The world would see the American people's rejection of Barack Obama in many ways: some would see racism, others a mere response to economic troubles. Neither view would be right. His defeat would instead reflect two conclusions by voters. One is personal: taking the measure of the man and, as with Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, finding that he is simply not up to the job of president, unable to provide reliable policies and leadership. The other is ideological: getting to know Obama's view of America and then rejecting it just as they rejected Carter's. So the defeat itself would convey a loud message to the world that Americans do not accept theories of inevitable decline and are prepared to take action to prevent it. The rise of China and India and the end of the very brief post-Soviet moment of unipolar dominance do not add up to a smaller role for America, but rather to an equally essential role as the only non-Asian great power, the indispensable Atlantic ally for a Europe that seeks a world role, and the avatar of democracy and popular sovereignty. Reinforced by its status as the greatest military power for several generations more, the American role remains the essential glue to an international system that favours law, justice, order and freedom. What we need most in a new president is to be sure he understands that.