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It is hard not to notice how smoothly and efficiently and civilly Britain changes her leaders. And then, though the apparent linguistic implication could be entirely incidental, one can't help noticing her political lingo: stand for election - an ocean of contrast to the American hectic run for office. (Though in the latest cycle, Brits didn't even need an election to speak of.)
Was there a time when Americans also (mostly) stood? When, which elections ?
RobertB asked: Was there a time when Americans also (mostly) stood? When, which elections ?
I think that may be primarily a British English thing. I just ran a search on Ngrams, and only found this one example for the USA. And it was for judges, not for the presidency. As it was the year 1893, that might still be a hold-over from BE. In the case of presidents, senators, and representatives, I've only heard "run for office." But then, the USA is a highly competitive (and "hectic" as you put it) society ... especially when it comes to beating an ideological opponent. Likewise for sports, business, and academia. Would that we could be as "civil" as the UK ... I've been embarrassed by the tactics used in the last few presidential election cycles.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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