He Won!

This really felt like a new world when I woke up the day after Mr Barack Obama won the Presidential Election. It is funny how his status just suddenly changed - this is the man who danced to Beyonce on the Ellen TV show a few weeks ago - who just went to being the most powerful man on earth! Pretty incredible stuff...I was very very happy. I think he's a man who is completely out of the mould- he fills me with confidence, he is so calm and wise. Even his acceptance speech was so controlled. No fireworks allowed. But what an orator!

The day after the election, our class on Global Markets involved an hour discussion on the election. It seemed many people had reservations about what he could achieve in just 2 years (till Congress is re-elected) and in such harsh economic conditions. I really hope it can change the way people perceive African Americans and other minorities and that these groups will be inspired.Today I heard an African-American church had been burnt down..we do fear for Mr Obama's life.

It is interesting that all the American MIT people I have met, with the exception of my class, are pro-Obama..I couldn't believe people are against him as they think taxes will rise. This seems so short-sighted and inward-looking. Taxes would have gone up anyway, under either candidate..and the US needs some reforms such as health, so please look wider guys! Have you forgotten what Prof Rigobon taught us about coordinating mechanisms- when a country has a common goal and vision. I believe Mr Obama, if anyone, can persuade the American people to spend less in lieu of a common vision.

After the results came in we went for a walk in Cambridge, we walked from MIT to Harvard, and there were so many people celebrating with street parties everywhere, dancing on the streets, hanging out of passing cars, screaming...I've never seen that after an election before. America so needed a change....this really is a new dawn.