A Namibian Prespective on the USA Elections 2008

From the time we landed in Jo'burg in August we have been asked by almost every person we met what our views are on the Presidential Election. Does Obama really have a chance? Would America elect a black man? Does America care about the world? Why do you think American democracy is the only democracy?

However, these conversations are never typical. The people here are more informed about the issues than many Americans; both domestic and international policies. To the people of Namibia, and in developing nations across the world, what America does directly impacts their life. I had never understood the power of the United States until I came abroad. People here actively follow our economy and politics. Sadly, most people in Namibia fear our government and consider the United States one of the greatest threats to their democracy and growth. This can be attributed to the foreign policy designed and carried out by the Bush administration and the conditionalites imposed by the United States through International Financial Institutions.

Most of you know how disappointed I was to miss this election. I feared that I would miss out on the emotional impact of this historic election. I have also worked with the Obama campaign at Beloit and was disappointed that I would not be able to 'make a difference'. Yet, I feel completely invigorated and grateful to see the 2008 Election through the worlds view.

Everyday there is coverage in Namibian press about the election. People discussed it constantly. Thankfully, our program director fixed our TV last week. Its the first time it has worked since we have been in Windhoek!! We were able to watch CNN International and other local programs discussing the election! I was amazed to see that the only news on TV this past week was coverage of the US elections. There is a potential civil war in the Congo and continued disruptions in Zimbabwe but the only thing discussed was our elections. I truly was ignorant about the impact the USA has on the world.

People in Namibia strongly supported Obama. Not only because he is black but because they believe he will listen to the developing nations concerns and needs. Namibians see Obama as a diplomat that they do not need to fear.

Last night our group went to the US Cultural Center downtown. The Cultural Center is an extension office of the US Embassy in Windhoek and we were invited to watch news coverage of the election with fellow Americans. It was very neat to attend this event. The center was covered in red, white, and blue and had an equal number of McCain and Obama signs. Abroad, the Embassies and their employees do not endorse any candidate or party. Instead, they endorse the democratic process. We only stayed for a couple hours but I will never forget the excitement of watching an election abroad. Many Namibians attended too and it was great to hear their views not only on politics but on the electoral system.

Of course, a few of us stayed up ALL night to watch the results come in. At 6am we witnessed, with the world, the election of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States of America. We were all inspired and in awe of our country. After spending 3 months in a region that fears American Democracy and struggling to defend our country against critics we finally felt proud and honored to be Americans in Namibia. Most of us cried during the acceptance speech.

It wasn't too long after the results came in that people driving by our house began to honk and cheer. Windhoek is a small city and everyone in our neighboorhood knows Americans live here. As I was walking to my internship this morning with my Obama pin attached to my bag I could not stop smiling. People on the street smiled at me and kept saying, "Obama!". At one point a woman, dressed in traditional Herero clothes, walked past me then came back. She touched my arm and pulled me into a hug. She kissed my check and said, "Thank you. Thank you so very much my Dear". I just stood in the middle of the sidewalk on Independence Avenue and soaked up the significance of electing Obama as the President of the USA. At the Electoral Commission people congratulated me on the success of the elections; they were free and fair. An older gentleman came in just shaking his head. He kept saying, " A black man is the most powerful man in the world. I never thought I would see this day". He spent his life living under apartheid.

Namibians are rejoicing right now. In part because of Obama's ancestry and, in part, because they are optimistic about the future of the world. Our decision to elect Obama has reassured the world about our commitment to democracy, equality, and freedom. The attitude towards America abroad was changed in an instant. People are no longer afraid; they are excited. People view America as an ally again instead of the enemy.

Who knows how long this attitude will last. President Elect Obama is only one man but the dream of his presidency has inspired the world. America effects the lives of people around the world. It is nearly impossible to describe the elation seen by Namibians today. I am inspired by their thoughtful and careful analysis of the issues and their continued commitment to democracy. Witnessing a Presidential election abroad was one of the most exciting and influential events of my trip. I felt a connection to every person today and realized how small the world is. One event can change the course of history. I believe we changed the direction of the world today with a simple election. Its an honor to be an American abroad right now and be allowed the opportunity to discuss why the United States is such an incredible country with exceptional ideals.