The hope of the world:

"The 2004 race will be watched with more than usual attention around the globe... Overwhelmingly the most important reason for that interest is the possibility that it may produce a different outcome from last time. There are, of course, eight stretching months to go, millions of dollars still to be spent and countless hours of campaigning ahead. Mr Bush remains the favourite to win re-election...

Nothing in world politics would make more difference to the rest of us than a change in the White House.

The free world has never had a stronger interest in the result of a US election than it has in the defeat of Mr Bush. Senator Kerry carries the hopes not just of millions of Americans but of millions of British well-wishers, not to mention those of nations throughout Europe and the world. "