As a romantic, an internationalist, and a librul, I have to say I can understand this sentiment from the Guardian, though I can bet they're being belittled by plenty of across-the-aisle bloggers for this.

The 2004 race will be watched with more than usual attention around the globe. But 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.

But the consensus of current polls is that this is now a genuine contest. It is clear both that Mr Bush is beatable and that Mr Kerry is the best choice that the Democrats could have made to beat him. America's voters have done themselves a great favour. If they had picked Mr Dean, Mr Bush would have made mincemeat of him. By picking Mr Kerry, they have given the Democrats their best chance of recapturing the White House. That is something for Britons to welcome too. 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.

The title of the column? "The Hope of the World". And why not? After all, the Senator looks pretty damn good throwing a football. He has a good release point, at the top of his throwing arc, very Montana-ish if you ask me.

Okay, so that's an American football, but anyway...

Rest assured, earth, that I'm going to do everything in my power to give promise to your wishes.