I have been very excited about this election since I knew a woman would be elected. I love Mexico and have many friends there. But I have at least one friend who is very anti- Morena and hates AMLO. Me, tending to the left, I like Claudia. I do have problems with AMLO. But still as I think about it - is it OK that I'm excited that a woman won. I mean, what if it was someone like Sarah Palin? What a disaster that would be.
I have hope that Claudia is not AMLO. That she is smarter. That she will address the cartel situation. That she will do something about the journalists and candidates who have been murdered.
I share your sentiments pretty much exactly, Duwan. I don't think that Claudia is like Sarah Palin, however. Everything I've read about her suggests that she has truly progressive and pro-climate attitudes. This alone gives me hope. What doesn't give me hope is AMLO's legacy of pretty much doing nothing about the escalating waves of violence. We will see, indeed. Thank you for your comment.
Good overview. But I'm sorry to say it's hard for me to go full-bore into happiness mode w/ the elections as they can so often be--for lack of a better word--thorny. Even the results of 2000 race which Everyone was simply glowing about when Fox/PAN won—well, all I'll say is after reading Anabel Hernandez' book/exposé post election, I was less than elated—actually shocked. Also, this year's # of candidates assassinated reminded me when Colosio was murdered at a rally in TJ all those years ago. I was so saddened by his death. Mx politics is a dangerous game, even at small time levels. But of course Colosio was presidential material. Just saying.
My interest in Mexican politics (or any politics) waxes and wanes. I think this is more of an interesting cultural moment than a political one. I do try to shine a positive light though, even if that light is incredibly dim (I'm much more of an optimist in my writing than I am in real life, I wonder what that says...)
You definitely do and that’s a good thing, positivity. And I’m glad you covered it bc it truly is an historic moment and important to record. I hate to be the grumpy one here. I was just so elated re Fox in 2000 as was everyone, then esp in Cancun, a lot came out—but as always, time will be the great decider, no?
It will indeed. I just hope that Mexico can turn the tide on this cycle of corruption and violence. It will require a sea change in terms of priority and action, and I’m just not certain that such a change is anywhere on the horizon.
Let’s hope so. The pundits say the economy has grown and things are looking up. So for now, gonna take it at face value. We’re in the honeymoon phase—better enjoy while it lasts ):
There was never any way of knowing whether Colosio would follow through on his promises, and as it was, they were no more than opening up the PRI to more internal "democracy". As for his program, it was just another neo-liberal "end of history" agenda, not all that different from those in other countries at the time.
Great article Mike, it's going to be interesting how she'll handle the relationship with the two other amigos in Trudeau and Biden, although it will be more on Biden given that he's facing massive pressure over what's happening on the US-Mexico border from the Republicans. Interestingly enough, David Frum (Bush's speechwriter most famous for the axis of evil speech), wrote an article on the Sheinbaum victory, I wonder what you make of the article. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/06/failing-state-mexico-sheinbaum/678585/
I started to read the article up to the point where I needed to invest in a subscription. Not sure what to think or feel. I am looking for more information or fanciful crystal-ball divining. Perhaps a television news shows...So little I can get even living on the border with Mexico. I am glad you sparked a good conversation, Mike. I will go back and re-read your past articles named, Here, Here, Here and Here.
I'm not very good at coming up with article names - "Here" usually sounds like a winner to me. I think crystal-ball divining is as good as anything else when trying to understand Mexico's politics 😉. Thanks for the comment, Elva!
Well, it wasn't old news to me, Mike. I haven't checked anything on the news since Sunday. Thanks for the update, and while Mexico has a good ways to go yet in terms of improvement (don't we all?), this seems like a step in a positive direction.
Thanks, Victor. Yeah, Mexico isn't going to "fix" all its problems with one change of administration. Baby steps, as they say. And hopefully this is a step in a positive direction.
You forgot the part about how 36 candidates were MURDERED before the election. Untold ballot boxes stolen, cartels bullying the polling sites, Tijuana not even opening, even in Queretaro they knocked off polls (as usual) and US consulates not allowing Mexicans to vote in San Diego. Lackluster competition. Fair and Square! 60%! Also notable was how she announced her win before the polls closed in most states. But the canvassing of posters from her well funded campaign alone told the story. This is what they call Selected, not Elected. Also known as the NarcoPres. I'll be glad when we can get to a place where people will be judged on their character and not on their gender, color of their skin, sexual orientation or religion. Who was it that said---oh yes. MLK. We've learned nothing. Politics is at a fever pitch of corruption and frankly they're not even trying to make it interesting. Here at least. The theater of the goon squad in the US is entertaining. The Jewish part and the female part are red herrings. Femicide takes the lives of 10 women a day in Mexico and few are prosecuted. That's more remarkable than changing the gender of the puppet. Ever heard a speech from her that didn't come out of the AMLO can? Of course not. And as you wrote...people are more prosperous than ever and wages are up ---and crime is at an all time high---did a light bulb go on? Trickle down economics. From look the other way border agents that don't have the dope dog sniff the undercarriage to don't ask questions about the pill presses to make the Fenty to run north of the border. Nothing to see here. But yay! Look a lady boss! (in 2024)
well hell, I missed that. I'll read it again. My bad. But I sure hope she has something else to offer besides being female. (eye roll) but I'm not entirely certain what the president does in the US I'm not going to pretend I know what's going on here. But I know it's not a kinder gentler softer side. They've added more women to the cartel gangs too so it's equal opportunity all around. * you're a good sport Mike :-)
I have been very excited about this election since I knew a woman would be elected. I love Mexico and have many friends there. But I have at least one friend who is very anti- Morena and hates AMLO. Me, tending to the left, I like Claudia. I do have problems with AMLO. But still as I think about it - is it OK that I'm excited that a woman won. I mean, what if it was someone like Sarah Palin? What a disaster that would be.
