The Economist on Obama

The campaign's brightest star

An Obama presidency would signal to many, in and outside America, that the American dream still works. His opposition to the two policies that have hurt America’s image most—invading Iraq and making use of torture—will convince many that he represents a fresh start. But his inexperience is worrisome, and the source of Mrs Clinton’s greatest advantage over him. As George Will, a conservative columnist, put it, he is asking Americans to “treat the presidency as a nearly entry-level political office”.