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Last Updated: Nov 5th, 2008 - 19:39:27 |
Americans were not the only ones glued to the election news on Nov. 4.
And Americans were not the only ones rooting for Barack Obama.
From packed bars in Europe to public spaces in Africa, South America and Asia, groups of people gathered to cheer for Obama, many inspired by his promise of change in U.S. foreign policy and the idea of the first black president.
According to a simulated world election conducted by a British weekly business magazine, the Economist, with more than 50,000 'votes' cast, Obama would have received more than 75 percent of the world's vote. And already statements from numerous leaders to Obama have been pouring in.
"By choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said. "At a time when all of us must face huge challenges together, your election raises great hope in France, in Europe and elsewhere in the world."
A similar sentiment was echoed by European Commission Chief, Jose Manuel Barroso, who said it was time for "a renewed commitment between Europe and the United States."
"We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal of a new world," Borroso said.
In Africa there was perhaps a touch more delight in the Obama victory.
"This is a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya," said Kenyan President, Mwai Kibaki, in a statement to Obama.
Kibaki said because of Obama's roots in Kenya, his victory was also a victory for the east African nation. "Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."
Metro African-American studies professor Lucas Shamala, who moved to Denver 12 years ago from Kenya, said in an interview before the results were in, that he had received calls in the last couple days from friends and family all over Africa asking him to make sure Obama wins the election, not to mention numerous calls from concerned students.
"They feel that this is a very special moment – when they look at him they see someone who is international looking … they see the fact that he has come from humble roots … they see someone like Martin Luther King Jr.," Shamala said. "And it is not just him – even who he is – that is important. It is what he represents that is most important – he represents hope, he represents prosperity, he represents opportunity."
But even at noon on Tuesday with the first polling pointing to an Obama victory, Shamala said many he talked to were reluctant to believe it would really happen. Tuesday night, after the Obama's acceptance speech, Shamala again talked to dozens of people from Denver to Africa, many of which cried on the phone.
"My brother in Kenya was so happy, he couldn't believe it," Shamala said. "Everybody in Kenya is dancing and crying."
Shamala said that especially for Africans, the election of Obama, and even that he had made it as far as the primaries had given them the feeling they were somehow more included in the global community. And even the more skeptical have softened.
"One of my students called me … He believes in all these government conspiracies against blacks and even he said he was very moved," Shamala said.
But expectations of the next U.S president are high, and with a long list of problems facing the world, any new president would have his or her work cut out for them.
Obama takes over at a time when U.S. foreign relations are at perhaps an all time low.
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have drawn out longer than expected, straining partnerships with even our closest allies.
"For those who have become disenchanted with America – including many Americans – (Obama) offers the hope of re-igniting the love affair," said London Mayor Boris Johnson, a conservative. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the election had made history.
And there are numerous other conflicts around the world at crisis level, including Pakistan, Somalia, the Congo and Zimbabwe. All this when most major economies are suffering the consequences of a banking crisis, leaving less financial backing for involvement in other countries' business.
Shamala cautions that some of the expectations of Obama are too high.
"He is only one man," Shamala said, adding in his acceptance speech, Obama spoke to the need for the people of America and also the people of the world to work together to solve our common problems. "Obama has opened the door – now we all need to pick up the mantle and do something. We all need to take part."
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