While living in a far-away time zone, Amsterdammers still had a few options for celebrating the 2008 US Presidential election. Democrats Abroad Netherlands hosted an all-night party at Boom Chicago on 4 November. American flags decorated tables and streamers hung along the walls while Americans drank beer and sang along to the National Anthem.

The crowd cheered hourly as CNN announced that Obama was likely the winner in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia. By the time the states of Oregon, California, Idaho, and Arizona closed their polls at 5h00, Barack Obama was projected as the 44th US president. Party goers drank champagne in honour of the change.

Photo left:  The night is young at AABC at the Hilton Hotel Amsterdam © Matt Shaw


The Amsterdam American Business Club also hosted an all-night event, complete with large-screen news coverage and entertainment. The bipartisan gathering provided American foods such as hot dogs, pizza and doughnuts, and an American-style breakfast in the morning. It seemed difficult for party goers, packed into the warm Hilton Amsterdam event room, to contain their anticipation and focus on panel discussions and planned entertainment. Most preferred to eat, chat and watch election results.

By 7am only a few dedicated participants remained, glued to the large screen projecting Obama’s acceptance speech. American, Dutch and international people said they were overjoyed at the results.

Irene Achiens, originally from Kenya, said that she expects Obama to bring change to the US and the world. “I hope he stays in power and that he delivers what he has preached for the last year. I hope the world will give him a chance,” she said.   

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