When the US presidential campaign began – sometime shortly following the 2000 election – candidates of all stripes promised a thorough debate on issues, both of national and international importance. Yet, for all the hot air generated by the three remaining contenders from the major U.S. political parties, the subject of Africa (and its people) has most often received short shrift. No longer, writes John Liebhardt, who explains how presidential hopefuls are bringing up Africa in their debates, and how Africans view the US elections on their blogs.