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IN POLITICS a good start makes a lot of difference. It allows political leaders to set the agenda, frame events and convince supporters and citizens they can rule effectively. On these counts President Barack Obama must be given high marks for his first 100 days in office. Rarely has any US president confronted such a range and depth of issues so immediately after taking office, or shown such strong levels of voter satisfaction at this stage of his first term, whether on the economy, foreign policy, health or national security.

While this is no guarantee of success over the next 900 days, it gives a real momentum and generates confidence at home and abroad that he can deliver on his policies.