What a difference a day makes

APART from the results, one of the most interesting aspects of yesterday's US polls has been observing how the campaign has unfolded.

With so much of our own domestic party political activity reflecting the US, it's fair to say much of what the American electorate is subjected to today, we will experience tomorrow.

Perhaps the most striking example has been the transformation of the way our major parties now stage their annual conferences.

With each passing year, these become more and more like the rallies so favoured by both camps across the Atlantic. It's also fair to say that the explosion in media technology has transformed every aspect of mass communications - and election campaigns and polls themselves are no exception.

The sophistication of modern communications means political campaigners have very little, if any room for manoeuvre when they are out on the road.


Under the gaze of a dozen or more lenses and microphones, their every utterance is beamed instantly to ever-growing audiences. If they fluff a line, they risk everything. Ask John Prescott all about campaigning on the streets with a posse of media representatives in tow.

And as well as being able to communicate so widely so quickly, the politicians are advised by strategists who can exploit the immense power of these sophisticated information services.

Though they are never likely to admit to making policy decisions "on the hoof", it's undoubtedly true that our politicians and those who surround and advise them, can and do use the web and others modern communications to gauge public reaction and perception.

For example, have a look at www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006

Throughout the US campaign, this CNN site has provided an extraordinary range of detailed coverage, comment and analysis of every aspect of the American campaign. Now, with results posted, the site adds a further dimension to its coverage with a mind-boggling interpretation of voting patterns across the country.

And why, some may ask, is this so significant?

Well, when the most powerful nation on earth goes to the polls it's as well to stay awake.

Think of five factors that are going to be most critical to your business next year and I am pretty sure that whatever your list contains, the colour of the US political map will have a bearing.


World oil reserves and supplies for one are inextricably linked to US-led demand. Higher taxation to curb global warming seems almost inevitable, so what will the US decide to do?

And, arguably most critical of all, where will the US War on Terror lead the world's economy?
America's own voters have made their point. It remains to be seen who was listening and how they will respond.