In a unique experiment in democratic transparency, Barack Obama – a BlackBerry owner, and the first American president to use email while in office – has agreed to copy G2 in on his otherwise highly confidential electronic communications. Each week we present a selction from recent days:

To: David Axelrod <davidaxelrod@barackobama.com> Subject: Tokyo visit

You won't believe this – sat down for state dinner with PM Hatoyama and literally the first thing he said was: "Got any good gossip on what's going to be in Sarah Palin's autobiography?" I thought this was just a US media obsession, but they can't get enough of her here. We had to talk about it for the WHOLE meal because Reggie L had read in Lonely Planet that Japanese culture is all about "saving face" and we'd mortify our hosts if I tried to bring up US-Japanese economic cooperation. She's like some unkillable zombie. Singapore next. If they ask about her there, I'll be tempted to make her special envoy to SE Asia. That'll show them. BHO PS. Got an advance copy? I need cheering up.

To: All White House staff Subject: Departure of Gregory Craig, White House counsel



All – you've probably heard that Greg Craig will be leaving his role as our top lawyer. He's had his ups and downs, obviously, what with his mishandling of the plan to close Guantánamo Bay within a year, numerous screw-ups in vetting our nominees, etc. But he's not being "fired", as has been reported, and it's time to give him a good send-off. There'll be drinks this Thursday outside the Oval Office, by the watercooler. Unfortunately I'll still be in Asia, and neither Rahm nor Axelrod can make it, and Joe's attendance is unconfirmed. And actually the drinks will come FROM the watercooler! But have fun!! Festivities kick off at 5.15pm, followed by speeches at 5.18, wrapping up at 5.19. All the best for the future Greg. Barack

To: General Stanley McChrystal <smcchrystal@army.mil> Subject: New Afghanistan policy – attached as PDF file

Stanley – reached our decision! See attachment. Better late than never! Phew! Barack

To: Senior WH military advisers, David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel Subject: Afghanistan policy

Guys, we have GOT to figure this out. NOW. I just sent McChrystal another email where I said the policy was in the attachment, but "forgot" to attach it. I can't keep doing this. He's going to figure it out. Barack