Obama admits his failings

US President Barack Obama yesterday acknowledged in the wake of this week’s election rout that he had not been able to successfully promote his economic rescue message to anxious Americans.

During an interview with CBS television, Obama said he “stopped paying attention” to the leadership style he displayed during his run for the presidency.

He also said he recognised now that “leadership is not just legislation”, and that “it’s a matter of persuading people, bringing them together and setting a tone and making an argument that people can understand”.