Pre-election reflection:
I knew Obamania had spread across “the pond” when, about a month ago, I was in a small taxi on a narrow cobblestone road in the Dutch village of Naarden-Vesting (pop. 2,000) and we drove past a rowhouse whose window was adorned with an official “Obama ’08” poster.
In London, where I now live, it’s hard to have a conversation with someone without the topic of the U.S. election coming up. In a town of many newspapers, Londoners perhaps have read as much about the election as many well-read Americans. And they all (politely) urge you to vote.
“I don’t think mainland Americans realize how important this election is to the rest of the world,” an American who’s lived in London two years told me.
On top of the popularity of the U.S. election, Europeans seem to overwhelmingly back Barack Obama. Even in the financial industry, everyone I’ve spoken with has been for Obama-or at least has seen in Sarah Palin a woman who could continue George W. Bush’s reign as an under-qualified leader.
Many here are so excited, they plan to stay up to watch election returns, even into the wee hours of the morning. I’d bet there’ll be a light on well into the night Tuesday at that little rowhouse in Naarden-Vesting.
As for voting over here, it’s fairly simple and quick. We faxed in forms to register to vote absentee, and I chose to get my ballot via e-mail. A few days later it arrived; I printed it out and filled it in, then mailed it back to Cook County. You can also send it for free at the Embassy.
Post-election addendum:
People here are ecstatic-in fact, people all over the world are. My colleague is Vietnamese and she’s had people send her text messages all day saying, “Way to go USA!”
Drew Carter is a former WJ reporter who now works for Crains and lives in London.