Ambassador
Ambassador Event
AMBASSADOR WAYNE MEETS WITH POLITICIANS, ACADEMICS AND JOURNALISTS ATTENDING RECENT U.S. ELECTIONS AS OBSERVERS
December 2, 2008
Ambassador Wayne and Embassy officers met on December 2 with several Argentine observers travelling to the United States for the past presidential elections. Among participants were the governor of the province of San Juan, José Luis Gioja, several national congressmen, officers, journalists and Argentine researchers.
"Argentine observers travelling to the United States for the past presidential elections had a unique political experience. "The feedback and comments of this varied group on the characteristics of U.S. democracy resulted in a very open discussion.” -- said Ambassador Wayne.
After listening to a report by the United States on the key elements of the presidential transition, participants shared their observations from the trip to the U.S.
Among participants' observations were the scope of the Internet during the elections, U.S. people's confidence in their political system, the strong role of a free and vigorous press respectful of the rules of the game, the active participation of society at all levels, solid and vibrant party structures and the value of an intensive program of debates. Participants also discussed the best foreign policy guidelines for the new administration in the region and the world.
