Tuesday, November 04, 2008

French Obamania


During my stay in the US last week, I often got the question "and what do you think about the US elections in France?" I kept saying that there was very little discussion among the French, whether they traditionally support the right or the left wing, about 80% of them would vote for Obama if they were Americans. Last evening (Monday) there was even a small demonstration on the Trocadero esplanade in favor of him (yes Suzy, the little blue ray above the head of the woman in the middle belongs to the Eiffel Tower!). Will he finally be elected? We'll soon find out ;)

84 comments:

  1. There does seem to be a craze about him -- like what one would see with a rock star. Interesting that it crosses the Atlantic. Would the French vote for Obama simply because he is a Democrat and they dislike Bush (a Republican)?

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  2. EIFFEL TOWER!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!!

    OBAMA!
    OBAMA!!
    OBAMA!!!

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  3. I'm not crazed. I respect his intelligence, wisdom, and dignity.

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  4. "Craze" is about right - it does not seem to be a rational response, IMO. Important issues (like foreign policy) have not been addressed, but his "personal story" is all the rage.

    Perhaps misery loves company, and the socialist French want us to be like them?

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  5. Barack's beloved grandma died today. Very sad timing.

    I wish I had known about this Obama rally in Paris. I would have tried to catch a glimpse on the ET webcam. Thanks for being there for me, Eric!

    I urge all Americans to vote tomorrow (if you haven't already). Pick your candidate, support your cause, let your voice be heard.

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  6. Parisian Heart, Gf!

    Suzy, I have to follow you:
    OBAMA!
    OBAMA!!
    OBAMA!!!

    I've never seen French people so interested in foreign elections...
    One day left guys.
    Nite nite.

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  7. As an Obamaniac and a Paris junkie, I would SO love to have one of these posters! Great photo, as usual, Eric!

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  8. As an american and the election tomorrow. This one seems to me personally the most important one I can remb.for a long time. With everything going on in our economy,country,gas,ect. Everyday we get bombarded with political ad's.

    I think or more like hope&pray.That the right candidate get's elected.

    Rather that be Obama or McCain.I hope they make the right decisions for our country and the world.

    and for the road since everyone's done it.

    EIFFEL TOWER!!!!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!!!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!
    x x

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  9. In case she wins, I was relieved to see that Sarah Palin her socialist boosting economics well in hand. Let's release that policy nationwide.

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  10. It's true Uselaine, I've read about it in many other places.
    Personally, I can't wait until the election is over!
    but I wouldn't mind one of those posters either.

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  11. Perhaps misery loves company, and the socialist French want us to be like them?

    Oh, brother, here we go again!

    Yeah, you wish!!!

    Go ahead, insult the French system, why don't you.

    What does the US has to be so proud of, lately, anyway? Uh?

    The dollar has been in the toilet for a good couple of years, maybe more, while the Euro has mostly maintained its value.

    People in France CAN go to the doctor without going bankrupt. In fact, doctors' visits are affordable. Oooohhhh, my God, how awful that must be!! I'm sure having millions of Americans not be able to go to the doctor at all because they simply can't afford it is much better indeed.

    People in France can put their kids to school and through university without taking a third mortgage on their homes... That, too, must be incredibly awful, uh. People right now even in California are dropping out of school because they can't afford their books!!

    I should stop right here because I'm getting angrier and angrier just looking at this stupid ass comment.

    I personally do not think Obama has all the answers, in fact, I do NOT think he's the great messiah most people believe he is. In fact, with the mess he's going to have on his hands, it's even probable he won't be making much of a difference for a while. But clearly, there is no other choice, now is there? !!

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  12. When on the tube in LHR last week, I noticed an Obama button on the luggage of the people across from me . We had a big discussion for 5 tube stops. The button said "Alaskans for Barack Obama", and they gave it to me. It is going to go to a certain clever French speaking campaign button collecting Floridian who won't admit to using Velvetta cheese in his recipes..

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  13. That's an interesting link, Uselaine. Personally, I do see a distinction between giving citizens profits from publicly owned resources versus collecting portions of individual incomes. And please know that I did not indicate that I think a person voting for Obama means that the person is crazed. My observation is with regard to the phenomenon surrounding this candidate.

    And I agree with Lily ... I'll be glad when this election is over!

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  14. Tomate that some comment!!

    You don't have anger issues do you?
    tee hee nah--I'm just kidding!
    I know you were just letting out some
    'political'rant.

