Being a critic, you can make certain demands from the people you work for. It’s fine, because for every thing you ask for, 10 people add it on to their tax bill. Such is the slimey world of media. As I barely make requests above wanting my wages, this week is a little different. I’ve sent in a written request (in triplicate) to our lovely editor, Sir Paul Hirons (we have to call him that you know). You see, I am going to be staying up for US Election Night 2008 (BBC One, Tuesday, 4 November, 11.20pm – 6.00am) to see who is to become the leader of absolutely everything in the entire world. As it’s a long shift, I’ve asked Sir Hirons to ask the people in the Shiny offices to get me the most potent coffee there is, along with some super strong amphetamines and some pure, uncut E numbers. This could be my own journey into the dark heart of America, Hunter S. Thompson style.

Anyway, this election is not about me. Or is it? You see, everyone I’ve spoken to about this (well, anyone who has wanted to speak about it in any great detail with me at least) seems to be taking this election very personally. Many, like me, stayed up for the weird one in 2000 with the miscounts and the chads, and took Dubya’s win incredibly personally. This seems to have carried on into a loathing for Sen. McCain. He is the new (old) face of those fuckers who stole the election. This of course, leaves Sen. Obama to win all our hearts.

Sadly, for all of us taking it personally in the UK, we can’t vote as this is the time when “America decides”. Unlike any other US election, this guarantees history in the making. By the close, we’ll either have the first black president or the first female vice-president. It’s exciting stuff!

While other newsrooms will be pissing about with people we don’t care about and graphics that are laughable, the BBC will be putting on the best show, with David Dimbleby holding a court that includes Matt Frei, Justin Webb, Jeremy Vine and John Simpson. The results will tantalisingly drip-feed in and… and as we all know, this one, regardless of the polls, isn’t in the bag. This will go right to the wire… and I can’t wait.