Member-only story
The Question Most Asked at Oktoberfest 2024
Admittedly, it’s not easy writing today. The thoughts struggle a bit to form easily communicated ideas on my keyboard, and my fingers are hesitant to pick out the correct keys. Yesterday was a full day at the Oktoberfest. Five liters of wonderfully fresh beer and a couple of plates of grilled ox take a toll. With my head still beating from the music and my voice hoarse from singing, I woke up trying to recall how I answered THAT question. Was my answer sufficient enough?
Since arriving in Munich on Wednesday, I have been asked at least a dozen times, “Has America gone crazy? Why does it seem Trump can still win?” People laugh at us and at America but also fear what a Trump win could mean for the world.
Having this question asked repeatedly by so many people is not as surprising as it is annoying. With the music blaring and glasses clinking as you slide your knife and fork into the crispy half of a grilled chicken, that question cuts through the festivities and reaches you. A couple of times, I pretended that I missed the words. Smiling, I pounded my fist on the table and raised my rapidly disappearing Mass of beer into the air. Prost, I shouted!
“Why is America choosing Trump?” The question has been directed precisely at me. I can’t miss it and…
