Whether policy experts believe that Mauricio Funes and the FMLN will do their best to follow the Chavez model or they accept Funes as a moderate, the political climate in El Salvador does not lend itself to a strong leftward shift.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: What to expect from the new FMLN government in El Salvador

At times he has argued powerfully in favour of a cap-and-trade bill to moderate climate change.

ECONOMIST: The Republican nomination

Jon Huntsman, the closest thing to a moderate in the race (who supports gay marriage and action to combat climate change), is polling in low single figures.

ECONOMIST: American politics: The right Republican | The