History has been made. America has elected its first black President - Barack Obama, and my, didn't they do it in style. Here in New Zealand, history may also be made this coming Saturday.If we vote Labour in for a fourth term, Helen Clark's name will be printed in  the history books as the fifth longest standing Prime Minister in New Zealand's  political history (alongside Richard Seddon, William Massey, Keith Holyoake and Peter Fraser).I don't consider myself to be particularly political. I keep tabs on whose who  in parliament (though I'm sure I'd fail a pop quiz on MPs) and I have views on  many policies, but overall, I don't have the fervour for politics that many of  my compatriots - particularly those here in Wellington have. But, I will admit, this election campaign has piqued my interest, more so than previous years.Perhaps fuelled by the personality/popularity-driven campaigning in the US, our  political parties' election campaigning seems to have taken on a different life  this year - all focused on telling their stories in an individual (albeit  slightly clichéd) manner.Labour has gone with a reputation "trust" angle vilifying John Key at any  opportunity as "untrustworthy". National has gone down the road of "time for a  change" with our new man on the block attempting to swing ardent Labour voters  his way. He's retaliated against Labour's campaign by accusing them of muckraking (though I thought that was just part and parcel of election campaigning).Even the minor parties have stepped up to the plate this year with the  Greens presenting a "Vote for Me" environmental message (with arguably the best  looking billboards of the campaign). United Future looked to have spent all its  money on a one minute television advert with "one man band" Peter Dunne speaking earnestly to the camera. New Zealand First – well, Winston’s campaign was shot to pieces before campaigning began. Meanwhile Act, as well as bringing back Mr Rogernomics to politics, has focused its campaign on asking voters "to ensure the next National Government makes a difference" by making their party vote Act.Sure, when it comes to fronting the campaigns we are missing a charismatic  leader like Obama, the celebrity endorsements (no, Michael Jones and Inga  Tuigamala don't count) and the pomp of the US celebrations. But, I'm sure Labour or National – whichever is victorious on Saturday – will do their best with helium balloons and streamers, and come Sunday, it's fair to say, it will be business as usual for our political parties (even if, in our case, history has been made).