Some Chinese viewers seem a bit jealous of the American political system -- and maybe of President Obama.
First Lady Michelle Obama knew she was speaking to the American electorate when she took the stage yesterday at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. But she may not have known the size-or, it turns out, the enthusiasm-of her Chinese audience.
After mockingly calling for the U.S. to pay China back after Romney complained last week about the size of American debt, Chinese netizens again showed a keen level of interest in American political theater. Video clips of Michelle Obama's speech made the rounds September 5 on Sina Weibo, China's Twitter, garnering over 9,000 retweets and over 1,000 comments.
With a swell of rumors and predictions in advance of China's upcoming leadership change, the country's netizens are keener than ever to learn how the game of politics is played overseas. Perhaps because they are accustomed to stone-faced leaders engaged in back-room shenanigans, they gave Ms. Obama's speech a particularly warm reception.
Many felt Ms. Obama's speech was "inspiring" and "divine." @那时的烂漫 from Shandong province felt touched from thousands of miles away: "This is not only moving, but the kind of thing that can cross borders pull heartstrings!" @Paulus_Lee from Guangzhou was equally effusive: "Wow, America's first lady is too awesome [Chinese slang literally meaning 'give power,' or '给力']. A speech this wonderful and sincere is fresh English-language study material and awakens my interest in studying English [again]. Nice."