This has been the first national election in which I could vote.  This is also the first national election I have experienced in another country.  So, needless to say it has been very exciting and interesting.  The Danes are also very interested in our election.  In the days preceding November 4th, if a Dane found out you were American, the first thing they would immediately say is "What do you think about the election?"  Many would even ask who you were voting for.  It was clear how much our election matters to the Danish people and Europeans in general.  It has been really interesting seeing coverage of the election from a Danish perspective and trying to get some streaming news feeds online to follow the race from the US media.  In Copenhagen there were various locations hosting Election Day parties.  However, the 6 hour time difference between Denmark and SLU was a little rough. We heard the news that Obama won the election at about 5 AM.  I was already in bed and found out a few hours later when I woke up for school. 

Just for an interesting Danish impression here are some quotes reacting to the Obama victory:

‘Mr. Obama can count on Denmark’s support. It’s important for the USA to know that they can count on us but it’s also important for Denmark that in the USA we have a big, strong ally that is aware of our qualities and appreciates our support and help, even though we’re only a small country’

                       – DF leader Pia Kjærsgaard

‘It’s important for every sitting prime minister to form a good relationship with the USA, so it’s up to Anders Fogh Rasmussen to renew our friendship with the Americans. He supported McCain, but now has to forge links with Obama’

             – Social Democrat leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Check out The Weave for some interesting election coverage.  It is a blog started in one of my classes at SLU and is a great space for discussion and debate!