"Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration...I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."
- MANMOHAN SINGH, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER
The election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency will hopefully have a beneficial impact on America's image abroad. Previously, under the Bush administration, it was quite hard for an American to travel abroad and expect to be treated well. Now, when I say that I am from the US, people quickly smile and congratulate me on Obama’s victory. People in Africa are intrigued that a man who’s father came from a small Kenyan village can become president. People in the Middle East wonder at the fact that President Obama’s middle name is Hussein. And people all over the world are happy to see the success story of one man from such a humble background.
I was upset that I could not be on the National Mall for his historic inauguration, but at the same time grateful that I could witness such a moment from India. It has given me a more international perspective, and a better idea of exactly how important this victory was. It will truly change America’s image, both at home and abroad. Some may say that I am overstating the implications of his election to the presidency, and maybe I am. But it’s this kind of Obama fever that has taken over and electrified the world. I am particularly proud to be an American citizen at this time.
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