Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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US Election Interest Runs High at Embassies in Washington

Natalie Liu

   The world watches American elections with intense interest, eager to
   know the future direction of the leading global superpower. So the
   perceptions of the D.C. diplomatic corps -- the eyes and ears in
   Washington of their respective nations -- are much in demand in their
   homelands.

   This year's election was particularly frustrating for Washington-based
   ambassadors, who found their ability to observe election processes and
   host embassy watch parties severely constrained by the coronavirus
   pandemic. But that did little to dampen their enthusiasm.

   "I try and get as good a picture as I can without being able to go out
   and sniff the air," said Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, who told VOA
   he has relied for his insights on communications with reporters, think
   tank analysts and others he knows to be well-connected to the two major
   parties.

   "People in Ireland, and in Europe, take American politics very
   seriously," he said. "When I talk to Irish people on the phone, I
   realize they know a lot about what's going on here. People are
   extremely well-informed, which makes my job easier. I don't have to
   explain everything to people at home. They already have a good, basic
   knowledge."

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