Mr. Fallai,
The US is not a liberal country that's been bamboozled as you state. If it were, Clinton wouldn't have lost control of Congress in 94. Also, why does each Democrat presidential candidate go left to get the nomination then move to the center to try and win the general election?

Michael, Folsom, usa

Most Americans seem to know very little about politics and society in other countries (Europe, Canada etc). So they use 'socialism' as a dirty word, not knowing that almost all other western democracies are social democracies, with high living standards, and a longer life expectancy than Americans.

Duke, Toronto, Canada

I hope we've learned from the mistakes of Ronald Reagan.

Old people shouldn't be running the free world.

Jim Rousch, Littleton, CO, USA

Precisely how far is the British economy outperforming the U.S. economy in terms of gross domestic product? If national service in the U,K. is so great, why are American companies forced to pay for additional coverage for their UK staffs to reach parity with US policy coverages?

HC Here, Washington, DC, USA

Gerard, Any chance we can tax you more and redistribute some of your wealth to those in less fortunate positions? It' sonly fair, you know. Why should you have more money than others. Why should you live better than the man on the park bench. Yes, I wish Obama could drain rich liberals like you.

Jay, Herndon, USA

The Democrats have been just as incompetent as the Republicans. The Democrat-led Congress' approval rating is lower than Bush's. The current financial crisis was created by a perfect storm of the worst of the Democrats' liberal social policies and the Republicans' deregulation policies.

Nancy, New Hampshire, US

Here in Boston, we have as governor a mini-Obama, Deval Patrick, who ran under the motto - "Together We Can". Today, disappointed voters have changed it to "Together We Con". That's what we'll see in Obama as well. The future is already here in Massachusetts and it's not pretty.

kef, Boston, US

America doesnt care about its own people and certainly doesnt care about anybody elses. The strangest thing is that Americans seem to despise health care for all, good education for everybody, help for those in need. What Americans call socialism, Europeans consider right wing. Very sad.

Paul, London, uk

If Obama wins, America will act like lemmings and follow Eurpean countries off the cliff of socialism.

Compare the US and European historical employment rates and GDP growth rates. The European model sounds good but the data shows it does not work.

Avanti, Los Angeles, USA

Chris of Littlerock - this is exactly the thinking that the rest of the world despises of a narrow minority of Americans, who given their Republican trumpet for 8 years, became the globally damaging majority. The reason the majority of Americans, me included, long for responsible multilateralism

Maxteej, Denver, USA

Sadly the world has been sold a bill of goods regarding the New Savior. The columnist thinks, like the rest of the Americans duped into believing the last 8 years were so terrible, that the Demos will fix the mess THEY created. Not likely. And global warming-- man made?? Another dupe. Hope?? No...

Rob, Newport Beach, USA

Thank you for an understanding of Americans that is far too rare in Europe. However, while agreeing that Republican corruption is inexcusable, I remind you that corrupt Democrats are just excused. Why isn't Rep. Jefferson (caught with $90,000 in cash in his freezer) not a convicted felon?

Dennis Duggan, Charlotte, NC, USA

What a lot of non-Americans fail to realize about presidential elections is that we are not voting for the leader of the free world, we are voting for the leader of OUR country. What the rest of the world thinks is irrelevant, what counts is what will it do for me in Littlerock, California?

Chris Avison, Littlerock, CA, USA

I disagree strongly with this column's conclusion; if you ask Americans how they feel about a number of issues, they overwhelmingly support liberal positions or liberal government programs. They have been bamboozled by the GOP into voting against their interests with phony 'culture war' issues.

Michael Fallai, Phoenix, USA

Good analysis, but a little lacking in nuance about our society We're not deeply conservative, we're deeply divided. If Obama can manage expectations and give most a little of what they want, he'll be reelected and remembered as an agent of change. If he falls to ego or party pressure, then SNAFU

Mel, Bar Harbor ME, USA

The most momentous issue facing the world is global warming, so what are the McCain and Obama views on the matter? I do not recall their having said anything of substance about this. Do people care more about the temporary economic crisis, or skin colour?

