US nationals in Suffolk back Obama
AMERICAN nationals in Suffolk have given mixed reactions today following news that Barack Obama is to become the country's next president.
Neil Puffett
AMERICAN nationals in Suffolk have given mixed reactions today following news that Barack Obama is to become the country's next president.
Following his convincing victory in the early hours of today, Obama will become the nation's first black president when he is inaugurated in January.
Hundreds of US nationals live in Suffolk and many will have taken part in the historic election.
Troy Janeiro-Duporte, 27, grew up and lived in the US prior to moving to Ipswich where he currently works as a manager.
He said the result of the election marks a watershed in US history.
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“I think it's great,” he said.
“It is the first time there has been an African American president and it will do a lot to break down stereotypes and prejudices.
“Hopefully if he gets a second term what he plans to implement will be very good. I'm very positive about him. It is really good to see people creating an interest in politics.”
JJ Johnson, 69, of Woodbridge, who originally hails from Minnesota, said the result represents a milestone for his home nation but said a successful Obama presidency is far from assured.
“It is a panacea for most Americans - a first that a black man has become a president,” he said.
“However if he is not effective we are looking at a honeymoon of euphoria for three or four months then everyone might start to wonder. To tell the truth my opinion is that neither of the candidates were ideal but that's what we had.
“If you look at the military situation and what America and the rest of the world are facing right now John McCain is the more able to handle that and analyse what his advisors say.
“I think Barack Obama will be less able to handle that situation. He is an unknown quantity in terms of experience and what he can do. It is all going to depend on how much influence he can assert on Congress and the House of Representatives.
“If they like him he'll have a positive influence on world affairs and US affairs but if they don't support him then I'm afraid we are going to be in a bit of a messy situation where the president does not really run the country.”
