Ghost of a flea

Press and public are still so in love with Obama that they barely noticed that Congress ordered the US government to spend American taxpayers' money on American goods last week. True, senators watered down the measure and Obama insisted that existing trade treaties must be respected. Nevertheless, protectionism triumphed and profoundly unsettled European policy makers as it did.

In their minds, Republicans were the "stupid white men" who cared nothing for foreigners. Now, they find that the Democrats are the real America Firsters, not only in Congress but also at the Doha talks, where an agreement on freeing up world trade seemed within reach. It is in the balance, because Democrats want to protect the American economy against foreigners dumping subsidised goods and to hold countries to account for their environmental standards and respect for labour rights.

Obama came to power with more international goodwill than any president since Eisenhower, mutter angry ministers. Do not think his popularity will last if he keeps on indulging the protectionists.