The French Are Obamamaniacs Too
I was crying along with the Americans, even though I wasn't one.
The Diary of Marie Claire's French Intern
It was really exciting for me to be here for such an important event. Of course, in France we followed the political campaign and I could say that we're a bit of "Obamamaniacs" too. But to see and feel that in America was pretty different.
I was in a studio for the shooting of a fashion issue, but when the celebration started everybody stopped working. We were about 20 people total, not just from Marie Claire but from different magazines, following the event on a TV in the cafeteria.
To tell you the truth, I wasn't as interested by the arrival of former presidents as I was by Aretha Franklin. I thought the show (yes, for me it was a show) was really powerful and patriotic. The sight of the crying crowd and the view of the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, or the bridge in San Francisco, which are symbols of America all over the world, had a strange effect on me. At first I thought, Oh, my God! It's the new big American movie! And I looked at it in the same way I watched Independence Day or The Day After a few years ago.
And then I was taken by the patriotic feeling of the crowd on television, of the people who were all around me, by the beauty of Aretha Franklin's amazing voice. Something broke in me ... my cynicism? At the end, I was crying along with the Americans, even though I wasn't one. Obama's solemn oath has been a discovery for me because I was surprised to see him take the oath on the Bible. I come from a secular country, and the USA is so famous for its diverse nationalities and religions, that sometimes I forget that it is not a secular nation, too.
I was really moved by the speech of the new American president — not just because of what he said (I searched a French translation because I didn't understand everything the first time), but because of the fervor of the people who were watching and listening to him. So much passion is not easy to understand for someone who comes from a place where the only doll you can find of the president is one in which you can stick a needle wherever you want, hoping that Sarkozy will fall sick, or better: abdicate!
On January 20 I felt American. And I hope that Barack Obama will prove worthy of the faith that so many people have in him.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Hailey Bieber on How Justin Bieber Divorce Rumors Have Affected Her Over the Years
It's really hurtful.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Lisa Kudrow Details Why She Hated 'Friends' Audience Laughter So Much
She's doubling down.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Ryan Reynolds Made All Blake Lively's "Dreams Come True" by Introducing Her to NSYNC Members
Wait, this is the cutest.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
15 Items Marie Claire Editors Actually Bought for July
We see it all—but these are the summer essentials our editors would spend their money on, from the best coconut perfume to the perfect white T-shirt.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published