Election Night in Paris

It was strange being an American in Paris last night. The whole city, like the whole world, was fixated on one thing: the United States presidential election. Hordes of people, Americans and French alike, gathered in ex-pat spots around Paris to watch the results, talk politics and celebrate (or commiserate).

I'm a total political junkie and a huge Obama supporter, so I headed with several friends to an all-night Americans Abroad for Obama campaign party. The place was packed, and the excitement hung thick in the air. Huge screens were set up to broadcast CNN election coverage, and a DJ spun favorite dance tunes during the commercial breaks. To stay energized, we chugged Red Bull and munched on imported H&H sesame bagels.

Finally around midnight, the results started coming in. Each time Obama took a state, the crowd erupted in applause and boisterous dancing. When the election was finally called, around 5 a.m., there was mayhem. People were jumping up and down, hugging each other, screaming and crying. I don't think I've ever been so happy or so hopeful in my life.

But in the days leading up to the election, I have to admit I was anxious. Perhaps being abroad had something to do with it. It seemed like everyone I met wanted to talk about the election, the financial crisis and Barack Obama. And even though most of them were French, they were incredibly knowledgeable about American politics. I realized that this wasn't just a U.S. election, it was a GLOBAL election, but only we had the right to vote in it. I felt like my French friends were counting on me (and my country) to make the right choice. If the loads of Obama signs hanging around Paris today are any indication, I think they're happy with our decision.

Bisous,
Jess
CosmoGirl Travel Blogger