Election Reflection: Elana Waldstein C'18
Experiencing this election abroad in Cape Town has given me a really unique understanding of how vital and far-reaching the results of this election were. My friends and I here are all avid Hillary supporters, meaning we still spent an enormous amount of time discussing US politics and news while being so far away—because despite the distance and time-difference, it turns out the rest of the world is just as tuned in to American matters as we are. Because this election wasn’t just about us, and living abroad has illuminated how widespread the America’s reach is on the entire world. The next leader of our country would set a new precedent on how to address and eradicate growing discrimination, social unrest and injustice, especially matters that we share with South Africa such as race and gender inequality. Not to mention our market power, and the stability required to maintain financial growth and to continue to support economies around the world that are reliant on US aid. Nearly every South African I’ve spoken to here, once they realized I was American, made sure to put a plug in for Hillary and encourage US voters to make the right choice. Because whomever would end up winning, people here would have to deal with the results as well—they were counting on us to make the right decision.