Byron Jones, Melbourne, Australia

It's not overcoming race that has made it so difficult to break the Republican stronghold; it's overcoming stupidity. Most Americans are so self-absorbed and so uneducated about the facts and issues that they make horrible decisions in the voting booth.

Ryan, Nashville, USA

"Yes, Americans will be voting for Obama and change. But they don't want radicalism"
I agree about not wanting radicalism. Because many, like myself, feel that we were already in a period of radicalism for the last 8 years (to the right). Most Americans don't want lunatic fringe in
either direction

MB, NYC, USA

A Rupert Murdoch owned "media" outlet hoping that the changes they see happening aren't, and blaming the rest of the media (what's left of it he doesn't own) for being complicit in the rise of a liberal majority in the US. Shocking. Obama will be wonderful, and the US is progressive. Get used to it!

Christian, Washington, DC, USA

The rest of the world is about to be disappointed. Obama may be your choice, but don't expect radical change, especially in foreign policy. If he wants to be re-elected, and he will, he knows he can not be weak like Carter. Look for him to follow Clinton's example of pulling his party to center.

Sam, Mobile, USA

Barack Obama is no one's fool, and there is no "left" in US politics to speak of. You will see drastic changes from the last eight years. Less coddling of the rich, action on global warming & health care. But Obama is a moderate pragmatist.

David, Columbus, US

Having voted for Bush Sr, Dole, & Bush Jr twice for the US Presidency in the past, this will be my first time to vote a Democrat for President for reasons of decency and competence. Palin is riskier and reflects McCain's pandering. If Obama wins, he can still be voted out in 4 years (recall Carter).

Marlyn, Naperville, Illinois, USA

Liz - look at Obama's voting record, very little radical or socialist in it. Chip from NY - The House was Republican from 1994-2006.
Jim of Washington & James of Louisville both make good points. Obama, like Tony Blair in '97, will come to power on a wave of optimism, & sadly leave us disappointed.

Chas., London,

If after the tragedy of 9/11, a candidate is painted as sympathetic to terrorists, is it any wonder that he is not 10 points ahead? As for skin color, I find it risible as a black person, that a white journalist can say it is an advantage. I hope the Times publishes this ;are you being selective

Ekow Nelson, PINNER, UK

I think that you made some very good points. Are the electorate voting the Republicans out of power or the Democrats into power? Of course they are doing both but by how much? It could change the political landscape for years.

Daedalus, Cohasset, Ma., USA

I imagine this is election will be a kind of over-correction, a hard left to counter a long right-ward drift. Perhaps in another 200 years we'll learn to balance it evenly. For my part, I'd be happy enough with decency and competence.

Ryan, Bellingham, USA

Sadly race is an issue in this election but it is definitely from both sides. Some whites will not vote for Obama due to his color and an amazing amount of blacks will not vote for McCann because of his color. If Obama is elected we will become a socialist nation .

Stacey , Jacksonville, USA

We don't really know that 5-6 % is Senator Obama's real advantage. What if Senator Obama wins the election on Tuesday by 10-12 margin? Will Mr. Baker's analysis still hold? I don't think so. It is always dangerous for a columnist to base his/her argument on an "unknown."

Hakan Tunc, Ottawa, Canada

It is always amazing to me that the most insightful analyses of the American political situation usually come from foreigners (and by foreigners, I mean the British).

Wendy, Federal Way, WA, USA

Sadly in 2008, America is still one of the most racist and politically ignorant countries on earth.

T, Kansas City, US

Perhaps the British mind has trouble understanding how the race can be somewhat close becuase you don't realize that both houses of Congress have been ruled by the Democrats for years. They can not escape blame for current calamities. The Dems are not some minority party with shadow ministers, etc.

