Elections 2008

Okay, so, being the political junky that I am, I have to say a word about the elections. It is a little weird, because there isn't as much anticipation here about the US elections. I have been watching enough coverage online and in the news and talking about it with enough other students to generate some excitement, though.

To me, it is very interesting being in a European country while all of this is happening (as much as I would DIE to see Obama speak in Chicago today!). From what I've heard, Europe wants Obama to win. I even saw a headline yesterday that said "La gente y el gobierno de España quiere que Obama gane" (The people and government of Spain want Obama to win). They don't mess around.

To be honest, I think a lot of the world sees this election as a new opportunity for the United States. For the past 8 years we have basically isolated ourselves from the rest of the world and ignored the practice of diplomacy...especially with the countries of Europe. As much as we in the states avoid the issue, Obama's race is also being taken in to consideration in a big way here. If he is elected, it is a big sign to the rest of the world that the United States have come a long way. I hear there was a lecture at la Universidad Complutense (my school) about the elections, and there were several comments made that the US is not ready for a black president.

It is also amazing to me how many newspapers here have OUR elections as the frontpage. That would never happen in the United States. Someone was also telling me how she heard two older women comparing John McCain and Obama on the bus this morning.

I will probably have to stay up all night to see the results, but that is a challenge I am willing to face :). Some other students are planning on finding an Irish pub (which really are American) to watch the elections, which might be interesting. If not, I have been able to find live coverage online. Unfortunately, we are 7 hours ahead of all of you.

All of this being said, please VOTE today. No matter who you vote for, too many people have fought for this right for you to pass it up. Take the time, stand in line, and VOTE. I've heard of a lot of things that have been going out trying to intimidate voters or confuse them, and it amazes me that these kinds of things can happen in "the world's greatest democracy." Unfortunately, it's happening. The good news is, we can make it right, we have a VOICE. We just have to VOTE!!!!!