    I agree too I cannot wait till this is ALL OVER.

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  15. I want to echo ET Suzy's sentiments supporting everyone in choosing a candidate, supporting a cause, casting a vote. In politics average people seem willing to say terrible things about other people and their thoughts that they would never say otherwise. Usually doesn't sway people, just alienates them. I'm so glad PDP has been a haven from that in this election season. Everyone is worthy of respect.

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  16. Thanks for the very timely photo Eric - I know Lynn will be looking at it closely, but I fear she'll be let down after yesterday's bauble!

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  17. If nothing else, it's fun to say his name. I got to see and hear him in Cincinnati last night. The enthusiasm was heartwarming.
    marti

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  18. As an Obama supporter/volunteer here in the U.S. who is full of hope that this election will not find progressives in tears on Tuesday night for anything other than the sheer joy of historic victory, I want to say thank you for this great photo and thanks, too, to the people who were at the rally. How do you say "solidarity" in French? :)

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  19. Ohhhh....you GO tomate!! Right ON!!

    80% of people surveyed said they would vote for Obama if they could vote in the US election, but I really doubt they would vote for him if he was running for the president of France!

    All I know is we definitely need a lot of "Change" in Washington, but I think that those people that are counting on Mr. Obama to bring about all this "Change" they crave will be greatly disappointed. I don't trust any of those hypocrites in Washington and I think they all should be replaced, as they have failed the citizens of the USA completely! They have completely forgotten exactly who they are serving!

    There is not going to be any "Quick Fix" here, so be prepared for a long and difficult four years, regardless of who the winner may be! Good Luck!!

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  20. Cristy, I apologize for the negative tone, but I have very little patience with that kind of derogatory, snide, underhand comment. I've heard a lot of these since the 2003, and frankly I've had my fill.

    Yes, France has a lot of problems, but obviously so does the U.S. Let's see, we've had banks collapsing, serious stock market crashes, chain stores (like long-established department store Mervyn's) go out of businesses, and ALL KINDS of social and economic problems. Not acknowledging them and simply continuing with this superior attitude towards the rest of the world really rubs me the wrong way lately.

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  21. TOMATE - YOU ROCK!

    You go, girl. I'm right there with you.

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  22. OHh , I do not discuss politics with my friends and do not want to have a go here either. That said, I am hopeful for the future, but ultimately the decision lies with the American voters. While we might have had opinions regarding French politics, that was not our choice to make. Let's all hope tonight that the AMerican people make the choice that will be the best for our nation AND in turn the world. What we ALL need are leaders that are intent on working with each other for peace and a better world. End of sermon.

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  23. LOVE the poster...can you point me to a website where I could purchase one?

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  24. I don't want to go into a rant because mine will be long and drawn out and frankly no one cares what I think. I would like to say though that I am NOT voting for Obama because of his charisma or "personal story." I have looked into the issues, I have watched the debates with an open mind, I have agreed with some things that both the candidates have said and have disagreed with some things that both the candidates have said. I'm not voting for Obama because of his personality or because I think he is our savior. I'm voting Obama because his views and issues are the most similar to my own views and issues. No "craze" about it. You want craze? Everyone I know personally who is voting for McCain is doing so because he's the Republican. Not because they agree with what he has to say or because they particularly disagree with what Obama has to say.

    On that note, please please please vote for who you truly think would be a better pick for the presidency, no matter who you think that is!

    Oops, sorry. Guess I did rant a bit there.

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  25. I have yet to hear an anti-Obama person who has any idea of what she is talking about. It has always been snide, uniformed aphorisms that are based on a complete ignorance of the topic being addressed. People in the U.S. like candidates who use nasty comments degrading their opponents rather than addressing facts, reason, and true christian philosophy. It's something to be ashamed of. I truly hope we can evolve once again from this type of ignorance and bigotry. However, it will be a close election. I hope this one is clean, as the past two were not in several states. If the U.S wants the respect of the world, we better start acting like the leaders of the FREE world again instead of acting like a sleazy third world dictatorship.

    Oh, I'm sorry, Eric, did I express an opinion? You all know that's rare for humble and lovable JEFF.

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  26. Tomate -- Don't worry about it.
    No No... don't take it the wrong way.I think it's just the topic
    ''politics'' rubs everyone the wrong way.It's also a topic that gets everyone talking. Everyone has his/her own opinion.I think not one canididate is right.Because actually all politicans lie.
    We as Americans need to really think real hard about what we believe in.Not just because it's the ''popular'' thing to do.

