When candidates agree, it is not always front-page news. Election coverage hinges on conflict. Effective governance works differently. The next president must work to build consensus to get things done. Nuclear security is an excellent place to start; in fact, a remarkable bipartisan consensus is emerging that can help the 44th president revolutionise America’s policy towards nuclear weapons.

In October, Senator Barack Obama said that “America seeks a world in which there are no nuclear weapons”. This month, Senator John McCain gave an important policy address on nuclear non-proliferation, committing America to the same – if less specific – goal. For the first time in history, both main party candidates have agreed to put America on a path towards a world without nuclear weapons and all the risks they bring. The next president can turn this campaign promise into action by doing four things within six months of taking office: