In a geopolitical scene not noted for its sympathies to America, we should all give thanks for Australia’s John Howard. On 9/11, the French headline that got all the attention read: “Nous sommes tous Americains.” With far less fanfare, Mr Howard told a radio interviewer: “This is no time to be an 80 per cent ally.” The French didn’t mean it. The Prime Minister did, and he’s been a 100 per cent ally to the United States throughout the last six years. On Saturday (Australia Time, which is more or less practically right now Eastern Daylight Central Standard Mountain Time), he faces the toughest election of his life. He deserves to win.