The world’s media decided long ago that, in the wave of national elections, the US presidential election is the poll to watch. A vicious Republican primary season, with blow-by-blow global media coverage, is now melting into the background as president Obama and his opponent, Mitt Romney, limber up for the November championship fight. A range of commentators have described it as the most important American election in a generation. The country is apparently at a crossroads, being offered two very different versions of the future. More government or more market is how the Republicans frame the choice. Democrats prefer greater fairness and opportunity versus breaks for the rich.