As the bitter election season draws to a close, America remains as divided as ever
Across this huge country, 100 million Americans are currently voting for their next leader, from forested New Hampshire, to swampy Louisiana, to the volcanic islands of Hawaii.
Much of the country is bathed in glorious autumnal sunshine. Some Americans call this sort of weather a 9/11 day, because they remember the same crisp, clear air just before their innocence was shattered in 2001.
What happened on September 11th should be the furthest thought from voters' minds today. A presidential election should be a joyous day, even a celebration of a system of government that is flawed but responsive.
But something feels wrong. And it has done ever since the attacks of 15 years ago. A lucky country - flanked by vast oceans and benign neighbours - feels like it's vulnerable and insecure.
It's not just about physical insecurity - fear of terrorist attack and crime - it's a profound sense of economic and even cultural instability.
Donald Trump was merely the candidate who unexpectedly but brilliantly exploited that mood.
Even as voters cast their ballots, they are bracing themselves for the acrimony that is sure to follow.
This has been a uniquely angry and bitter campaign. Large numbers of Republicans - 27% in polling - say they won't accept the result if Hillary Clinton is declared the winner later tonight.
They share Trump's analysis - it was the rocket fuel for his candidacy and for Bernie Sanders's run - that the US political and economic structure is rigged against ordinary people.
They see the political donors, the Wall Street bankers, the Washington insiders, controlling the system.
And you know what? They are not wrong. Washington doesn't work. It's a dysfunctional town that rewards partisanship and brinkmanship. Politics is broken in America, and so now is civility.
So if - as we expect - Hillary Clinton wins in the next 12 hours, she will have a formidable task. Yes, she will have all the domestic and foreign policy crises that come with the presidency.
But she must repair something fundamental - a sense of unity and cohesion.
Somehow Americans must bring into their politics courtesy and kindness, the ability to listen as well as shout.
And here is the key problem: almost no candidate is less equipped for that task than Hillary Clinton, one of the most divisive candidates who has ever run for the White House.