2008
Russians Choose Their Candidate in Election 2008
On 5 November, the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok invited 50 local politicians, professors, students, and journalists to the Consul General residence to witness the U.S. Presidential election in progress. The wealth of activities prepared by Consulate staff made the event colorful, informative and interactive. Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Bridget Gersten and Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) David Kessel briefed the audience on the U.S. electoral process and answered various questions from the audience. Pol-Econ Officer Stephen Kovacsics informed participants about the latest developments in the election while coloring in Electoral College votes with blue and red – according to the latest news broadcast. Guests cast their votes in a mock election and then enthusiastically took an election quiz. Thanks to the time difference, Vladivostok got a lucky strike – our event was going on just as Barack Obama was announced the winner. Prominent Vladivostok scholars Professors Mikhail Shinkovskiy and Galina Kazachun concluded by saying that the 2008 electoral race proved the power of democracy. Various media organizations reported on the event, including the TV companies OTV Prim and TNT Vladivostok, online news agency Vostokmedia, Ezhednevnye Novosti, the business weekly Zolotoy Rog, and many more. All guests received an informative packet of information about the U.S. Presidential election including a copy of the Election Night Kit and the USA Elections in Brief booklet.