OHIO

This could have been much worse. It could still get much worse. But, given the wide margin separating the two candidates in Ohio, I see no way that Bush will lose.

I'm disappointed that there remains a chance that my prediction of a prolonged standoff could still - possibly - pan out. However, assuming that Bush will be in the White House in January, I'm generally pleased that the US has a leader who won't easily be blackmailed by Kim Jong-il, and who will deal with the China-Taiwan issue in a frank, rather than 'nuanced,' manner.

US election campaigns go on far too long, with important issues being ignored as the world awaits the results. For much of the past year, the remaining two evil members of the Axis have been busy playing with pretty glow-in-the-dark substances - hoping, of course, that Mr Kerry would shower them with nuclear fuel and other goodies.

There's no risk of Bush doing that (Hell no, he can't even say nuclear!).

Congratulations cowboy!

Now, please, start cutting subsidies.