    We as Americans need to vote for who We as indiviuals think is the best candidate.Not simply because one is more popular or because your favorite celebrity tells you to.

    I liked your mini rant :)
    I know what I believe in,what my morals are and what I strongly believe in.So don't apologize their are things rub me the wrong way too.

    hmmm..Here I go too off on a political rant. LOL!

    [[sorry guys]]

    I guess Tomate isn't the only one.

    No,I meant to say I liked your comment[s].
    No apologies.

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  27. for all of you americans reading this ...if you go to Starbucks on election day after you vote and tell them you voted, they will give you a free tall coffee!

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  28. All I can say is, I want a vacation from the non-stop media coverage!! You can't do anything without hearing of Obama, McCain, or Palin, and sometimes Biden, and I am so tired of them all. Can we vote that the media will all take a vacation from them for 5 days? Or would that make them just fall over and die without their constant, not just daily, "fix"?

    I will vote tomorrow, but I haven't decided who exactly yet. I do know who I won't vote for, but who I will vote for remains a mystery, even to me. I will decide in the booth this year. Unusual for me, as I normally know months in advance!

    And I agree with Suzy:

    EIFFEL TOWER!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!
    EIFFEL TOWER!!!

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  29. Very good pot stirring there Eric. Obama will win and his first 100 honeymoon days will be spectacular. Then the hard work starts. My bet is that he tackles the health system first.

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  30. WOWZA!

    1st: a great photo. I too love the posters, but mostly from how you took the photo Eric.

    2nd: I'm glad I voted absentee and contributed to the system (and avoided the lines)!

    3rd: How fantastic that we can all express our opinions here and that freedom of expression is available not only in the free world, but also on PDP. You go Jeff, you can let it out. Just follow Tomate's lead...

    4th: Who still uses Velveeta? Yuck!

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  31. You can probably find how to buy the posters in the photo by clicking here!

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  32. Perfect post for today, Eric. You are so right, Obama sure would win, if we were all Americans - and I pray he does. We need the change he will bring.

    Even in Monaco you can vote with a candy. Go to Monte Carlo Daily Photo to see...and OBama is winning there too.

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  33. Thanks for posting such a well-composed photo of what was I'm sure a dynamic scene. I wish I had known about the gathering last night. Are there other election events in Paris today? My wife and I were thinking of going to Harry's bar (2nd arr.) since we've never been there. I presume they'll have election coverage on the tele. Anyone have recommendations? Otherwise, we'll stick with watching MSNBC live streaming video coverage on the internet. I was surprised and thrilled to see how well this is working. It would just be nice to share the moment with fellow Americans in Paris.

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  34. Stuart - I'm game. Not sure how late I can be though!!!

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  35. Funny that "there was very little discussion among the French." This is THE question I get asked when I let it leak that I am American. Glad to get a new question shortly...

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  36. I have found the French to be very aware of political issues in general, and quite informed regarding U.S. elections.

    Obama is a bright guy, and he also represents hope, which many Americans need these days. Unfortunately, the economy is not something that can be readily 'fixed' or 'rescued'. It will be a long haul.

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  37. I agree with Tonton flaneur:
    "80% of people surveyed said they would vote for Obama if they could vote in the US election, but I really doubt they would vote for him if he was running for the president of France!"
    Here, in France, most people view is simplistic : Obama's the best candidate because he's (half) black and he's "anti-W". But nobody knows anything about his program...

    And our media don't help. The coverage is bigger (worse!) than for our own elections...

    But, personnally, Obama or McCain, I don't think it'll make any difference for our French situation
    (wow, is this a political opinion?)

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  38. I just went to Obama's last rally before the election last night in Charlotte, NC. There were 30000 people approx. at the event and even more still in line to see him speak. I hope we can get this man elected!

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  39. To the poster who wanted to know how to say "solidarity" in French, it's the same word, spelled slightly different: "solidarité"

    gotta run, but I just had a look at that link, that's hilarious. O'bama, Irish? hahaha!!! ;)

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  40. I also agree with tonton_flaneur. Washington has become a big club system which serves itself. "W" did everything he could to concentrate wealth among his clients at public expense. Who we elect likely does not matter a whole lot. Obama is certainly a risk, but one we likely need to take.

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  41. Eric, as I said yesterday, far be it from you to do something controversial! How did I know you'd post something like this on America's election day? Thank you for thinking of us.

