My opinion of the US Presidential elections as a US Expat

@FilAmericanMom

Pleasure to have you back Elle.

They say that politics is boring. This next week will be anything but stateside.

I have a teenage daughter, a swimmer. Very competitive. I go with her to practice / training and competition. Starting at age 10, you can really see that the boys are outpacing the girls becoming taller, faster, stronger. To make a long story short (and this was common sense when we were still living in America): biological women only in women's sports. Biological males should not be allowed in the female locker rooms.
- @FilAmericanMom

I have absolutely no problems with transsexuals on one condition. Nobody gets hurt by whatever they do.

A man who identifies as a woman is still a man until HIS meat and 2 veg have been removed. Even then, they should still be in male only or trans toilets - but ladies spaces MUST still very available.

I have no idea how that idiocy got a foothold in politics, but I'm the daddy of a teenage daughter so I have strong opinions on the subject.

Politicians who support such things should not get anyone's vote.

@FilAmericanMom

I do hope that whoever gets elected can turn the country around, and make life better for Americans both here and abroad.

I know your intent is to appear neutral but there is only one choice where the country can turn around and another where they have had 4 years to turn it around, instead made it worse so at best we remain status quo.

@danfinn

As a neutral observer looking from the outside in its a shame that there is so much misinformation in the US media which has reached steroid levels at this election.

Americans by and large still underestimate the strength of their economy ( European governments envy the US level of growth)

A repected polling outfit,YouGov found that 39% of respondents incorrectly believed the country was in recession. Only 36% said it was not. However perceptions, propagated by the US media, are everything. It would be a supreme irony if the American people elected a candidate on economic misinformation. In every country the economy, ahem, trumps everything else at election time. As the saying goes "It's the economy stupid"

FilAmericanMom said . . . . I do hope that whoever gets elected can turn the country around, and make life better for Americans both here and abroad.

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danfinn also commented . . . . I know your intent is to appear neutral but there is only one choice where the country can turn around and another where they have had 4 years to turn it around, instead made it worse so at best we remain status quo.

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If I remember correctly four years ago F.I.M. made some disparaging thoughts about the Orange appearance of a certain candidate in the last election.

My opinion about competition in sports concerning gender. So Tampons in the men's room is where we are at.  It appears there are now four genders to consider. (1) Male, (2) Female (3) Male to Female (4) Female to Male.

I wonder why why a coach of a women's team would not refuse to compete against a team with a transgender player. Certainly if the coach and her team refused to participate, other coaches would follow suit.

Ever watch Lingerie Football? What would happen if Dick Butkus woke up some morning thought he was a girl?

OR

Suppose Brock Lesnar entered the Lingerie Fighting Championships?

...Ever watch Lingerie Football? What would happen if Dick Butkus woke up some morning thought he was a girl?
OR
Suppose Brock Lesnar entered the Lingerie Fighting Championships? - @Enzyte Bob

Would've loved to have seen these two match up in the recent Olympics.

Now that would get me to watch.

Michelle Tyson USA vs Imane Khelif ALGERIA

@FilAmericanMo Thank you for the insightful post. I could’ve said a better myself you covered one of the topics that I consider concerning. Other  issues are problematic in the US  are the unfettered access to an open border by illegal aliens many of them who are criminals. There is  also real concern for rising crime with criminals going unpunished ,rampant drug addiction and this and woke culture that has overtaken the US. I also hope that the right candidate wins because there’s still time to turn around the USA and keep these negative influences from the rest of the world, including the Philippines.

@Lotus Eater the US economy is not strong right now and inflation is hurting the average working class person(s).  I live in the US five months out of the year and work. I have directly experienced that most of my coworkers have two and sometimes three jobs. That is the only way they can pay their bills and afford to live a  halfway decent lifestyle. No the economy is not doing well. Prices are out of control and inflation is a real problem. Crime, drug addiction and a huge mess at the border are also concerns.

This is not a normal election and the fate of America and most likely the fate of the world hangs in the balance,

One side promises to imprison those who disagree if elected.

The other side promises to give those who disagree a seat at the table.

It is up to voters to determine which point of view represents traditional American values and that choice should not be difficult.

This is not a normal election and the fate of America and most likely the fate of the world hangs in the balance,

...................and that choice should not be difficult. - @Moon Dog

The fate of the world will change depending upon which fool wins.

Trump did massive damage to America's position in the world, and he did his best to destroy NATO. Climate activists will hate when he is very likely to do and, considering we have just had a nasty hailstorm in the ruddy tropics, he might well be the catalyst that tips the whole mess into a massive disaster.

