wallydownundy

Australia couldn’t ask for a better political partner than Barack Obama. He’s a left-of-centre leader with strong social ideals. He and Kevin Rudd take over from conservative leaders who “divided to conquer” the electorate. Rudd’s global aspirations will be welcomed in Washington DC.

But Australia has more to fear with trade reform likely to be an issue in a Democratic-led Congress. Protectionism was a theme in the primaries - expect it to become a mantra in a Democrat-dominated Congress.

Also - excuse me, Australia - Obama has so many more fish to fry. He’s likely to be distracted his first two years. We’ll be lucky if we get a mention, let alone any attention.

Obama inherits a perilous nation already in recession and heading towards a Depression - not to mention two active wars and numerous conflicts bubbling.

While Kevin and Barack will get along famously our Prime Minister may be left waiting in the antechamber of power for some time.