I didn’t think I’d ever return to Las Vegas after a group 40th birthday celebration in 2006. But here I am, back in the crucible, and with more or less the same friends.
Back then we had run the New York Marathon prior and then visited San Francisco and the Sonoma after. A wonderful trip, but 2 nights in Vegas resulted in some of our number bringing forward their flights home, and only a core of resilient souls saw out the Californian leg.
This time golf and watching the NRLs first foray into the US sports market displaced at least some of the partying.
Walking along a Truman Show Venetian canal, I think this will be the last time.
Then again, Las Vegas is like childbirth; memories of its pain recede while all the fun is remembered.
The excesses, peculiarities and illusions of the US system are accentuated in Las Vegas. The American dream, while hanging by a thread for most, is embraced by all and is deeply rooted in its citizens’ sense of identity. For all the superficial glitz and overt wealth, Las Vegas feels precarious.
Vladimir Putin understands better than most, and exploits, these contradictions and the weakness at the heart of the American psyche.
Our driver out to the NRL game is an immaculately presented young black man. He is a handsome rooster, six feet three inches tall yet thin and fine featured. By his own admission he does very well with women visiting Las Vegas looking for a good time. He loves Las Vegas!
He supports Trump because “he does great things for our country” while Biden is “a puppet having his strings pulled”. He is unable to articulate any specific Trump policies upon which he bases his judgment and when asked who is pulling Biden’s strings he can only invoke a vague entity called “the Left”.
I make no statement about the relative merits of Trump and Biden. My point is that the quality of debate has been reduced to sound bites and talking points without substance. Voters are entrenched in their positions no longer understanding, or even interested in a critical exploration of, the issues that impact them.
This dissonance exists most strongly in, indeed seems to emanate from, the business hustle of Las Vegas.
Where I slept: The Venetian: Looking a bit dated now but pretty good for the price.
Where I ate: Tao: Maybe they had an off night.