As for his opposition, they were pretty much run of the mill, but Biden's war in Ukraine (He was vice president when the CIA removed the internationally recognised, democratically elected, government), along with stealing Russia's money, has accelerated BRICS beyond China's wildest dreams.

Previously neutral nations that trade with China are moving away from the USD in favour of local currencies. They don't want their money stolen as well.

Perhaps the choice is a little more difficult than many Americas realise.

If I remember correctly four years ago F.I.M. made some disparaging thoughts about the Orange appearance of a certain candidate in the last election.
- @Enzyte Bob

Yes I did. But those thoughts were based on information by cable news channels that I used to and thought I could trust. They were also influenced by relatives living in California who believed the narratives by those same media outlets. I would not have made those if I knew then what I know now.

. . . But does that mean I will support him. Not necessarily. It all boils down to policies.

If I remember correctly four years ago F.I.M. made some disparaging thoughts about the Orange appearance of a certain candidate in the last election. - @Enzyte BobYes I did. But those thoughts were based on information by cable news channels that I used to and thought I could trust. They were also influenced by relatives living in California who believed the narratives by those same media outlets. I would not have made those if I knew then what I know now. - @FilAmericanMom

How do you feel about him claiming he won the last election, using prostitutes/having sex with porn stars, cheating on his taxes, and attempting to stop the proceedings to confirm the new democratically elected president?

Also, would you like him to grab you or your daughter by the P....?

Just asking. 😊

A vote for any candidate is a vote that will add legitimacy their history, or at least ignore it.

Welcome back Elle, long time, you are missed by many here.

As this is not supposed to be a political forum all I can say is no matter which party is in power the only ones to be blamed are the people that elected them and it's very easy to whine after the fact, human nature.

Anyway I'm very happy to live my retirement years in paradise but do watch world news on Cignal and we all know where the laughs are these days.

OMO and welcome back FAM.

Cheers, Steve.

This is not a normal election and the fate of America and most likely the fate of the world hangs in the balance,
One side promises to imprison those who disagree if elected.

The other side promises to give those who disagree a seat at the table.

It is up to voters to determine which point of view represents traditional American values and that choice should not be difficult. - @Moon Dog

Yes it's not a normal election. So, which side is which? I think both sides promise to imprison those who disagree if elected. And both sides promise to those who disagree a seat at the table.

This is the first time I've voted while outside the US. I'm done. Not following their campaigns anymore. I already had my say on which point of view represents traditional American values. Surprisingly, that choice was not difficult.

Let it go Fred, your views won't convert the converted. Make your bed and lay in it. We love Sashimi while others hate it.

Thank the gods we are all individuals and manage to make our way in life.

Cheers, Steve.

@Morgacj200424

No the economy is not doing well. Prices are out of control and inflation is a real problem.

I beg to disagree based on the official statistics. You say prices are out of control and yet they are at their lowest (2.1%) since 2021 close to the Feds target rate. Wages have risen in ‘real’ terms by 0.4% which means Joe public’s purchasing power has improved.

Your ‘perceptions ‘ ( talking with a few co workers) bely the facts.

Would that be like the cost of fuel? It was the same world wide and all have suffered, blaming the government is not the answer, delve deeper into what caused this, drill baby drill won't fix it. perhaps a sane world could.

Cheers, Steve.

@danfinnAs a neutral observer looking from the outside in its a shame that there is so much misinformation in the US media which has reached steroid levels at this election.Americans by and large still underestimate the strength of their economy ( European governments envy the US level of growth)A repected polling outfit,YouGov found that 39% of respondents incorrectly believed the country was in recession. Only 36% said it was not. However perceptions, propagated by the US media, are everything. It would be a supreme irony if the American people elected a candidate on economic misinformation. In every country the economy, ahem, trumps everything else at election time. As the saying goes "It's the economy stupid" - @Lotus Eater

Everything you say may be true, maybe not. I am only saying that an incumbent candidate cannot turn the page and start something new given that the incumbents already has had 3-1/2 to 4 years to make such changes, right? So if her ideas are so valuable, why has she not worked with Joe to change them already? I am simply using logic to question these promises of great changes. Incumbents are in a poor position to promise change over the past 4 years that they already f'd up.

Welcome back Elle, long time, you are missed by many here.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Thank you. I guessed as much, being the only rose among the thorns. LOL.

Simply a breath of fresh air Elle, nothing less, hope you continue to offer alternative views and contributions, as said welcome back.

Cheers, Steve.

I wonder why why a coach of a women's team would not refuse to compete against a team with a transgender player. Certainly if the coach and her team refused to participate, other coaches would follow suit.

