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Contrary to popular belief that it's just for the 'topanaris', the annual ceremony of investiture and presentation of national honours and awards is open to the public.

Usually held at King's House, the 'regular Joe' (and Jane) can attend either to show support for their favourite person or just to see the ceremony. But the Office of the Prime Minister points out some rules all attending must follow.

First off, never have people asking "what are you wearing?" The dress code is business suit. That means jackets gentlemen, with the customary dress shirt and pants. Don't even think about jeans and t-shirts! Long sleeves should at least go with ties (unless it's a bush jacket). For the women, pants suits, skirt suits or dresses are all good. No short shorts or mini-skirts please! Also 'extravagant' attire such as sequins aren't recommended.

Don't get us wrong, it's not a best-dressed contest but it's not a concert or party either. Why don't you check The Gleaner online for photos of attire at past ceremonies?

You may have heard persons cheering as the MC announces popular awardees. But that shouldn't happen. There should only be general applause at the end of every category of honour or award. So for example, if 55 persons became members of the Order of Distinction, the applause should come after the last person collects. Cellphones? Unless someone is dying, take the call later.

Finally, it is a reverent, national event so do not start the Mexican Wave, no Dutch pot banging and certainly no vuvuzelas. Leave them at home.

Among some Obama partisans, the shocking thought that their man could lose (a shock written on faces all round the crowd in Columbus) may even provide a useful dose of adrenalin, four weeks out. After the rally, buses were laid on to take audience members to the nearest board of elections, so that locals could beat Ohio’s October 9th deadline to register to vote, and even cast early ballots. I went down to the suburban shopping centre to see how many had heeded the call to vote early, and found it reasonably busy. Notably, several of those emerging from casting ballots said that their trip had been partly motivated by the president’s tough week. Time to give Mr Obama a helping hand, more than one said.

Yet, especially after feeling the fizzing energy among Republicans at a Paul Ryan rally on Monday night, there was no avoiding the fact that Mr Obama did not have a brilliant rally on Tuesday in Columbus. It probably did the business for the 15,000 there, but it was still weirdly flat, if I am going to be blunt. Mr Obama still has time to fight back, but he cannot afford many more bad days.