“The Australian Financial Review has always been optimistic about the future of America, which remains the world’s only viable superpower as well as the largest and most dynamic and creative economy on Earth.

“But after four years of the Obama presidency, the US economy remains stuck in a rut while Washington has been emasculated by debilitating political gridlock. Mr Obama is promising more of the same, whilst as a former successful businessman Mr Romney wants to re-engage the private sector that has always been the hallmark of America’s economic success.”

Of all the newspaper endorsements handed out over the past week — The New York Times does a terrific job compiling and comparing them — we’re sure Mitt Romney really appreciated the support of Australia’s financial daily on Saturday. Barack Obama is said to be still smarting from his “anti-business soak-the-rich mentality” slap.

The AFR seems to be out on a limb. A BBC World Series opinion poll last month found Australians were among Obama’s strongest supporters. Indeed, of the 21 countries surveyed, only Pakistan preferred Mitt Romney.

Australia doesn’t play favourites of course, at least not officially. Labor types in Canberra will be quietly hoping for an Obama victory. But even if the Coalition wins the next federal election any ideological difference between the two administrations will barely raise a blip when it comes to our watertight alliance.

The only opinions that count, in fact, are those of voters in Florida and Ohio — the two states that will deliver Obama four more years, or give Mitt Romney a leg-up to challenge come Wednesday afternoon Australian time. We’ll be watching with the rest of the world. More for America’s sake than ours.