The U.S. is a βfat buffalo trying to take a napβ as hungry wolves approach, the European ambassador mused.
βI can hear those Champagne bottle corks popping in Moscow β like itβs Christmas every fucking day.β
As voters cast ballots in the Iowa caucuses Monday, many in the United States see this yearβs presidential election as a test of American democracy.
But, in a series of conversations with a dozen current and former diplomats, I sensed that to many of our friends abroad, the U.S. is already failing that test.
The diplomats are aghast that so many U.S. leaders let their zeal for partisan politics prevent the basic functions of government.
Itβs a major topic of conversations at their private dinners and gatherings.
Many of those I talked to were granted anonymity to be as candid with me as they are with each other.