[West Ender]

The last time I really cared who became U S president is precisely 48 years ago. I knew zilch about American politics but I saw a debate on TV between Richard Nixon and a young Senator called Jack Kennedy. Charisma just oozed from the handsome Kennedy and I fell, ever so slightly, in love with him (bear in mind I was only 17). What's more, from that evening on, I knew he was going to win. There was a magic about him that I haven't seen since, and the Democrat banner he was representing was right for its time, with the equal rights question coming to the fore across the States.

Now, the equality that Kennedy endorsed may well have paid off. Obama looks like he has a good chance of being elected. If he wins, I wish him well but I fear for him too. They killed Jack Kennedy for, among other reforms, advancing the cause of the black American. The same factions are going to be gunning for a black president and, despite all the security, they'll find a way.