Pity US voters their choice of leaders. Surely democracy is better than this? | Simon Tisdall

Donald Trump and Joe Biden's failings put a focus on their understudies, but in JD Vance and Kamala Harris there's precious little to cheer

What a shambles! What a shame! With less than four months to go, America's presidentialrace, global democracy'sshowpiece event, has boiled down to a choice between a crook, a codger, a cheerleader and a charlatan. Four folks who, for varying reasons, are barely fit.

Voters deserve better. Or perhaps, by applauding and rewarding bad behaviour, they really don't. Friends and allies look on aghast. Chinese and Russian online election trolls sneer with delight. No worries, guys. The US is busy screwing itself.