A Democratic year, a market meltdown, and a disciplined opponent. Its amazing McCain got 46 percent.

Obama's stunning breakthrough election as the first African-American president -- at a time when he is the only black U.S. senator -- is a testament to his personal qualities and the sophistication of his campaign. It obviously owes a lot to the well-earned unpopularity of Bush's policies, which contributed to the financial crash. But America had also changed: young white people are less racist; there's a growing Latino vote; black voters felt energized and inspired; the growing ranks of highly educated voters are more liberal.

WHAT THE TELLY TELLS US | November 5th 2008

In our third and final instalment of election-gazing from across the pond, Jakob von Baeyer writes about the hand-wringing at a house-party, everyone waiting to exhale ...

Special to MORE INTELLIGENT LIFE

Obama should name McCain secretary of Defense.

India has thrived under Bush's pro-outsourcing policies, and many Indians hope for further prosperity with McCain.

Leslie Savan McCain's half-jokey Republican cloth-coat excuse for losing paled next to the chainsaw Fey's impersonation took to Palin.

John Nichols Palin and her closest aides are thinking 2012. They know she's the star of the party's 2008 campaign, as opposed to an often listless McCain.

McCain may have set back the cause of tax reform.

The McCain folks might want to draw up an Electoral College contact list.

Former RFK aide Bartle Bull gores Obama at Manhattan McCain rally.