Inspiration from political field of dreams

IS there a silver lining in the economic storms at our doorstep? Now that we’re poorer, will we produce better teams?

In Race of a Lifetime — the ripping account of the thrilling 2008 US presidential election — we’re taken inside Barack Obama’s campaign tour bus hours ahead of a potentially game-changing debate with Republican hopeful John McCain.

The scene fizzes with activity. Nervous aides push last-minute notes into the nominee’s hands, Democratic party gurus peek in the door in an attempt to gauge his mood, Blackberry devices buzz in anticipation of the night’s televised action.