¡Las elecciones américanas!

Today, wearing the Obama pin that Suzannah lent me, and my own Democrats abroad pin, no fewer than five people stopped me in the metro and the streets to tell me how amazing Obama is. And don't I know it? It was incredible to feel pride for my country. Never in my sentient, young adult years have I felt proud of my country, of what my country could do in just a few short hours, of what my country could still be in the future. As I was going up the escalators in my metro station, I locked eyes for one moment with a woman who gave me the biggest, warmest smile. It melted my heart.

Entonces, during my class (of modern history) at the CEU, the spanish students started asking a bunch of questions about the election and about the American electoral system. So instead of having class, we basically had an Ask Fiona Questions session. In short, I explained the whole system of the electoral college (in Spanish) and then everyone said it seemed completely unfair (of course). Obviously, they just wanted to skip class (and who could blame them?) but they were very appreciative at the end. They were all excited that the Americans had voted, and that there could be an Obama presidency.

So now I'm getting ready for an all-night Democrats Abroad returns watching party. I have already voted, and there nothing more to do but not sleep...and hope. As cliche as it sounds, it's really what makes Obama what he is, and what makes him worthwhile. Because today there is still hope. There is still excitement. There is still pride. And even if all these overwhelming emotions die sometime during the madrugada tomorrow in Florida or Ohio or Pennsylvania, at least today, for one last day, we still had hope.

Concusion: It is still early in the States, especially on the west coast. Entonces...VOTE, BITCHES, VOTE.