- @Enzyte Bob

Because they will be labelled as a (fill-in-the-term)-phobe or a (something)-ist. They could lose their job. Parents and players are afraid to say or do anything against it.

Let it go Fred, your views won't convert the converted. Make your bed and lay in it. We love Sashimi while others hate it.
Thank the gods we are all individuals and manage to make our way in life.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Here's the thing - I think the pair are idiots, just different flavours of fool.

One destroyed US interests in the world, but the other destroyed US interests in the world in a different way.

I feel sorry for US voters, but I despair at those who take sides. Their poor brains must be really broken.

Lotus Eater said. . . .I beg to disagree based on the official statistics. You say prices are out of control and yet they are at their lowest (2.1%) since 2021 close to the Feds target rate. Wages have risen in ‘real’ terms by 0.4% which means Joe public’s purchasing power has improved.  Your ‘perceptions ‘ ( talking with a few co workers) bely the facts.

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When is a statistic a fact? Never

Whose statistics do you believe? Each month Washington comes out with statistics in 24 pt type, then some time later they make corrections in 6 pt type.

Washington is cooking the books. 0.4% is nothing to brag about over four years.  78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. People are using more credit to subsidize their lost purchasing power.

That A 6% increase over the previous year. (Paycheck to Paycheck)

Credit debt has increased almost 50% since the second quarter of 2021.

My prediction regardless who is elected the economy is going to get worse. Maybe by the time four years have past it will regain to what it is today.

Fred the Red said . . . .

Here's the thing - I think the pair are idiots, just different flavours of fool.
One destroyed US interests in the world, but the other destroyed US interests in the world in a different way.
I feel sorry for US voters, but I despair at those who take sides. Their poor brains must be really broken.

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Fred the Red wanders the Expat Forum, a solitary soul,

With misguide beliefs beyond control.

A whisper of madness, a chilling refrain

A tragic tale of Fred the Reds brain.

My prediction regardless who is elected the economy is going to get worse. - @Enzyte Bob

Let's stay positive, starting with some word salad: We cannot undo what has been done, because what's been done is undoable. The sins of the past are the sins of the past. What we can do is look forward to the future as it happens, and that future starts now. LOL.

Fred the Red said . . . .Here's the thing - I think the pair are idiots, just different flavours of fool.One destroyed US interests in the world, but the other destroyed US interests in the world in a different way.I feel sorry for US voters, but I despair at those who take sides. Their poor brains must be really broken.****************************************Fred the Red wanders the Expat Forum, a solitary soul,With misguide beliefs beyond control.A whisper of madness, a chilling refrainA tragic tale of Fred the Reds brain. - @Enzyte Bob

If I may ask a question, please.

Why Fred the Red?

I'm a strong Tory with a serious 'get off your arse and get things done' outlook.

Just because I think Trump is a twit and his supporters are unlikely to be attacked by zombies (Zombies eat brains), doesn't mean I'm a raving commie.

I think Biden and his lot are equally crap - just differently crap.

You are a symptom of a broken system. You support a fool blindly without the slightest thought about what will happen if he wins. The same applies to the other lot of fanboi supporters.

I also think it's slightly amusing the US right talk about 'reds under the bed' type idiocy when their party colour is red.

Please refrain from labeling or mud slinging on this thread. I started this thread because of another interesting thread which had this request got locked:

"Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the results will affect your life as an expat? Might it affect your decision to stay where you are or return to your home country? What are your worries and hopes? Do you think the result might affect practical issues such as your taxes, pension, or prospects for getting a visa for your spouse (if she/he is not a US citizen)? Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us."

Let's have an open and respectful discussion. Thank you.

It's sad that politics has divided the United States so much in recent times.  While I don't embrace either of the candidates with open arms for different reasons, one side clearly aligns closer with my ideals and whose policies will be more beneficial to me, specifically - especially as I transition from working/saving to retiring/spending.  I take a lot of what I hear and read with a grain of salt, because I firmly believe the media (print, digital, and social) has become useless these days as a form of unbiased reporting.  Couple that with advances in AI, and sometimes it's hard to discern true images/videos from deep fakes.

"Do you think the result might affect practical issues such as your taxes, pension, or prospects for getting a visa for your spouse (if she/he is not a US citizen)?"

No taxes on social security benefits. That sounds like a good policy for current and would-be retirees and pensioners. Most good policies have a catch and a row of asterisks attached though.

Pros and cons according to Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/banning … s-and-cons

That policy will not benefit me. The same with US$25k housing deposit assistance and child tax credit from the other side.

