By Jamie Coomarasamy
BBC News, Washington
After nearly two years of digesting speeches and slogans, of being bombarded with adverts and requests for money, of coming to terms with the possibility of the first non-white or female president, Americans are nearly there.
They voted in record numbers in the primary elections and now look poised to do the same in the general election. In fact, they already have.
In more than 30 states, early voting began several weeks ago. It has not been uncommon to see large lines snaking around entrances to libraries, community centres and other voting locations.
If there is one thing that can confidently be said, it is that Americans are ready for this election.
At a time of economic crisis, with opinion polls consistently showing that large numbers of people are unhappy with the direction their country is taking, there is little sense of apathy.
'Mind-boggling' costs
And, after eight years of an increasingly unpopular Republican presidency, the advantage is with the Democratic Party - and the party's candidate, Barack Obama.
He has raised mind-boggling amounts of cash - far in excess of even the most generous estimates - enabling him to compete across the country and to afford extravagant amounts of advertising in these final few weeks, culminating in the half hour "infomercial" which aired at prime time on several US networks last week.
Of course, it's not just the money. Throughout the months that I've covered this election, the levels of excitement and enthusiasm at Obama rallies have consistently outstripped those of his opponents, both Democratic and Republican.
Only Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin - both historic candidates in their differing ways - have managed to inspire crowds in a similar fashion.
Transformational
But the question is: Will this enthusiasm, enhanced voter registration and substantial financial advantage be carried over into the polling stations?
If it is, Sen Obama has a real chance of winning many of the states which have crossed from safe Republican territory into the "toss up" column; places like Indiana and Virginia, which last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate when the current one was just three years old.
The election could be transformational, not just in terms of bringing a non-white president to the White House, but in re-drawing the electoral map, at the same time.
There are plenty of potential obstacles, though. Some are visceral.
When it comes down to it, how many Americans will find it hard to put a cross next to a man with an exotic name and mixed-race background?
Will Mr Obama, for all his inspiring rhetoric and calm demeanour be seen as too aloof and professorial?
Will Americans prefer the earthier, more "familiar-looking", Mr McCain; a feature of public life for several decades, with an inspiring story of war time heroism - and a reputation for bridging partisan divides?
And what of the polls, which have shown a fairly consistent Obama lead for the past few weeks?
Will that keep Democratic voters away through a sense of complacency or, perhaps, discourage Republicans?
Palin effect
Certainly, the McCain campaign has made much of the tightening numbers in recent days in places such as Pennsylvania - a must-win state for the Republican candidate.
There, the Arizona senator's argument that Mr Obama is too inexperienced in foreign affairs and too left-wing in his economic views is gaining traction.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
Another big unknown is the Palin effect.
Mr McCain's running mate has inspired and disappointed in equal measure. She is likely to be a reason for many on both sides to turn out.
So, will the pro or anti forces be the most energised?
And whose get-out-the-vote efforts will be the most successful?
The Republicans have a good track record in this and the McCain camp seems to have kept cash aside for the final push, but the Obama campaign has broken new ground in its organisational powers.
The experience of the long primary campaign is likely to come in very handy.
Undecided voters
And what of those undecided voters?
The sense I get is that many are people who voted for President Bush four years ago, but are still unconvinced by Mr McCain - either for reasons of ideology or temperament.
If that's the case, Mr Obama doesn't need to win them over. He'd be happy if they simply stayed at home.
At this point, the odds remain in favour of an Obama win. But it's not the bookmakers who will decide the result of the election; it's the American people.
And after the longest, most expensive and, according to many veteran observers, most inspiring election campaign in living memory, they are about to make that decision.
Rarely can their choice have seemed so consequential for the country, or the world.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~24~RS~)