WITH the Americans’ unrivalled ability to go overboard, Halloween in Florida was sure to be special. Add the ingredient of the mid-term elections and the best advice was to hold one’s breath and expect fireworks.

It proved to be case. But while children talked of ghouls, ghosts and long-legged beasties, their politically minded parents cast the politicians of the ‘the other party’ as villains who had to be wiped out.

The destruction came chiefly in the form of character assassination.

There was blind hatred in the air. Policies never seemed part of the equation. They took a back seat while Democrats seized the throats of Republicans and Republicans bayed for Democrats’ blood.

Neighbours who live in harmony for most of the time, were daggers drawn.

I lost count of the alleged paedophiles, adulterers, drug dealers and drug takers who were seeking office. There was even a sprinkling of wife beaters, while embezzlers were two for a dime.

Television seemed to encourage this negativity.

“Is it always like this?” I asked a self-confessed, born-again Christian wedded to the Republican cause who had compared the Obama administration to that of the supreme Soviet in its heyday. He even blamed the President for the failure of the final mission of the space shuttle to blast off on time on Sunday, even though the problem was technical.

He said it was.

I BEHAVED myself and said nothing that would damage the ‘special relationship’ – although I came close in an ocean-front diner called Charlie Horse.

A couple who had retired to Florida after a business life in New York, were paying tribute to the quality of British TV shows and were particularly vocal about the qualities and versatility of Michael Palin for his comedy performances and his travel documentaries.

“Of course he’s related to Sarah Palin, the former Governor of Alaska,” said the wife with great conviction.

“Not unless she comes from Sheffield,” I retorted with surprising control.

After all, enough is enough.

NOTHING was going to spoil my enjoyment as I joined a group of parents with their imaginatively costumed children on a trick-or-treat tour that brought each child enough sweets and candy to rot their teeth in a week.

Churches organised parties with food laid on. A group of helpers called us over to join in.

America is having financial difficulties like the rest of us, but the cheerful woman minister (“Call me Lucille”) was quick to defend the celebrations in spite of Halloween’s pagan associations.

“It's better than killing each other,” she said, calmly taking a large slice of pizza from a passing plate.