Under Biden and Harris, the American economy is the envy of the world right now

1. 14 million new jobs, more than any other president, vs a net loss for Trump. Most went to US born workers.
2. $156 trillion in household net worth - a record
3. 45% increase in the S&P 500 index, 33% in the Dow
4. Inflation back to 2.4% after pandemic supply chain issues created havoc
5. $350B for state/local to spend on law enforcement
6. Violent crime down 8.3% in 2023 and expected to be the lowest since 1969 in 2024
7. $300B to speed the transition to green energy to stave off the worst effects of climate change and move manufacturing back to the US, including chip manufacturing where several new fabs are being built in my "red"  state of AZ. These are high paying jobs and by the way - Biden did the same for many other "red" states like Kentucky and Tennessee who are building battery manufacturing plants. Yet many of those workers with new high paying jobs will probably cast their vote against Biden because they are caught up in the political hype.
8. 
   

Let's not minimize what will happen to women's rights to their own bodies and healthcare if Republicans win, after Trump put in the 3 conservative Supreme Court Justices who overturned Roe v Wade. Women have already died as a result of doctors waiting to treat them due to fear of arrest.

21 million people now have health care through the Affordable Care Act, something the Trump Administration repeatedly tried to overturn and whittled away at with lawsuits against various provisions of the act. He keeps claiming he has something better, yet when asked on the debate what his plan was to replace it, he only said that he had "concepts of a plan", haha. Great.

As far as "open borders" go, Biden/Harris have initiated over 500 executive actions, many of which were to block immigrants at source countries which takes time due to political negotiations. Levels of illegal crossings have finally began to drop in 2024, after banning illegal entry for asylum seekers - admittedly a bit late. But remember Trump killed the tough bi-partisan border plan, authored by Republican Senator James Lankford, in May - purely for political reasons - so he could campaign against "chaos at the border".

Biggest problem I see with the Biden/Harris administration is they don't toot their own horn, unlike Trump, who takes credit for things he didn't even do and has undermined our election process by repeating his lies about a stolen election ever since he lost in 2020. He threatens our democracy through these lies, creating distrust in the government, and if you look back, all of this polarization, anger and grievance began when Trump started his bid 10 years ago and began speaking about "American carnage".  Seems to me he is the one who started it, and fed the flames.

pnwcyclist said . . . .Under Biden and Harris, the American economy is the envy of the world right now
14 million new jobs, more than any other president, vs a net loss for Trump. Most went to US born workers.
$156 trillion in household net worth - a record
45% increase in the S&P 500 index, 33% in the Dow
Inflation back to 2.4% after pandemic supply chain issues created havoc
$350B for state/local to spend on law enforcement
Violent crime down 8.3% in 2023 and expected to be the lowest since 1969 in 2024
$300B to speed the transition to green energy to stave off the worst effects of climate change and move manufacturing back to the US, including chip manufacturing where several new fabs are being built in my "red" state of AZ. These are high paying jobs and by the way - Biden did the same for many other "red" states like Kentucky and Tennessee who are building battery manufacturing plants. Yet many of those workers with new high paying jobs will probably cast their vote against Biden because they are caught up in the political hype.

Let's not minimize what will happen to women's rights to their own bodies and healthcare if Republicans win, after Trump put in the 3 conservative Supreme Court Justices who overturned Roe v Wade. Women have already died as a result of doctors waiting to treat them due to fear of arrest.

21 million people now have health care through the Affordable Care Act, something the Trump Administration repeatedly tried to overturn and whittled away at with lawsuits against various provisions of the act. He keeps claiming he has something better, yet when asked on the debate what his plan was to replace it, he only said that he had "concepts of a plan", haha. Great.

As far as "open borders" go, Biden/Harris have initiated over 500 executive actions, many of which were to block immigrants at source countries which takes time due to political negotiations. Levels of illegal crossings have finally began to drop in 2024, after banning illegal entry for asylum seekers - admittedly a bit late. But remember Trump killed the tough bi-partisan border plan, authored by Republican Senator James Lankford, in May - purely for political reasons - so he could campaign against "chaos at the border".

Biggest problem I see with the Biden/Harris administration is they don't toot their own horn, unlike Trump, who takes credit for things he didn't even do and has undermined our election process by repeating his lies about a stolen election ever since he lost in 2020. He threatens our democracy through these lies, creating distrust in the government, and if you look back, all of this polarization, anger and grievance began when Trump started his bid 10 years ago and began speaking about "American carnage". Seems to me he is the one who started it, and fed the flames.

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Mostly fiction, you sound like an CNN/MSNBC bot.

The people will speak in several days, lets see if they agree, I think not.

