JOHN McCain's speech, when he accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination, was an object lesson to all politicians on how to conduct themselves in a statesmanlike manner.
The veteran Senator managed to draw a line under George W Bush's legacy by simply not making direct reference to the White House's current incumbent, thereby reducing the likelihood of rancour.
Yet, in another equally shrewd move, he had the fores
ight to praise the qualities of Barack Obama, rather than focusing unduly on the policy shortcomings of his Democratic opponent, by pointing out that both men probably have far more common interests than may appear to be the case.
It is a shame, therefore, that American voters cannot vote for Sen McCain as President, ostensibly because of his foreign affairs experience, and Sen Obama as his number two. Such a scenario might have helped bridge the political divide that has become as wide as the Grand Canyon on President Bush's watch.
Instead, there is now the prospect of a two-month campaign that will undoubtedly come down to age versus experience, even more so given Sen McCain's decision to pick the previously unknown Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, as his "running mate".
It is a tantalising choice for the US electorate – one that voters in Great Britain would be only too glad to have in these troubled times.
Sen McCain has used his experience as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to set out the values that will underpin his presidency. He made a compelling case. Now he must explain how this vision can be translated into real policies that restore Washington's political credibility. He has the dignity to do so. But, at 72, is he still young enough become the de facto leader of the free world – with all the responsibility that this entails?
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