Obama's victory from the perspective of an Expat living in Thailand.
I am an english teacher here in Ratchaburi, Thailand. For everyone living stateside, I hope you realize how big Obama is outside of the U.S. Thailand is a bit of an isolated country as far as world events are concerned, but EVERYONE here knows and likes Obama. I held up a photo of Obama the day after the election in my class and every one of my students ages 12-14 screamed "OBAMA"!! Whenever I introduce myself as an American now the first thing I get is a warm Obama! and a thumbs up. He is truly a worldwide phenomemon at this point. I tried to buy a copy of Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope" at a bookstore in Bangkok for my wife but they were completely sold out of every book even related to Obama. I love Thailand and consider it my home now, but I wish I could have been in America for election day. I wish I could have participated more in this election but I am grateful I was able to vote absentee. It was surreal watching Obama's victory speech on t.v. in a coffee shop that morning (it was daytime here in Thailand at the time) and fighting back tears. It has been truly an incredible experience seeing how captivated not only Thailand, but the entire world is with Obama right now. The Thai media here covered the American election even more than their own elections and is already talking about some of the younger Thai politicans vying to be the next Obama. It is really amazing to think American has gone from not only the most hated President but the most hated American of all time in George Bush, to what looks to be the most adored American President right after.