As the dust starts to settle on what has been a historic couple of days,  I can't help but "feel" for President elect Barack Obama, and the truly monumental challenges that he faces.  As some commentators have put it he has the "inbox from hell" when he finally takes charge - two wars (in Iraq and Afghanistan), the largest economic crisis in recent memory and America's world popularity at an all time low.  I guess the mere fact that he has been elected would boost America's popularity ratings around the world, as he was widely seen as the world's choice for the Presidency of the United States.
But what about the other challenges?  He was elected on the platform of CHANGE, but will the old Washington establishment allow him to effect the kind of change he promised, a situation somewhat reminiscent of the classic Hollywood movie "Mr Smith goes to Washington".  Watch this space...but I personally always "bet on black"!