Dave made that statement in an attempt – apparently successful – to suck up to Barack Obama, something he may feel he has to do less after the mid-term congressional elections on November 2. Even here in hardline Democrat New York – where, two years ago, I had a job finding anyone who would admit not to having voted for Mr Obama – the administration and its supporters in Congress are held in increasing contempt. Dave has had little time or inclination to talk to any conservatives here – much the same as his attitude to them at home – but on future visits he may have to cast his net more widely. After November 2 Mr Obama's ability to do what he wants may be circumscribed by the realities of an electoral system in which he has become deeply unpopular.