Chip Sviokla, New York , USA

Your comments about race are laughable. I live in a rural town in Ohio where the economy is in shambles but almost every white person I know is voting for McCain just because the other guy is black. They don't even know the issues. They just can't bear the thought of a black president.

chris, Ohio, USA

America had better not become a social haven!
Otherwise when I have the means to leave this country the entire Western World will have stooped to the low level that social liberalism has taken us to.

Lorenzo, Salisbury, the sunny apple, UK

This race is so close because the US is not a 60-40 country. It's truly split down the middle in terms of party affiliation. Being an independent, I feel like the last 8 years of negative scare tactics have hurt this country and the world. And I see the same tactics coming from the McCain campaign.

Greg, Boulder, CO

The whole American election process has been fascinating, if prolonged. Obama has promised much. Will he deliver? the world waits!

Norm , Melbourne, Australia

McCain could still win be offering more 'green collar' jobs. Google: renewable energy jobs growth america, for an ASES report, p.51,from Ohio, showing ideas for increasing jobs from 446,000 to 7.9 million.
He could give a choice, $600 tax rebates a year, or $2,400 lump sum for solar/wind etc.

Hugo van Randwyck, London, UK

Savvy investors will be puting their money in companies who produce "Don't Blame Me , I Didn't Vote For Him" bumper stickers.

Kate, Maryland, USA

Team Obama is already laying the groundwork for reducing the unrealistic expectations that his rhetoric has produced. How disappointing it will be when the oceans don't recede, when Europe still hates us, when the redistribution of wealth wrecks what's left of our economy.

Cassandra Gleason, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA

Spot on Gerard! I will be voting for McCain simply because I believe that it is better if one party doesn't control both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Gridlock brings about consensus and reasoned policy. That being said, there should be enough Blue Dogs to keep the left, somewhat, in line.

Jim Walton, Washington, DC,

Good analysis, as usual although I believe the vote in the presidential election will be very close. Obama, if he does win, is likely to win with only a minority of the votes cast. It's possible he may win the electoral vote but lose the poular vote.

kevin, cedar falls iowa, usa

I think most of us are just looking for a little decency, a little tolerance (moral and economic), a little modesty, and a little modernity of thought from our government. This realignment may not be radical but it is likely to be long lasting if the far right doesn't listen to its message.

James, Louisville, USA

The report is supporting a socialist government. I see nothing wrong with Bush's reign. I do feel that our Congress and it's give away funds are rotten. If Obama wins and the Democrats remain in total power then we will go down the economic tube to a level similar to pre-Thatcher in the U.K.

Neal, East Lansing, `USA

My Mother always said, "you are judged by the company you keep". Why cannot people in this country understand this about Barack Obama? I believe that this young man speaks with forked-tongue. He is a true radical, socialist, and very inexperienced in government. I am truly worried about our future

Liz Reilly, Kennett Square, USA

Even Bill Clinton has admitted that the elections of recent times were never about personality, morality or security - they were about who's financial interests would be advanced and who's would be disregarded.
This put's a new light on things. a colder light

glenn schaefer, holbrook, us

Mr. Baker's take on the situation here is realistic. I, myself, have been speculating on just how quickly the media will turn on Mr. Obama when he turns out not to be the Messiah...

MargaretC, Laramie, USA

Like it or not, if elected, Obama will be forced to enact as much liberal legislation as possible by the democratic leaders of his party and congress. There will be tax hikes, military cuts, social programs, more unions, and that's just the tip of the iceberg in the path of the USS America.

Doug, Baltimore,

Overall America is a successful country. The majority of people generally don't vote for radical change when the system in place benefits them.

Most populations in 'leading' western nations have a strongly conservative streak in the vein of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'.

Rob, Leamington Spa,

You say Americans don't want a dramatically expanded public sector ; but they must have spent that 11 trillion dollars on something!

Glen, Melbourne,

It’s good to see a commentator on this side of the Atlantic who is prepared to state the real issues. Reality is what is needed rather than the politically correct postures of the BBC and liberal left papers. Its going to be traumatic for those indoctrinated by the media over here if Obama loses

David Cartright, UK/US,

good eye for the obvious.

milan, london, uk