Game over

American politics has always been a mystery to me. Especially the elections. Many things puzzle me.

For example, I wonder why the results are decided by colleges when there are perfectly fine universities out there to make the final call.

Also, as a sports buff, I'm amazed at how many points you need to make it to the top public office. 270! Come on. That's enough to discourage anyone.

And why is the senate so important? In Canada, it is just there to rubber stamp 100% of our house's legislative pieces, the equivalent of catching a home run in the bleachers.

Then there is Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral college votes, but almost 100% of media coverage. My math must be all wrong here.

Close election? A 74-point spread is a sizeable lead in any sport. The equivalent of eight touchdowns (all converted) and six field goals. Not exactly a nail biter.

In Canada, there is no such thing as a swing province. I don't know if you get that from a specific dance tradition or if it's related to your national sport. To me, all states have their chance at bat.

Also, what‘s with the elephant and the donkey? Do these animals actually play a role in politics? What about the blue and red? How do these colors actually influence public policy?

Just two political parties for such a populated country? This is mind boggling. I can count at least five respectable federal parties in Canada and I'm not the type to exaggerate.

What about the election date? Here, November is the month where you don't do anything, let alone vote. It's dark all day and you're happy if you can just get up in the morning and keep your spirits high. Finding the poll station would definitely be a challenge in these conditions.

Healthcare must be the thing that amazes me the most. In Canada, everybody wants it and before COVID-19, nobody was scared of it. In the US, it seems like many people see it as something bad to stay away from. Protecting people against it looks like a sensible thing to do. I will need serious coaching to help me with this one. Fortunately, I am eager to learn.

I may be your neighbor, but before I invite you to my house, there will have to be a vaccine, the border will need to be opened up, but most of all, a lot of questions will have to be answered.

Canadian hospitality is great, and American friendships are the best out there, we just need to talk a little before being best buddies.