There's a very good chance that the US presidential election has been all but decided by now. Of late, everyone in the world has been able to observe the panic on Wall Street, the consequent rocking of the American economy and the savage partisanship in Washington.
Most Americans probably agree: if there ever was time for a change, now would be that time. Advantage the Democratic ticket. And then, last Thursday, came the vice-presidential debate, perhaps to clinch the deal.
In one way or the other, I have been a journalistic participant in every American presidential election since 1980; and I have never seen such intense interest in a vice-presidential debate.
Would 'she' stumble? Would 'she' be unable to answer a question in complete sentences? Is the former beauty queen and student athlete really that pretty? Is she in fact really that dumb? 'She' of course, was Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate and governor of Alaska.
In the end, she handled herself well under enormous pressure - and in the face of stiff competition from one of the true quality members of the US Senate. But if this crucial American election is to be decided on issues that matter, rather than superficial appearances that do not, then the election is over. The major issues, this time around, do not favour the Republicans.
This point, or so it seemed to me, was competently illustrated in the opposing presentation of Joe Biden, the Democratic running mate of Barack Obama. His work on the podium was exceptional. His delivery was courtly and professional. And his command of the issues was indisputable.