    Our next president will not be a god. He's going to need our help to clean up the mess that G.W.Bush leaves behind. Whomever we elect, we can't expect miracles. Sacrifices will have to be made on our part.

    Anyone who knows me knows who I'm voting for. Go vote! And when you do, you might want to keep in mind that unlike any other leader, our president influences not just America, but the world.

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  42. Thank you, Tomate, for your reply. It saves me the bother, though I could not have put it nearly as well as you did.

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  43. Barack Obama is not a messiah or the be-all-to-end-all. He might even use Velveeta - I'm not sure.

    gutaire manouche said the magic word for me - HOPE. I don't think Obama will be able to turn this country around immediately, or even in a short 4-year term. What Obama gives me is HOPE that things will get back to the way they were back in Clinton's days - when my family was thriving.

    I don't ask for much, really.

    I want to be able to put a decent percentage of my income into my retirement savings each month. Right now, I stick about $100 a month into it. I sure hope I'm not hungry when I'm too old to work.

    I have chronic health issues which need constant attention. I want to be able to both go to my medical appts AND purchase my medication - not have to choose between the two.

    I want to be able to count on my small business's receivables as an asset, rather than doing the work and wondering if I'll ever get paid by the customer.

    I want my stepdaughter to be 100% certain that she'll remain in university next semester.

    I want to be able to send help to my other stepdaughter, a single mom living on her own.

    I want to be able to tell my 8-year-old that I can take her to lunch AND to see a movie, not one or the other.

    Barack Obama gives me HOPE that, over time, all these simple things will be possible. I don't think I expect too much from him at all. Even if all I get out of him is mere HOPE, I'll be satisfied that I picked the right candidate.

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  44. Very cool photo, Eric—and you even got in the ET, ET, ET!! Everyone I encountered in Italy last month was excited about the prospect of a President Obama, too.
    Stood on line for 2 and a half hours this morning to cast my (historic, I hope) ballot. I've been voting in the same place for 15 years, and have never seen a turnout like that. Way to go, America (even if you're only doing it for free Starbuck's and Ben & Jerry's).

    And Tomate -- It's not healthy to hold back like that. Just tell us how you REALLY feel! :~}

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  45. Voted this morning at the park near home. Lovely lovely weather (upper 60s F) to stand in line: what a cool thing to be able to watch American democracy occur. I waited only about 45 minutes. I was thinking of nations where people line up for days to vote. Even in U.S., people waited for hours in states that allow people to vote early.

    Well, now we wait. Thank you to everyone who voted, regardless of your choice.

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  46. Yes I think so. Like you, there is little discussion here in the UK, apart from Sky News which has gone Abarmy about it all, complete with broadcasting from their own 'white house' in the US! It does affect us all though. The elected President will have an influence on the daily lives of you and I, Eric. Like it or not. If I were American, the biggest thing worrying me would be McCain getting in and then being indisposed, leaving fluffy, pretty, airheaded (in my personal opinion; yes I AM allowed), hockey/soccer raving, scream-a-minute and breathless Sarah in charge of the red button. Take cover! One call from Sarkozy could have her beautifully painted fingers quivering with excitement. Just keep them away from the button, I say. Goodness knows what would happen to her excitement meter if her local hockey team won. I really dread to think. What was McCain thinking? On that basis alone, it'd be Obama for me.

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  47. Lynn, I believe that nightmarish thought may have swayed many previously undecided voters.

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  48. What disgusts me more than a little is the estimated $5.3bn spent on this presidential race. Think of the good that cash could have done to those who may be suffering in some way in America. All the talk about who's going to spend money on this good cause, this project, that area, when a huge amount of the wasted money is on their doorstep of their own making!

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  49. I think so too, Petrea! Surely one of the most ghastly decisions in Mr. McCain's attempts to advance his political career.

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  50. 80%, wow! To put it simply...I love the French!!

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  51. he he I've just back to yesterday to see the latest in comments! What a giggle we had there. From that to this today - what diverse orators we are here!

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  52. Lynn, one way to look at the money: in the case of Obama, the bulk if his money was raised from small contributors like myself. People gave $5, $25, whatever they could. People like me want to see him win. We feel that reversing the damage the "previous occupant" has caused is one of the best ways we could possibly spend our money. This is money spent to end the economic crisis, bring our troops home, stop global warming, create better health care, etc. Not a bad deal in my view.

