U.S. Elections Night Celebration

 

Over 500 Moroccan and other honored guests joined the staff of the U.S. Embassy at TGI Friday’s in Rabat for an elections night celebration on November 4th. 

Moroccan parliamentarians mingled with American students in the Americana-filled restaurant, decorated with elections paraphernalia and posters discussing such subjects as third-party candidates, and the role of race and gender in American politics. 

U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Riley welcomed the audience with remarks on the historic nature of the election, Information Officer David J. Ranz offered a multi-media presentation on the electoral college system, and musical group “Car 54” – featuring Political Counselor Craig Karp – performed blues and rock ‘n roll. 

The results of a mock vote of the non-American guests were announced a midnight: 141 votes for Senator Obama, 26 for Senator McCain, and one for a write-in candidate:  Ambassador Riley. 

Die-hard politics junkies intently followed the results on TGI Friday’s large-screen TVs until the election was called at four o’clock in the morning, Rabat time.