The US presidential election is the most closely watched since at least 1980. Now as then, the choice is between two candidates with sharply different governing philosophies and views on the exercise of American power in the world. The outcome will determine whether the radical, faith-based politics of President George W. Bush triumphs, or whether Americans opt for the shift in course represented by Senator John Kerry.

Mr Bush entered the White House in January 2001, having won a narrow election victory, courtesy of the US Supreme Court. He pledged to be a conciliator. He talked about uniting Democrats and Republicans at home. He promised to pursue a humble foreign policy abroad. His record shows that he has done neither. He has been a polariser, exploiting the War on Terror to cow domestic opposition and divide the world into Them and Us.