fundamental democratic principles. Rose expressed a related worry, fearing that the outcome of this election, regardless of the winner, could spark further division and even violence within the United States.
Each interview concluded with personal reflections on maintaining hope amid a troubling political climate. Garber summed it up by saying, “I’m not giving up hope. The world has gone through rough times. I don’t know what will come out of this, but I’m hoping that good people won’t stay silent.”
As the U.S. approaches election day, these Townshippers, though living in Canada, feel the reverberations of their home country’s political shifts. Their perspectives underscore the impact of U.S. politics, not just within its borders but also on its closest neighbours and allies.