Since arriving, I have been frequently asked what I think of now-President Obama.   Locals wanted to know:  Is he “change we can believe in”?   Did you vote for him?  Do you think he’ll do what he says he will do?  Is it all hype?

And I thought:  Has Obama-Mania reached New Zealand?

I am under the impression (and maybe I am seeing this through American-born-and-bred-”We’re-Number-One!” beer goggles) that the world watches what the United States does quite closely.  For as the U.S. goes, often, so does the rest of the world.   That being said, the New Zealand press no different; it is tuned in to most U.S. current events - from the latest bailout packages to Senator scandals to celebrity gossip.

As far as Obama-Mania, my roommates said the whole U.S. election was covered heavily, competing with their own!   In general, I would say people here are favorable toward Obama.  One roommate, Monique, has talked with friends, who think he is cool and hip - some even consider him sexy!   She said one of her colleagues - who admitted she was “obsessed with Obama” - was glued to the television her whole shift watching the Inauguration festivities.  On the other hand, they wonder if he is the real deal; actually following through on the beautifully crafted and presented promises that come out of his mouth.

At this point, my conclusion is that Kiwis are as optimistic about Obama’s potential for “hope” and “change” as the Obama-maniacs back home.   Maybe it is the long-awaited exhale, after eight years of holding one’s breath, that someone who seems to know what he’s doing is leading America.  Maybe, like the folks in the States, they just want the old America back. The one that doesn’t torture.  The one that doesn’t start illegal wars.  The one where freedom and liberty and justice for ALL are realities.  And the one where “hope”…isn’t just a campaign slogan.

As a side note: While I checked a few updates online to make sure that Armageddon didn’t happen during the Inauguration (news flash: it didn’t), I wasn’t interested in the pomp and circumstance.  No, I didn’t vote for McCain (I voted for Dr. Ron Paul, who also cured my political apathy).  No, I am not racist.  It is easy to be impressed by Obama’s oratory skills and charisma, especially compared to the bumbling disgrace of a man he replaced.  He’s likable on the surface; however, I cannot count myself as an “Obama-maniac”.

I subscribe to the “actions speak louder than words” crowd and have looked extensively into his cabinet choices and voting record.  And, if you don’t know who Zbigniew Brzezinski is, you should, regardless of your opinion of Obama.  These alone tell me the “change” part has nothing to do with amending politics as usual (which, of course, begs the question: just what kind of “change” did we get outselves into?  *shudder*).  After a little due diligence, no matter how polished Obama is, the “hope” and “change” (in the context of America as we currently know it), ends at his accomplishment of becoming the first black American President.