My Perspectives on the Election from Abroad

I really couldn't be happier with the way the election turned out a couple nights ago. I've been supporting Barack Obama since before he announced his candidacy in Chicago, Illinois on February 10, 2007. It is almost surreal to believe that I was part of the movement which helped elect him as the next President of the United States. I feel more inspired than ever and am extremely proud of my country. And certainly the vast majority of countries around the world are very happy with the results as well. From talking to Italians and listening to international news, it seems as though international opinion of the United States went from being despised and disliked overnight to revered and even envied for having such a great future President (one Italian told me that he now wishes he were American). It sure is nice to hold my head up high for being American (something I haven't been able to do since the start of the Iraq war). I've seen posters in support of Barack all over Europe. Even since the primaries he has been by far the most favored American presidential candidate throughout the world. And the video clips of people ecstatically celebrating on all corners of the globe after the results came in was extremely heartwarming.
From the beginning, what I admired most about Barack was his genuineness, intelligence, common sense and judgment. The crown jewel of all his attributes, however, is undoubtedly his gift as an orator and ability to inspire his audience. He gave me and millions of other volunteers and supporters the belief that each of us had the ability to make a difference... that our "voice could change a room, and if it could change a room it could change a city, and if it could change a city it could change a state, and if it could change a state it could change a country, and if it could change a country it could change the world." Indeed, this grassroots movement paid off, and not only did it help to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States, but the networks of organized people throughout the country are still here to do grassroots work in any way the future president needs. His campaign was one truly by the people, and his administration will help form a government that is more for the people, with less influence from corporate lobbyists and special interest groups.
I am looking forward to an Obama administration which is going to be much more open, encourages involvement from its citizens, and which doesn't ignore or block opposing viewpoints. An administration that summons both Democrats and Republicans around values that we all share, and helps unify our country to make further progress.
Last night for my "Living Italy" culture class we went to a news/talk show in on of the RAI studios and sat in the audience at it was broadcasted live. They talked about Barack's election as president for the whole 2 hours, and seeing it was an amazing first-hand experience for how much influence the U.S. has on the rest of the world.
Here's the youtube link to the show (I'm shown briefly at 3:03 and partially at 3:52 in the video).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyqk5HTIoO8
I am greatly looking forward to coming home now, which should make leaving the beauty, food, and dolce vita of Italy not as hard. =)