President Obama.

For me the importance and only* value of Obama's election is that he is black. His election is a tribute to American Democracy.

Glad as I am that a black person made it to the White House ( I'd rather have had Condi Rice ), I don't rate Obama the man. I think he is just another suit, another lawyer. Not a lot more than a slick hustler who is very good at working the system. He has never initiated any legislation worth remembering, he has never rocked the boat, challenged his party's line or sided with the brave few who have tried to flush his corrupt Chicago party machine. Not a great CV for an Agent of Change. He also has what Americans call a mean streak. In reference, unconvincingly denied, to Sarah Palin, he said" You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig. " This is not just ungallant, this is the worst sort of misogynistic pimp talk. Now I might be agreeably surprised because people can grow and bloom once in office. He is going to have to do a lot of growing and blooming for me to have much regard for him.

One thing he has promised to do is talk to the ayatollahs. They will love that. Gives them yet more time to make their bombs.

*Not quite the only value. Obama is a Democrat and the Democrats have some party policies that are commendable. Like finally addressing the fact that some Americans are too poor to afford proper medical care. A scandalous state of affairs to put it mildly.