The View From Your Election: Abroad

A reader writes:

I’m a Washington State resident living in Spain. While I closely read and watch American coverage of the election, what’s incredible is the international enthusiasm the election has generated. The European news outlets are following the returns state by state. People on the street are positively giddy at the prospects of an Obama presidency. Teens in the local public middle-school my daughter attends are studying the two-party system and the Electoral College. The level of voter participation in America’s presidential elections is clearly inspirational to the Europeans. I’m proud of my country.

Another from Montreal:

I have no special anecdote, but there is an unmistakable feeling of anticipation coursing throughout the city. Trendy bars are devoting the evening to election watching. Perhaps most of all, there is an enormous sense of pride in what our close friends and neighbours are about to accomplish.