REUTERS says Barack Obama is forming an exploratory committee. For those unfamiliar with the Kabuki theatre of American presidential races, the short version is: he's running.  The committee will let him hire staff and raise money.  With his star-power probably at an all-time high, it seems very unlikely indeed he'll back down from there. 

The Economist is on the record as saying he "drips with raw talent".  But will he make a good president? Is he really one of the most left-wing senators, as some rankings have him? If so, can he still unite us all as it is hoped for him?  A black JFK?  A John Edwards who doesn't make quite so many voters feel he's got a car to sell you? The one thing people agree on is that he is a canvas on which everyone feels free to paint a different picture.  What is yours?