The second reason for our low threshold of tax pain lies deeper: We have allowed our fiscal debates to be framed in a way that highlights only the pain of opening our wallets.

CNN: 3 ways to relieve our tax hangovers

Ms. KRUMHOLZ: There's a threshold beyond which even candidates in the second tier are on good footing to compete.

NPR: Sen. Obama Breaks Fundraising Record

This meant Mr Karzai's total was reduced to below the 50% plus one vote threshold for outright victory, indicating a second round was needed.

BBC: Afghan election goes to run-off