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Victory 'alters landscape'

By Linda Yu (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-06 09:31

Shanghai -- In Shanghai, where at least 3,000 of the city's estimated 20,000 Americans voted, hundreds of Obama supporters packed into Malone's Bar on Tongren Lu to watch CNN's live election coverage unfold.

Supporters of Barack Obama cheer at a bar in Shanghai on Wednesday. [Gao Erqiang]

When news of Obama's victory flashed across the big TV screens, the crowd went wild, leaping to their feet, cheering loudly: "We did it, we did it!"

For American Anthony Tartgalia, it was a moment of joy - and almost disbelief.

"I'm still in shock; I just can't believe it's true," the 36-year-old from New Jersey, sipping on his mug of beer, said. "I didn't want to have false hopes because we've be let down a lot in the past.

"He turned this into a victory for everyone; he not only reached across party lines (with his speech), but he also reached out globally," Tartgalia said.

"It's a new dawn - it's a new beginning; people feel it, and people need it."

The change was also welcomed by African-American Van McLaughlin, an Obama supporter.

"He's got a great plan for changing the direction of America for the people, which will make it possible for the people to pursue the American Dream," the 47-year-old, said.

McLaughlin and his wife, who have lived in the city for more than two years, were among a company of fellow Americans following results at the Hilton hotel on Huashan Lu. McLaughlin said seeing Obama rise to president also meant a lot to him personally.

"I grew up during a time when there was still segregation," he said. "So, it's very significant for this to be happening."

Others, too, recognized the significance. Despite being thousands of miles away from California, Obama's victory could not have hit closer to home for American Anja McClellan and her husband Julian Okwu of Nigerian descent.

"It is truly historical," McClellan said. "Even just three years ago, the country could never have imagined a bi-racial president."

"His victory resonates deeply," she said. "Our son now knows he really can grow up to be president - Obama has changed the landscape."