NEWS

Based upon glowing attendee and partner feedback – and massive media coverage – the mission was decidedly accomplished.

Election Night guests are a unique lot. They are typically deeply engaged in politics, often have an international background (surprisingly, only about 20% are American) and are not afraid to lose some sleep. As the US polls do not begin closing until midnight Oslo time, the first part of the evening is dedicated to interaction and entertainment.

Leading representatives of political parties KrF, Høyre, Labor, FrP, Venstre and Senter, media outlets including NRK TV & radio, TV2, TV8, Aftenposten, Stavanger Aftenblad, P4, VG, Dagbladet, Vårt Land, the team from Gambit Hill & Knowlton Strategies and hundreds of guests of the four event hosts saw to the interaction bit. Fun and entertainment was brought to us by gifted jazz duet Tricia Boutté & Trude Kristin Klæboe, Norwegian rock/opera legends Åge Sten Nilsen & Benedicte Adrian, soul artist Byron Williams Jr., candidate Knut-Kåre Kristoffersen as played by comedian David Chocron, and blossoming R&B group Kenya & Nemor.

As election results started trickling in, education and information took over as themes. Dr. Randall Stephens, Monticello Society representatives and, most importantly, CNN were critical in our minute-by-minute understanding of voting events across the US. At 05:20 local time, with hundreds of die-hard election aficionados still in attendance, CNN’s John King announced that it was “time to warm up the fat lady.”

Breakfast for those remaining – and returning, well-rested, event partners – began immediately after newly reelected President Obama’s triumphant speech. Lisa Cooper of Democrats Abroad, Ken Burton of Republicans Abroad, US Ambassador Barry B. White and Erna Solberg of Høyre all provided distinctive insight into what had only just transpired.

In addition to those mentioned above, AmCham would like to sincerely thank ALL event partners for their support both on and behind the scenes, including financially and/or logistically. They may be content in knowing that they contributed to the most extensive event AmCham has put on in our 54-year history.

Congratulations to President Obama and congratulations to you, our members, for making this fitting tribute possible!