Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
REMARKS FOR VOTING DAY
October 8, 2008
Welcome to the U.S. Embassy – your Embassy. Today you are voting for your next president and, for those of us working in government, our new boss. The fact that you are here shows your commitment to our nation’s ideals – first and foremost democracy. One of the beauties of our system is that voting is a right, and not compulsory. By voting, you show that you are active participants in our democracy. Our nation’s framers wanted an informed, engaged, and motivated electorate. They wanted citizens who would vote and would engage with their elected representatives, sharing their opinions and priorities. We know that they were setting a high standard. That you're all here is a testimony of your interest in our nation's future. I thank you and commend you for it.
Our representative democracy is the explicit manifestation of our opinions. Voting is our opportunity to tell government whom, and indirectly what, we want. As an ideal, it is the assurance that we ultimately hold the reigns of government.
As an institution, democracy is inseparable from the core significance of the United States. It is impossible to separate our history from our efforts to perfect our democracy, and it is impossible to separate our successes as a nation from the fact that we are a democracy. Every time we cast a ballot we strengthen the democratic process.
Change is assuredly the major theme in this year's election, whether it comes clothed as a blue donkey, a red elephant, or any other color or animal. As Americans abroad, we’ve experienced change in our own lives, and know that it can be a good thing, at least once we figure out how to order a pizza or tell the taxi driver our address in the local language.
Though we may be voting far from home, we are united with each other and with our friends and family through the act of voting. Imagine all Americans abroad, not only in Argentina or South America, but around the world. Together, we represent the increasingly international face of the United States. In living or visiting foreign nations, we have the opportunity to carry our new perspectives and experiences back to the United States, further enriching our country’s wealth of diversity and varied opinions. Our experiences abroad may well influence our votes, which subsequently help shape the future course of our nation. Our experiences and new knowledge also help demonstrate the importance of an international perspective to our compatriots back home.
It is with great anticipation that I await the outcome of this undeniably historic presidential election. I suspect that many of you feel the same way. As Americans, I am sure that you appreciate the historic significance of this election. For example, come January, either the first American of African ancestry will take office as President, or the first woman will take office as Vice President.
Later this afternoon, the contents of this box will be sent to the United States. Many more votes will be delivered to the Embassy for forwarding to the United States in the coming days. Less than one month from now, on November 4th, the votes will be counted in each of our home states. If participation levels in the primaries and caucuses are any indication, we can expect the highest voter turnout in the United States in many years. I salute each American who steps out to exercise this right we all enjoy. I salute each of you for coming out to take part. And now, it's my turn.
(Drum roll. AMB places ballot in the box. Receives "I Voted Absentee" sticker. Steps back to podium.)
Thank you all for coming and please enjoy our star spangled party.