this was published last week before the election day. I forgot to share.

I thought it's obvious, given the timing and the fact that H did express his optimistic view on Obama's leadership in his closing paragraph.

I think being a German give him more leeway to be more "naive" or positive about Obama's performance.

And I also think introducing this naive/positive German view at this timing before election is exactly a strategic decision of NYT,

but I think it is also the reason why this article seems to be ignored.

however, the 3 phenomena he talks about in the article provide a way to reflect on the U.S.'s current situation:

the recent xenophobic sentiment, the rejection of political parties and party politics, and mass protests against government decisions.