This question will be the focus of all discussions in the days to come. The president has won, which wasn't a given. This victory should give Democrats reason enough to celebrate after a bitter and closely fought battle. But will Obama be able to govern? What lessons will he take from the months of total paralysis imposed by the House's Republican majority? Will he seek inspiration from Clinton's three-way battle with Republicans and Democrats during his second term? Or will he overcome Republican obstruction the Truman way, using public opinion as leverage against his adversaries?
Observers are unanimous: He has limited room for maneuvering in a highly charged psychological context.
When political legitimacy becomes contingent on recognition by a superpower, populations lose their right to self-determination and democracy becomes a selective tool.
Trump claims that it was due to America's generosity and protection that other countries benefited and raised their living standards, while the United States itself gained nothing.