Obama humbled

HOW times change. A year ago, Barack Obama offered hope to the world at his inauguration. Now the US President is a chastened man – humbled by a humiliating Senate election defeat in Massachusetts, the preserve of the Kennedy dynasty for more than 50 years.

This could not have been a more symbolic setback. The Republicans' victory was the political equivalent of a Tory MP being elected in Barnsley or Labour sweeping to power in North Yorkshire.

This is what happens when the message of change is not forthcoming – whether it be on the economy, foreign affairs or the President's healthcare reforms, which remain in a state of flux.

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President Obama talks a good game. He's an effective orator. But stirring words will count for nothing if there is little substance behind them. It is why he has little to show for his first year in the White House. And, more recently, his response to the Christmas Day plane plot was, at best, hesitant. There was little clarity or decisiveness, presumably because the First Family were preparing for their next photo-call.

Dismissive and, at times, discourteous towards America's longstanding allies like Britain, the President's all-too-apparent smugness gives the impression of a man who believes his own publicity machine.

This arrogance probably contributed to his party's complacency in Massachusetts. The Democrats took the state for granted. And, when disillusioned voters sought change, they simply embraced President Obama's 2008 campaign theme: "Yes, we can."

It's a painful lesson for a President whose message of hope now lies in tatters. There is still time for him to salvage his reputation. He can start by doing more, and being seen less, in the year ahead.

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