So long as you don’t mind paying almost nine dollars for an Obamatini.
[Let’s file this one under: Dept. of Self-Parodying, Obamatini-Sipping, Recession-Era Democrats]
Last night, the Shanghai chapter of Democrats Abroad, an official arm of the Democratic Party, held an Obama victory party at the Glamour Bar, one of Shanghai’s more expensive nightlight venues. Below, the drink specials as offered at the venue (I’ve added dollar conversions in red, next to the RMB prices):
Needless to say, there weren’t many students or low-wage ESL teachers at this (non-fundraising) event, despite the fact that many – if not most of them – are Obama voters.
Somewhat related: I hope someone (an ESL teacher, perhaps) bothered to explain to the organizers that Obama’s election night statement that “Change Has Come” was preceded by “It’s been a long time coming” – itself, a direct reference to Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem, “A Change is Gonna Come.” [it’s been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come …] In other words, not only did Democrats Abroad name a “fresh mix of rose vodka, grapefruit juice, fresh lime & lemonade” after a song inspired by Cooke’s arrest for trying to register at a Whites Only hotel, it attached $9 to the experience.
Here’s hoping that the folks at Democrats Abroad develop some common sense, taste, and a few friends who know how to enjoy themselves at more local price levels.
[Addendum: I’m well aware that there were other Obama victory parties in Shanghai last night (good one, shanghaiist!), several of which were at venues with prices similar to those at Glamour Bar. But those parties weren’t oraganized by an official arm of the Democratic Party. Big difference.]
Sounds like someone’s bitter that they couldn’t afford a cocktail.
China_Dem:
As I was saying: “Self-Parodying, Obamatini-Sipping, Recession-Era Democrats.”
And I do just fine, thank you very much.
Couldn’t afford an Obamatini? And no sense of hypocrisy (or common sense) from the Democratic Party posing as the representative of working Americans, the antithesis of those selfish, self-indulgent Republicans? Kinda’ lost the common touch there partying at the official function, didn’t you party stalwarts?
Apart from being offended that they called an apple martini – yuck, plus sacrilige to this martini drinker – the “Obamatini”, I was also uncomfortable with the choice of venues. That’s why I was absent from Malone’s yesterday morning – I didn’t want this great day ruined by going to a skanky bar where I feel decidedly uncomfortable. Glamour Bar is more tolerable, but is still a symbol of elitist expat isolationism.
Since the first debate watching party, I’ve sent several emails to AmDems requesting that they vary the venues for events, since not everyone feels comfortable going to Tongren Lu bars. Never got any answer. In 2004 I was one of the organizers of AmDems, and we had meetings and events in a variety of venues, including potlucks at the homes of people with satellite access. Beijing Dems had three different watch parties around the city in a range of venues, and while I realize those require organization, it would have been a simple matter for the current organizers to ask for extra volunteers to set those up.
Really tasty American microbrews were only 25 kuai at the Shanghaiist event at Sasha’s. And all other drinks were half price. Not sure if that is Democracy, but it sure tasted good.
Obama Beer – Indeed! I stopped by, and it was a welcome contrast to the Glamour Bar event.