Who is Obama? Has he just used everyone he met in Chicago who helped him achieve his ambitious goals? Is he a neo-Marxist clad in a moderate politician’s cloak as many of his friends in Chicago academia claim? Or is he merely the pragmatic politician he appears to be, one who has put together a centrist Cabinet?
To counter the powerful movement that has formed around Mr. Obama, the Arizona senator has decided to activate the springs of the most obtuse conservative reaction: money, religion, xenophobia, if not rampant racism.
The sheiks in Saudi Arabia gave us friendly nods at the airport. Even our BBC colleague, who made his way to the Orient in track pants and flip-flops, was allowed in.
In Obama-Land there are no passports, iron-clad laws of aviation are overruled – and who needs a visa, anyway? On the road with the United States President, alias Potus, a traveling companion becomes familiar with a new world. A slightly different travelogue by Gabor Steingart.