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The Obama Win - The Aftermath
Some thought a black person would never be elected president of the U.S. But Democrat Barack Obama’s 2008 victory is being hailed as one of the greatest changes the world has ever known—with many people calling it a watershed event.
French President Nicholas Sarkozy has issued a congratulatory letter saying that the U.S. and France will establish a stronger alliance, and Sarkozy looks forward working with Obama.
People are celebrating the election results in the U.S., but the excitement is global. As talk show host (and Obama supporter) Oprah Winfrey said, “Americans did the right thing.” Colin Powell, the 65th Secretary of State (2001-2005) and a Republican, stated, “Obama has succeeded in unifying people of different races and involving new and young voters to become part of the electoral process.”
More than 100 e-mails are in my Bonjour Paris in-box with people’s reactions to the election of Obama. Many of our French readers wanting Obama tee shirts. Some are from American Expats who say they’re thrilled they’ll no longer have to apologize for their nationality because a lot of French people weren’t pro-Bush.
Carlyn Snell, who lives in an apartment overlooking Notre Dame reported, "Americans in Paris are rejoicing, crying and overwhelmed with pride and renewed hope by Barack Obama’s election. Expats are gathering in homes and American bars to celebrate with champagne and share their elation. It is a victory for an American politician, but the world is celebrating with him—and us—because it is also a victory for the international community. Our phone has been ringing with French friends expressing their congratulations—and, considering what many thought of Senator McCain and Governor Palin, relief. The world is not only rejoicing in a new America as much as in a new American president."
Amelia Smith had to see it for herself and biked to Harry's Bar on rue Daunou. It’s been a famous Expat hangout since it opened in 1923. Not only did the Americans have a lot riding on this election, the bar did too. Since 1924, with a break only for WWII, Harry's “Straw Vote”—literally using straws and established as way for Americans away from home to keep involved in the elections—has predicted the winning presidential candidate with almost 100% percent accuracy, getting it wrong only twice: Carter in 1976 and Kerry in 2004.
Before midnight, Amelia reported it was impossible to get into the bar and celebrated with the latecomers with low profiles who were standing outside. “Two doormen were posted at the door, cherry-picking from a line that could have been outside any New York hotspot.”
It was so hard to know which state had gone for Obama that she had to call home on her cell phone for updates. As of midnight Paris time, Harry's was predicting Obama/Biden 258 McCain/Palin 154, Remember, these numbers were as of 6 pm ET and there was still a ways to go before the final tally would be in.
Beth Arnold, a BonjourParis reader and good friend captured the evening for the Huffington Post - Big Bang Obama night in Paris. The French are certainly ready for change and weren’t hesitant about letting their feelings be known.
Ciaran Quinn, an American businessman who moved to Paris 16 years ago, went one step further. He decided he wanted his eight-year-old son (who’s more French than American) to be a part of history. The two flew to New York and Washington, DC, so they could experience the excitement in “real” time rather than six hours later. They went to Obama headquarters and Thomas had his taste of his first U.S. election. By the time the results were announced, Thomas was exhausted. But it’s an experience he’ll always remember, as will so many people throughout the world.
The French have voiced some apprehensions about Obama. According to Paris resident Stacy Smith, there’s great excitement that a black man has been elected president. But they’re concerned over his safety. They are apprehensive about his trade policies and fear his administration might be economic protectionists and would impact contacts with companies such as Airbus. But the majority of the French are saying Americans have awakened and what joy it was to see their joy.
Time will tell what’s to come. But one thing we can count on is there will be change. Barack Obama promised Americans that and the whole world is watching.
© Paris New Media, LLC
