On some pressing issues, such as managing the US economic crisis, there appears to be “one president at a time” – namely Barack Obama, who nevertheless remains president-elect.

On others, such as Israel’s 10-day-long bombardment of the Gaza Strip, there appear to be no presidents whatsoever. On Monday, the Bush administration reiterated its support for Israel’s actions while calling for it to minimise civilian casualties and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.