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More from the farticle: And then, of course, there’s the whole global image thing. Mr Obama has completely changed the way the world looks at the US. And while many in the US appear uncomfortable with this, seeing it as a capitulation from being “the greatest nation in the world”, it is, in reality, no such thing. Rather this image change is strategically crucial to the success of virtually every US policy. Remember the speech in Cairo early in the presidency — this perception of openness to normal Muslims is part of the reason that US policy in Af-Pak looks to be gaining traction and appears to have a greater chance of success. Iran and the Israel-Palestine conflict, too, have more chances of success today since America is seen as being more open-minded and actively engaged. Well, how about measuring success in terms of longterm trust engendered as a result of investing hard-won US geopolitical capital, eh? The writer is a sold-out deluded hack. And writes like one too. Typical.

Even more from the farticle: Again, this new, more engaging and positive negotiating attitude has doubtless made it easier for the Chinese to become more accommodating on exchange rates, which is critical for the medium-term resolution of global financial imbalances. All in all, an excellent year, opinion polls notwithstanding. In fact, the only still-egregious issue that Mr Obama hasn’t touched yet — and, make no mistake, he will address it in time — is domestic gun control. It may turn out to be personally dangerous, but he’s a brave man. In any event, that’s for his second term. For right now, God bless you, Mr Obama. And give Michelle a kiss from me. Where's the standby barfbag when you need one?!?!?