@FilAmericanMom

Nice word salad cackle cackle and all that has been done in the last few years was by the DNC.

Under Biden and Harris, the American economy is the envy of the world right now - @pnwcyclist

Not really.

The US is a slave to its debt, and that leaves it in a very sticky situation that relies totally on world demand for the US Dollar.

When Biden stole Russia's money, that sent shockwaves throughout every country that deals with Russia, China, and other 'enemy' nations.

Even countries like Indonesia that express neutrality are moving away from the Dollar. The advantages of using local currencies far outweigh using USD. No US bank means no US laws to care about, and the exchange rate losses are far smaller.

The USD has lost about 5% of world trade over the last 6 years, but non-dollar trade agreements are on the rise (India and Indonesia signed one a very short  time ago).

Oil transactions were almost 100% USD, but that's dropping rapidly. Countries who use the Dollar are subject to possible sanctions, but local currency transactions are not subject to US law.

Iran and Russia want to sell without foreign interference, and a lot of countries want to  buy cheaper oil from Iran and Russia. Not using the USD is a massive advantage as trade is protected by International laws on piracy, not US sanctions that allow a few nations to seize ships at sea.

The death of the petrodollar is looking more and more likely, and sped up when Saudi (the home of the petrodollar) started non-dollar trade with China.

China is trying to destroy the Dollar's position, and Biden helped them immeasurably when he stole Russia's money.

The upshot for domestic stability in the US is easy enough to work out. US debt will be unpayable, so the Dollar will become a junk currency, and that will give the US a depression that will make the great one look like you lost a dollar on the street.

The debt problem seems to be reported in the US press, but nobody seems to understand the enormity of the problem.

It's like a family maxing out its credit cards to pay off a massive mortgage whilst running the biggest car it can find.

Then income falls and the whole lot collapses. 

Trump threw away your credibility, and Biden (+ his VP) threw fuel onto the fire of mistrust. The pair you have on your ballot papers are a lot like options for ways to commit suicide.

If you consider two things, January 6, 2021 and Project 2025, it is a no brainer.

If you need another incentive, Trump's health is in question, consider who would be president should he have a stroke or die.

Under Biden and Harris, the American economy is the envy of the world right now - @pnwcyclist
Not really.
The US is a slave to its debt, and that leaves it in a very sticky situation that relies totally on world demand for the US Dollar.
When Biden stole Russia's money, that sent shockwaves throughout every country that deals with Russia, China, and other 'enemy' nations.
Even countries like Indonesia that express neutrality are moving away from the Dollar. The advantages of using local currencies far outweigh using USD. No US bank means no US laws to care about, and the exchange rate losses are far smaller.
The USD has lost about 5% of world trade over the last 6 years, but non-dollar trade agreements are on the rise (India and Indonesia signed one a very short time ago).
Oil transactions were almost 100% USD, but that's dropping rapidly. Countries who use the Dollar are subject to possible sanctions, but local currency transactions are not subject to US law.
Iran and Russia want to sell without foreign interference, and a lot of countries want to buy cheaper oil from Iran and Russia. Not using the USD is a massive advantage as trade is protected by International laws on piracy, not US sanctions that allow a few nations to seize ships at sea.
The death of the petrodollar is looking more and more likely, and sped up when Saudi (the home of the petrodollar) started non-dollar trade with China.
China is trying to destroy the Dollar's position, and Biden helped them immeasurably when he stole Russia's money.
The upshot for domestic stability in the US is easy enough to work out. US debt will be unpayable, so the Dollar will become a junk currency, and that will give the US a depression that will make the great one look like you lost a dollar on the street.
The debt problem seems to be reported in the US press, but nobody seems to understand the enormity of the problem.

It's like a family maxing out its credit cards to pay off a massive mortgage whilst running the biggest car it can find.
Then income falls and the whole lot collapses.
Trump threw away your credibility, and Biden (+ his VP) threw fuel onto the fire of mistrust. The pair you have on your ballot papers are a lot like options for ways to commit suicide. - @Fred

I have no idea what relevance this post has to expat matters in the Philippines. More likely it is a TDS spillover from one who cannot contain himself from talking politics. Perhaps the admins have an opinion?

Moon Dog said . . . . If you need another incentive, Trump's health is in question, consider who would be president should he have a stroke or die.

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J.D. Vance

Suppose it was the opposite, then you would have Walz.

This useful information supplied by Losers & Suckers, Deplorables and the Maga Garbage.

The lessor of 2 evils Bob?

Cheers, Steve.

@Moon Dog

Brainwashed by the USA media. Not the first nor the last.