I have hope that Claudia is not AMLO. That she is smarter. That she will address the cartel situation. That she will do something about the journalists and candidates who have been murdered.
We will see.
I share your sentiments pretty much exactly, Duwan. I don't think that Claudia is like Sarah Palin, however. Everything I've read about her suggests that she has truly progressive and pro-climate attitudes. This alone gives me hope. What doesn't give me hope is AMLO's legacy of pretty much doing nothing about the escalating waves of violence. We will see, indeed. Thank you for your comment.
Good overview. But I'm sorry to say it's hard for me to go full-bore into happiness mode w/ the elections as they can so often be--for lack of a better word--thorny. Even the results of 2000 race which Everyone was simply glowing about when Fox/PAN won—well, all I'll say is after reading Anabel Hernandez' book/exposé post election, I was less than elated—actually shocked. Also, this year's # of candidates assassinated reminded me when Colosio was murdered at a rally in TJ all those years ago. I was so saddened by his death. Mx politics is a dangerous game, even at small time levels. But of course Colosio was presidential material. Just saying.
My interest in Mexican politics (or any politics) waxes and wanes. I think this is more of an interesting cultural moment than a political one. I do try to shine a positive light though, even if that light is incredibly dim (I'm much more of an optimist in my writing than I am in real life, I wonder what that says...)
You definitely do and that’s a good thing, positivity. And I’m glad you covered it bc it truly is an historic moment and important to record. I hate to be the grumpy one here. I was just so elated re Fox in 2000 as was everyone, then esp in Cancun, a lot came out—but as always, time will be the great decider, no?
It will indeed. I just hope that Mexico can turn the tide on this cycle of corruption and violence. It will require a sea change in terms of priority and action, and I’m just not certain that such a change is anywhere on the horizon.
Let’s hope so. The pundits say the economy has grown and things are looking up. So for now, gonna take it at face value. We’re in the honeymoon phase—better enjoy while it lasts ):
There was never any way of knowing whether Colosio would follow through on his promises, and as it was, they were no more than opening up the PRI to more internal "democracy". As for his program, it was just another neo-liberal "end of history" agenda, not all that different from those in other countries at the time.
Great article Mike, it's going to be interesting how she'll handle the relationship with the two other amigos in Trudeau and Biden, although it will be more on Biden given that he's facing massive pressure over what's happening on the US-Mexico border from the Republicans. Interestingly enough, David Frum (Bush's speechwriter most famous for the axis of evil speech), wrote an article on the Sheinbaum victory, I wonder what you make of the article. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/06/failing-state-mexico-sheinbaum/678585/
I haven't read Frum's take on it yet - I'll try to get to it tonight. Thanks for the link!
I started to read the article up to the point where I needed to invest in a subscription. Not sure what to think or feel. I am looking for more information or fanciful crystal-ball divining. Perhaps a television news shows...So little I can get even living on the border with Mexico. I am glad you sparked a good conversation, Mike. I will go back and re-read your past articles named, Here, Here, Here and Here.
I'm not very good at coming up with article names - "Here" usually sounds like a winner to me. I think crystal-ball divining is as good as anything else when trying to understand Mexico's politics 😉. Thanks for the comment, Elva!
Wow - that is awesome! I believe the world would be a better place with more women in leadership positions, so Go Mexico! :-)
Yes, for Mexico, this is progress. Hoping the trend continues :-)
I had heard and was looking forward to your take on it. Here's hoping that the US elects more female leadership soon too!
Yes, and maybe people under the age of 85 too!
Well, it wasn't old news to me, Mike. I haven't checked anything on the news since Sunday. Thanks for the update, and while Mexico has a good ways to go yet in terms of improvement (don't we all?), this seems like a step in a positive direction.
Thanks, Victor. Yeah, Mexico isn't going to "fix" all its problems with one change of administration. Baby steps, as they say. And hopefully this is a step in a positive direction.
You forgot the part about how 36 candidates were MURDERED before the election. Untold ballot boxes stolen, cartels bullying the polling sites, Tijuana not even opening, even in Queretaro they knocked off polls (as usual) and US consulates not allowing Mexicans to vote in San Diego. Lackluster competition. Fair and Square! 60%! Also notable was how she announced her win before the polls closed in most states. But the canvassing of posters from her well funded campaign alone told the story. This is what they call Selected, not Elected. Also known as the NarcoPres. I'll be glad when we can get to a place where people will be judged on their character and not on their gender, color of their skin, sexual orientation or religion. Who was it that said---oh yes. MLK. We've learned nothing. Politics is at a fever pitch of corruption and frankly they're not even trying to make it interesting. Here at least. The theater of the goon squad in the US is entertaining. The Jewish part and the female part are red herrings. Femicide takes the lives of 10 women a day in Mexico and few are prosecuted. That's more remarkable than changing the gender of the puppet. Ever heard a speech from her that didn't come out of the AMLO can? Of course not. And as you wrote...people are more prosperous than ever and wages are up ---and crime is at an all time high---did a light bulb go on? Trickle down economics. From look the other way border agents that don't have the dope dog sniff the undercarriage to don't ask questions about the pill presses to make the Fenty to run north of the border. Nothing to see here. But yay! Look a lady boss! (in 2024)
You slay me, Lola! Actually, I did mention the candidate death toll (which was 37 as of Sunday).
well hell, I missed that. I'll read it again. My bad. But I sure hope she has something else to offer besides being female. (eye roll) but I'm not entirely certain what the president does in the US I'm not going to pretend I know what's going on here. But I know it's not a kinder gentler softer side. They've added more women to the cartel gangs too so it's equal opportunity all around. * you're a good sport Mike :-)