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  53. That's a good way to look at it, Petrea, I do see your point. The level of the spending or razzmatazz could be lower, in my view, but yes you are paying for change. I see that.
    Is it worrying that Sky News has just reported the lines waiting to vote are so ridiculously long that many cannot hang around and are therefore not voting at all?
    Sarah Palin just said she wants to wake up in the morning as Vice President. Shouldn't she have said to wake up and get to work, rather than focussing on the glamour side of it? Dreamy girl.

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  54. Petrea, you made an excellent argument about the money! Small change donors like me "invested" in what we feel is right for America's future.

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  55. I don't know, Lynn. I hope people will stick it out, is all I can say. I know many employers are allowing their workers to come late. A friend of mine is a teacher and started class late today. That sort of thing. I don't know why it's not a holiday!

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  56. Lynn -- If the dangerous airhead somehow gets in, do you have a spare room I could occupy?

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  57. Yes of course Alexa. lol. The next morning, we'll start digging my garden for our exclusive underground shelter. Done.

    It should be, Petrea! I do find it enormously frustrating that lots of people are using their own time and opinion to go to vote yet bad organisation cannot accept them all. Now THAT's where some of that money should have gone, Petrea - more voting booths. Surely that makes sense.

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  58. I think it's quite hilarious that Dorothy's Gallery has a "Victory Celebration" scheduled for Friday night. I think you should go and take photos, Eric! Only 10 euros to attend.

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  59. UKLynn: I agree completely with your opinion about spending money to improve the voting mechanics and administration. It is such a contradiction: the most fundamental piece of democracy--by definition--is the vote, yet the voting stations are staffed by voting judges who are either volunteers or are paid a very small amount of money to conduct the elections, and many of the states still have archaic voting systems which, as we saw twice already, they are easily corrupted. Yet, as you say, the candidates spend millions and millions to convince voters to "vote for me". We are a very strange country.

    What was the movie: a French town in World War I is abandoned by its citizens, who unlock the gates of the insane asylum to release the inmates before they leave. At the end, when the English and German troops all slaughter one another in a frenzied blood bath, one 'insane' woman looks down from a balcony and says "What funny people." Then the 'crazy' people all go back into the asylum and lock themselves in, keeping the key. I can't remember the title of the movie, but I'm wondering if the rest of the world is looking at the U.S. like that...

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  60. Tomate: ditto what Luggi wrote.

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  61. My name is Kate Mura, and I approve of this message!!

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  62. Jeff that film sounds interesting. I don't know it. To the last question in your piece: possibly... ;)

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  63. I don't want any money from any party going to fund the polling places. It has to remain a neutral zone.

    Consider voting by absentee ballot if your state allows it. Not only does it take away all my excuses for not getting to the polls on election day, it gives me the chance to change my mind before I send it in.

    There is an online People Magazine poll asking how long people waited in line. 80% says less than one hour.

    http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20237781,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

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  64. Tomate, Hi Fiiiiive! ;)

    Well, to speak about politics, it's now or never I guess!
    Nice to see that it stays quite polite and respectful (not too hard when 95% of the people here are pro-Obama LOL).
    I would have voted for him too, even if I know that "Democrat" there doesn't mean "socialist" as M.K. thought. He's really not a French socialist, but more socialist than Mc Cain, that's true...
    Well, I'm just glad that the 44th president of the US is Obama, that's all. You need change. Really.

    Lydia, "solidarité"!

    Michael, what's velveeta?? It sounds cheesy! LOL

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  65. Well of course that's another valid point Suzy, about the polling places being neutral. However, they should be organised properly by the present powers, I think as these places have to be manned and with security. As I understand it, the queues have not been anticipated. Why not, I've no idea. At least a contingency plan should be in place, for unexpected turnout. The absentee ballot is ok to apply for in advance, but is impractical and too late for those stuck in the queue now, waiting to place their cross, having left their homes expecting to be able to do that simple act.

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  66. IS Obama, Guille? Do you know something we don't yet? Have a hotline to Washington? lol. Do tell.

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  67. Guille est-ce que tu vas passer une nuit blanche ce soir, pour voir le president nouveau? Je ne suis pas sur, moi-meme...

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  68. I certainly am not advocating candidates or parties funding the polling sites. Yikes, what a travesty that would be. My point was that it's bizarre how much money is spent by candidates while our governments underfund our voting mechanisms.

    Velveeta is not cheese. Technically, it is labelled as "pasteurized process cheese product". I kid you not.

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  69. Shhhh, Guille, don't jinx it. ;^)

    My experience in the voting booth queue has always been good. I think most polling centers are well-organized and safe. You won't hear about them in the news, though.

