The USA election in November is shaping up to be a mud-slinging festival.

Republicans will be coming from behind after eight years of a Bush presidency. Will they ask W to stump for McCain in the Heartland? Probably not. They’re likely to keep the President away to avoid any stains - much like Gore distanced himself from Clinton when campaigning in 2000.  (And no, I didn’t mean THAT stain - get thee to a dry cleaner, Miss Lewinsky.)

But who will the Republicans face? If it’s Obama then yesterday the job for the Republicans got easier. Michelle Obama said in a speech, “…for the first time in my adult lifetime I am really proud of my country.”

Now if you’re not American that’s the equivalent of standing up in a crowded church and admitting you’re a kiddy fiddler.

Americans and patriotism go hand in hand. The Fourth of July is a boon for flag manufacturers. Everyone knows the words to the National Anthem (unlike Australia, where the best can only get through the first verse - and just what does “girth by sea” mean?). America is a nation defined by its nationality and abject pride. Michelle spat in the fountain of freedom.

It’s easy for the Republicans to generate dislike to Hillary Clinton. She’s always been a polarising figure. But Obama is fresh and new - and unknown. So like lions in a tense wait before pouncing, the Republican Party is waiting for the day Obama becomes the Democratic candidate. Michelle just gave them plenty of ammunition for a full on attack. And of course there’s the fact he’s from Chicago.  Seems anyone from Al Capone’s home town is immediately a gangster, much like anyone from New Jersey is a high-haired airhead. (”Like, oh my god, that is so not true!”)

Put on your plastic coats - the mud is soon to fly!