(Updated at 02:00 with new pictures, updated 00:40 with Jeff Lugowe, Ketil Solvik-Olsen, and Curt Rice and Marianne Aasen)
After what can be objectively described as a few dramatic and controversial campaigning months, November 8th and the end of the U.S. Presidential Election is finally here.
The cafeteria in Pilestredet 32 at the Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences is filled with balloons in red, white and blue, there are political party booths in the back and there is cheerfulness in the air.
It does not feel like the fate of the U.S.', and by extension the world's, next four years will be decided in the next few hours.
The traditional bipartisan US Election Night Event is taking place at HiOA tonight.
Between 1200 to 1500 attendants are expected to the event tonight. Behind it is a collaboration between the US Embassy in Oslo, the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway (AmCham), Republicans Abroad Norway and Democrats Abroad Norway.
A teaching experience
Rector of HiOA, Curt Rice, is excited:
- I am so excited, says Rice, having never sounded so American before.
- So many people are coming, people that have never been at HiOA before, he continues.
Rice is looking forward to telling people about what HiOA does, and that the event will let Norwegians get a better understanding of American politics.
From the stage Rice kept his promise, and told 10 fun facts about HiOA, the tenth one that HiOA is the next Norwegian university. And the audience cheered.
An event bringing hope
- And after such heated campaigns, both Trump- and Clinton supporters are here
The rector sees the question coming, and addresses it immediat
