They are determined to push Obama into raising taxes and increasing social spending, steps that are sure to alienate the middle classes. Some of the liberals are also demanding a cut in defence spending, a sacrilege for national security conscious Republicans and conservative Democrats. During the campaign, Obama has been smart enough not to get into detailed discussions about his economic strategy or social policies.

A day after the elections, when the economy stops being his friend and becomes an enemy, Obama will be called upon to reveal the broad direction of his policies. That will set the stage in turn for disappointing at least some of his major support bases.

Obama will eventually be judged by his ability to rule from the centre and sustain support from a constantly shifting coalition of forces. Obama will need all the ideological flexibility and tactical skill that he has demonstrated during the campaign to become a successful president.

The writer is a Professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. iscrmohan@ntu.edu.sg