Press Releases 2008

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, 2008
AMERICAN CENTER OPENS WATCH CENTER AT PARK HOTEL, NOVEMBER 5

November 3, 2008

Kolkata – Like previous years, the American Center is organizing the “Election Watch,” a special event to watch the U.S. Presidential elections while sitting in Kolkata.  For the November 4, 2008 battle royale, the watch center will be at the Galaxy,

Park Hotel’s annex, from 5.30 a.m. on November 5 (due to the time difference between India and the U.S.), until 1 PM. 

Before the final results are declared, election enthusiasts will be able to see continuous CNN election updates over television, screenings of the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates, casting of mock votes, and election update remarks by Consul General Beth Payne.  For media people, there will be opportunities for press interactions with American officers of the Consulate.   The whole arena will wear a colorful look with festoons, buntings and confetti highlighting the typical American theme in red and blue.  An added feature will be continuous serving of refreshments, an a la carte American menu.  And of course there will be life-size cutouts of the two presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, inside the venue to add more glitter to the event. 

The 2008 elections are significant for several factors. If the winner is John McCain, he will be the oldest person, at 72 years old, to be elected U.S. President, and he will also have Sarah Palin as America’s first woman Vice President.  On the other hand, if elected Barack Obama will be America’s first African-American President. A record number of Americans will choose not only Obama or McCain but also the Vice President as well as Congressional representatives and state and local officials.

Participants at the Galaxy will get opportunities to discuss these historical facts during the almost day-long program on November 5 when Americans decide on who will it be – Obama or McCain.