Six (yes,100 percent) of MSNBC's post-debate mini-focus group are less likely to vote for McCain because of Sarah Palin. The McCain campaign's attempt to divert the campaign from the issues appears to be a failure, and the American public are not apparently as gullible as the Republicans appear to believe.

The sad thing that summed up my reservations about the whole campaign was Governor Romney's response to tonight's debate. Sometimes it becomes apparent that government need to put aside the party politics and address the real needs of the real silent majority.

That's a phrase that's particularly resonant with me, since I am (as I have repeatedly reminded anyone who is silly enough to listen) myself a disenfranchised immigrant, and therefore silent by force majeure. There are a lot of people who make a positive contribution to this country's future but have absolutely no effective voice in the direction it takes.

For myself I'd be happy with a president who is prepared to try and get people to change their thinking. It's just as important to use less energy as it is to make more energy available. But Obama was ridiculed for suggesting we should check our tire pressures. Sure, it might not make a lot of difference. But isn't a small difference significant when multiplied by 300 million?

I am astonished by the response of the broadcasting channels to the debate. Do yourself a favor and review the replays. Look at John McCain's body language and compare it with Barack Obama's. Remember that 70% of any communication is made by non-verbal means, and try to tell me that John McCain didn't lose tonight's debate. Significantly, I believe, that's because McCain believes he has to do something, while Obama believes he has to be something, and that something is simply what he actually is.

If John McCain is this country's next president I will walk round the Reflecting Pool naked. Because it will mean that it no longer matters where I live, and the cynical slogan of the 1970s is true: No matter who you vote for, the government always gets in. Because it won't matter to me any more who runs the country. Because I am tired of being outvoted by people who don't understand the issues or the way the world really works. Why won't politicians accept that they need to plan for a world in which they, and the people who voted for them, have ceased to exist?

I am not a McCain supporter, but I had a lot more respect for him before he started to compromise his ideals in search of a majority vote. Sarah Palin was also a better politician befoer the right-wing neo-conservatives dangled absolute power before her naive nose. I hope they both recover after losing the election and realize that they still have a lot to offer their (existing) constituents.