What is it about the US that makes us maha-curious and gets us all (or rather lots us of all) 'sit up back straight and take notice of it all'?
I had been 'closely' following the US elections. Nah, not at a psephological or diplomatic scale, but more as a curious guy. I was just trying to soak in everything that the election machinery was churning out, with a certain attachment to Obama. I followed the President - in a manner of speaking.
I watched his 1st Presidential debate (post facto) to understand why he turned out to be the loser that he was called, and thus also falling short on my very high expectations from him. And I watched the 3rd Presidential debate (almost live) when he made Romney look utterly out of leagues - a Romney who was thoroughly lectured on depleted quantities of 'bayonets and horses' in US defence apparatus. And by the way, my resolve to watch the 2nd debate is still strong, but I guess not relevant anymore.
But let me be honest. Mumbai's commute times can force people to adopt such totally whacky and at times alien hobbies and interests (imagine mentioning that in an interview - hmm, Sir, i watch presidential debates in my free time).
My rising mania mimicked the rising swing of needle registering an evolving earthquake. I had to follow this election arm in arm with Rom-Ama. I was clued in as to when the election din would die, when would the ballot casting end, and when were the results likely to start puttering out. The election drama was like I am hooked onto the substance. I continued to inhale this drag, and it continued to rocket me high.
On my hour plus morning commute today, since I knew that results are likely to be headlined soon, unless Rom-Ama's fate would get tangled in the deathly painful 'too close to call' crap, I wanted to witness live the historical moment. Out came the iPad, gunning down on fibre optic paths at Mbps speed, and the screen lit up with live CNN IBN. I was totally adrenalized, watching the speedy 2 way slicing of 509 seats between Rom-Ama. The result was evolving at dramatic speed, and kept jumping sides to give it a nail biting finish. And suddenly, like a crescendo, it leaped beyond that winning 270 mark for Mr Obama. I guess, it came as swiftly as Sandy. Or may be Sandy brought that swiftly for Obama.
I can let you in on the secret that I am an Obama fan. And his renewed tenancy of White House for another 4 years brought a sense of personal joy, which was insane, inexplicable and irrational. I mean, from his perspective, here I am. An ordinary mortal from a distant alien land, and yet feeling such juvenile joy. I guess, Dil Toh Bachha Hai Ji.
Madness continued on return commute. If it was his declaration of victory in the morning, in the evening, it was President's acceptance speech and the sight and sound drama that accompanies it. If it was Rajdeep Sardesai in the morning, it was Prannoy Roy in the evening. The Family on a show, celebratory confetti descending like stars, adrenalised crowd, euphoric mood, and this alternately stirring and trance inducing oratory - I am like totally glued. Today is not the day to whine for and curse Mumbai roads.
My inexplicable sense of closely following Rom-Ama tour-de-election is vindicated when I flick on News channels. It's US and Rom-Ama and their election and their win and their loss all the way. Each channel had tried to out tie other by allying with leading US networks. There is even an insane claim of dashing to 'i declared the result 1st' finish line. On the shows are some serious heavy weights discussing seriously the weighty dimensions of India US relationship and the consequences and fall out of election and Obama's return - at micron level detailing. I lapped up most of it, though in the process edging out 'bade ache lagte hai' and earning wife glares.
I guess tomorrow will give me enough fodder to keep my this whacky passion going, and my Mbps blazing.
Cheers,
mg
PS: All views are personal.
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