Politics has never been more exciting. Not British politics, of course, which remains the dreary preserve of the public school debating classes. If you want thrills, entertainment and downright wacky, you have to look to America.

Today (Tuesday) will see an estimated 54% of Americans going to the polls to elect their new president. (In an attempt to boost the turnout, Starbucks is offering a free coffee for any voters going to the polls.) The campaign feels like it has been going on all year but it is building to a thrilling climax. Who will win - the fresh broom of Obama and Biden, or the moth-eaten floor mop of McCain and Palin? Clearly, I’m in favour of Obama. He will turn the apple cart upside down and that’s always a Good Thing. It shakes things up, stops everyone being complacent and provides a ton of material for cartoonists.

UK media coverage is okay but to become a badge-wearing, Presidential election junkie, tune into the BBC’s World Service. World (as it is known among aficionados and those who can’t be bothered to type it out in full every time) has much a wider perspective and makes use of its extensive network of correspondents. The domestic Beeb, I notice, has done its usual trick of flying out several tons of familiar presenters, e.g. James Naughtie from Westminster Local Radio and Huw Thingie from the 10 O’Clock News, to name just a few. This always feels deeply patronising - I’d much rather hear informed opinion from a reporter who has lived and worked in the country than flowery essays from someone on a junket. More imaginatively, during September and October, World had an election bus travelling the States, allowing their correspondents to collect local colour and give a vivid portrayal of the campaign from the grassroots.

But if you really want to tap into States-side election day hysteria, tune into internet radio. Googling “internet radio streams” will throw up pages of online radio stations. Focusing on the Washington DC stations has been utterly fascinating. Unlike good old UK local radio, US broadcasters wear their political colours openly, ramming rabid opinions down the microphone to anyone who will listen. My favourite is Rush Limbaugh on 630 WMAL. How can I describe him? Think of Norman Tebbit recorded on tape and played back at double speed and you’ll get the general idea. When I listened yesterday, he was comparing Obama’s policies to the socialist politics of Cuba, Argentina, Europe and, um, Zimbabwe: “If you don’t like your life now, wait until Obama takes over.”

Oh it is so refreshing to hear decent, honest, unbalanced, unhinged opinions blasting over the airwaves (or does internet radio make them wire waves?). I will be sorry when its all over.

At first, I worried a hole that would appear in my listening life when the campaign ended. However, if Obama becomes president, I am confident Limbaugh will continue to fizz, foam and keep me entertained for months to come. And if Wallace and Gromit get in, cartoonists and comedians are going to be kept busy for years.

Colin Shelbourn