Election reaction

Because I am a journalist, I was given access Wednesday to an event I might never witness
again. I got to watch presidential election results
roll in at the US Embassy's party in Beijing.

It started at 8:30 in the morning over here. I hopped in a cab and made my way to a hotel where the event was being hosted. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect.

You had to have your name on a list or pay a bunch of money to the American Chamber of Commerce to get in the door. Thankfully, my name was on the list. As is the norm post 9-11, I had to go through metal detectors and have my bag searched.

Once inside, I was able to get a feel for things. I thought it would mainly be Americans watching the results, but we were almost outnumbered by Chinese. It turns out the Embassy was using the day more as a PR event than a party.

There were all sorts of ways to learn about good ol' Democracy. People could vote in mock booths, watch campaign commercials, even take home fake ballots.

Communists having fun with democracy- the press was eating this up.


Clark Randt, Jr. gave a speech. He is the longest serving US Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (7 years). Seemed like a nice guy. Didn't say anything very political, however.

CNN made its prediction Obama would be our next president right around noon. People (both Chinese and Americans of all ages) were cheering, hugging, snapping pictures and even crying. It was a very moving moment. Even I got a bit teared up. I wouldn't say the feeling was relief so much as overwhelming hope, although I am relieved.

You can watch my short video shot in the minutes after the announcement by clicking here.


It's been a very interesting experience, seeing how the US election is covered internationally. I must admit, I had no idea how interested the rest of the world is in what happens in America. I knew we were a powerful country, but since being here, I really feel that the US is a land of hope and influence.

People stood for hours in line at the US Embassy when I went to cast my ballot. Hundreds and hundreds of Chinese want visas just to come visit our country.

Every news medium, whether it's TV, radio or print had a story about America, especially regarding the election, every single day.

I read a poll over here that said 75% of Chinese supported Obama. They liked him because he was different, young and not George W. Bush. They might not be the most informed about his policies but they knew his name. Can you tell me who the Chinese president is off the top of your head?

We hear a lot about how the world has a negative view of America. I would say that is a minority opinion. Countries aspire to have what we have. People would give anything to live in the US and have the same opportunities as I have had. Expats might not like everything our country does, and I can agree, however, they all know our history, important people and even geography.

Whatever America does, people take notice. The country is still the leader of the free world and hopefully after today, people from all over will begin to believe in it once again.

Good luck President Elect- my thoughts are with you.