The nomination of Barack Obama for president was the main story in early 2008. Going into the race, Hilary Clinton was the front-runner, but she had hurt herself by voting in favor of the Iraq war. Mr Obama won with organization and strategy. By contrast, the Clinton campaign relied on money and star-power. Globally, the success of the Obama campaign altered America's tarnished reputation. Meanwhile. Ireland got a new Taoiseach, Spain kept its Socialist...