Sometimes we overlook the obvious. Like everyone else this week I have been mesmerised by the contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I woke up in Washington on the morning after Super Tuesday certain that Mr Obama had stolen a lead. By lunchtime, it was evident that Mrs Clinton’s resilience gave her the edge. A few hours later, friends at dinner were flipping a coin. That was before the breaking news that Mrs Clinton was short of cash restored Mr Obama to pole position.