World reactions to the U.S. Election

Noted on November 7, 2008 by Natanya in

We've asked interns currently abroad to share their stories from the recent U.S. election. See what they say.

Julie Pliska, Ecuador: "People in Ecuador seem to be happy with the change. It has been brought up by many of the doctors that we have been working with, and all in all everyone seems positive."

Matt Flax, Shanghai, China: "I was at work while the results were coming in. All morning coworkers asked me for updates. At Noon, a friend of mine from Switzerland who is also here in Shanghai sent me a MSN message saying NBC had declared Obama the winner. His next instant message said only “Champagne.” I was extremely happy, and instantly let my coworkers know. Throughout the day yesterday and today people in my office came up to me and congratulated me, the only American in the office. Many not even knowing that I had voted for Obama. The reaction here is been of great excitement and hope for future of the United States, China, and the world."

Tiffany Reagan, Dublin, Ireland: "The reaction to election in Dublin has been phenomenal. It seemed like a completely different city on Nov. 5. Every newspaper and tabloid had Barack on the cover and everyone was abnormally cheerful on the street. For the first three hours of the work day, the whole office discussed the election, watched videos and read news online. My coworkers all congratulated me and said, "Well done Tiff" like I had cast the deciding vote. At lunch, every table in the restaurant was discussing politics. The Irish are very hopeful about the future of America. It's a wonderful atmosphere to be a part of."

Brian Harvey, London, England: "It's been strange. I live with a bunch of Americans and they all seem to be pretty pleased. A couple of them said when they watched the results together that they cried. The locals have pretty much either been completely unphased, or have asked me how I feel about having a "black president." I got my hair cut by a Bulgarian man just hours after the results of the election were finalized. He still didn't care who was in office as long as there was no more war. I'm in a similar boat. There isn't much banter about Obama changing the world, just no more Bush. "