The American presidential election (12)
This evening, I came as close as I’m personally going to get to the American presidential race. I turned up at Porchester Hall in Bayswater in central London where Democrats Abroad were organising a ballot for Americans living in London. Apparently in 2004, 650 Democrats took the chance to vote in London; tonight it was many more.
I had to stand in a long queue – a line for you Americans – before I could gain entry to the hall. The Obama supporters were much more in evidence at the entrance to the hall chanting “Fired up! Ready to go! Yes we can!” The group pf three young friends immediately in front of me were still debating the merits of the candidates. The guy had had Obama as his State Senator in Illinois and was a clear fan but the two women said that they had still not made up their minds.
By the time I gained access to the Hall, the speeches were over but there was still a great atmosphere. In the main room, one end was decked out with Obama material and the other with Clinton signage. One of my favourite posters announced: “Another mama for Obama”. One table was selling Barack and Hillary cookies (although their pictures were not edible and were to be stuck on a wall behind).
There was a substantial media presence – about 100 covered the event – including former BBC journalist Robin Oakley reporting for CNN. The atmosphere was one of palpable excitement. People there knew that this election is different and there was a sense of enthusiasm and hope.
The actual voting was far from secret. Americans had to show their passport and register with Democrats Abroad. The voter puts his or her name and address on the ballot paper. Then the ballot paper is placed in one of four boxes on the stage in full view: one marked Clinton, one marked Obama, a third marked Edwards, Biden, Kucinich, Richardson, Uncommitted, and a fourth simply stating Anonymous.
Although British and having no vote, I was at the Porchester Hall as a guest of my good American friend Eric Lee – a fierce supporter of John Edwards who, in spite of Edwards withdrawal from the race, still voted for his man [for his reasoning, see here].
So I’m home now and will stay up to watch at least the early results on BBC24 and CNN.