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  70. Obama won easily according to the first opinion polls!! That at least what is said in Paris. ;)

    Lynn, I'm listening to the radio, but can't have a nuit blanche tonight, too hard.

    Jeff, you're right, it's definitely not cheese!

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  71. Oh sorry Suzy, I didn't see your comment...
    But don't worry, I'm not a jinx! :)

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  72. No problems at my polling place that I know of. It went smoothly, even though it was busy. Everyone was happy to be there.

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  73. In the music of Coltrane, take "Giant Steps" and vote for a change and ... well, for change!
    Intriguing photo. Enjoyable reading all the comments, too. Cheers.

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  74. Years ago, I was going to dog-sit for a colleague. He was trying to remember the name of the stuff he used to feed his elderly dog its medicine tablet, and said, "it's the stuff you scrape off the bottom of your shoes after walking through a cheese factory." "Ah!" I said. "Velveeta!" That old basset hound loved Velveeta.

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  75. I've heard of Velveeta mentioned before but I've never seen or tasted it.
    I'm not sure I can go to bed, I want to see the results. I have the day off tomorrow. :) Anyone else staying up?

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  76. Agree with you Tomate! Some of my fellow citizens are truly clueless to what the word "socialism" means. And since those same people get their information from chain emails...you know the ones...Obama was secretly born in Kenya, he is the anti-Christ, he is a plant of the Communist party to take over the U.S....they are just simply ill-informed. Let's be easy on them though....it's not as if we have a...oh I don't know...a way to easily connect to legitimate sources over telephone lines that connects them into information like newspapers that could enlighten them...you know the "internetS". You know...that "series of tubes."

    I guess you see that it makes me mad too.

    So glad when tomorrow comes, the election is finally over and we can remind them that they said it is traitorous to criticize the government as they did when some of us criticized the invasion of Iraq, our President breaking the law by illegally wire-tapping Americans (even servicemen in Iraq while on the phone with their families), creating the "Office of Special Plans" that circumvented the Pentagon, and politicizing the Department of Justice by firing employees based on party affiliation.

    Or, we could behave better than they did and remain civil. Would they appreciate that? Probably not. I don't think they realize that their demands of silence and obedience to the President bordered on fascism (I'm sure that they don't even know what that word means).

    Signed,

    Former Republican, turned Independent 12 years ago, voting solidly Democrat since 2002. And...will vote Republican again if they get their act together. A fiscal conservative and social moderate to liberal.

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  77. Velveeta...I haven't had it in 20 years or so but I grew up on it. My mother used only when making macaroni and cheese.

    It actually tasted pretty good. It is very mild (not a lot of flavor on it's own really) but it melts easier than most cheese (not oily). If I make mac and cheese these days...I just use the box kind...with that powdered cheddar...now THAT sounds weird doesn't it? But it's pretty good too! Kraft Mac and Cheese. And much faster and easier.

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  78. I'm staying up, Lynn. Easy to do, as it's only 6:35 pm here.

    Velveeta. Haven't had that since I became an adult. Well, not intentionally. I recently went to an "English teahouse" in Pasadena that served Velveeta and charged a lot of money. Needless to say, I won't be going back.

    Anonyme, I've been frustrated with all that misinformation, too. It's easy to dispel it at snopes.com or any of the internet rumor watchdog sites, if people would only think for themselves. I will say this, however: it's not completely one-sided. I looked up an anti-Palin email I got yesterday. She did *not* cause books to be banned in her local library.

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  79. Petrea,

    I read your post on the following day...I knew for it that we think alike!

    About the books: no, she didn't ban them, but she WANTED to. She inquired about it to the librarian and when the librarian said she would be totally against it, she gave the librarian a termination letter. The town began a recall and the librarian was not fired...or the books banned. So, the only thing that stopped her was her ambition...she has a lot of that.

    So glad she's gone....whew...I feel we dodged a bullet!

    Susan in Atlanta

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  80. Yeah, she'll try to come back but I hope there's enough information out about her now to make that unpopular even with her own party.

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  81. So why do you think it is that such an overwhelming majority of French people would have voted Obama over McKain?

    The interesting thing here is that from what I heard, a lot of people here in the U.S. were voting not based on what their declared party was, but based on their opinion, regardless of whether they usually swing right or left. This was an interesting election, and I'd be interested to hear what other countries thought.

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  82. And I am the woman on the picture :-)

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