It’s about trust. That’s why John Kerry is the man of the moment

I LIVED about a year of my life in America. About half of that time was spent on the east coast, and half on the west, mainly in Seattle.

It isn't possible to spend so much time anywhere without coming away with memories, and mine are principally of a decent, warm-hearted and hospitable people.

Americans are trusting and generous, open to change in ways that we find hard to recognise. They do things differently there, in all sorts of ways.