Most Canadians follow American presidential politics with as much, if not more, interest than our own federal elections. Proximity to such a large, powerful, (and generally friendly), neighbor and the reach of American media make it fairly easy.

Right or wrong it also seems that American politicians will go much further than Canadian politicians in stretching the truth and attacking opponents. While we may profess to disdain such behavior it is fascinating and we do watch. This year with the emergence of the charismatic Barack Obama I believe there has been even more interest here in Canada.