America’s view of Barack Obama has undergone a metamorphosis since he was elected on November 4. The man who was pilloried by Democratic rivals in the primaries and then Republicans in the general election as too inexperienced to govern is winning strong bipartisan applause for the way he is handling the transition.

With just 46 days left before he is sworn in, Mr Obama has already announced most of the key jobs. The operative word is experience. Republicans have also praised Mr Obama for selecting centrists and even one of their own – Robert Gates, who will stay on as defence secretary.