Remarks by US Ambassador Nancy J Powell on US Presidential election

HYDERABAD: Along with all of you, I have been watching this election unfold. The months of campaigning by President Obama and Governor Romney have been an opportunity for the American people to examine their vision of the country – their vision for our future.

Election Day in America, like in India, is a very special day.   Ours is the oldest democracy in the world, and of course India’s is the largest.  Friends and neighbors in America will have made their way to polling places all across the country to cast their ballots.  Some go early on their way to work.  Others wait until the evening.  Tens of thousands of election volunteers will have spent their day welcoming voters, checking them in and handing them the ballot, or directing them to machines.  On the way out of the polls, many will be offered a small sticker that says “I voted,” a subtle message to others they see later in the day.  It is not a message about who they voted for, but a message of participation – a reminder to others that we the people have a responsibility to participate in our democracy.

As you know, and for those of you who have been watching this morning: this election has been a closely run race.  In many polling places the vote was split 50/50.  This election has been lively.  Both sides put their cases forward with energy and enthusiasm.  The debate was frank and often challenging.  Still, we saw Americans walking into the polls side-by-side with friends and neighbors who were about to vote for the other side – and walking out again – together.  Regardless of the outcome, what I do know is that we can look forward to a continuation of the close relationship that our two countries share.

I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful morning in India and the breakfast that has been served.  Back home in the United States, it is still Tuesday night; it is still Election Day.  Millions of Americans have just learned that President Obama has been re-elected.  They are still glued to their favorite television station, watching the results come in.  The big story was who would win the White House – but we are also looking at elections to the U.S. Congress, where it appears that the Republicans  have maintained their majority  and in the Senate 33 seats where Democrats have maintained their majority.  Eleven states are also choosing their next Governors.  Of course, I think you know two of our State Governors:  Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Nikki Haley of South Carolina, two children of immigrants from India.  Both Governor Haley and Governor Jindal were able to relax today.  Neither was up for reelection.

Many of those who voted in the Presidential election learned today that their candidate did not win.  They may be disappointed and they may talk about [inaudible] but we also know that they are going to continue to work for a better America, to strengthen our country and our economy and this is what makes me proud to be an American, proud to be a small "d" democrat.

We thank you again for being here. For all of us who are Americans, it is a day we look forward to.  It is a day that we are proud of.  Thank you again for joining us on this very special occasion.