In 55 days president-elect Barack Obama takes over running the United States of America. One “Letter to the Editor” this weekend sought to remind Australians that he’s not in charge of this country - despite the exalted media coverage.

What can Australia expect from President-elect Obama? In short - not much.

Barack Obama inherits a dire economy plus two wars and starts with a newly-minted team. His dance card, as they say, is full.

Australia has not been part of the problem. We are not likely to get much attention - unless we implode or cause another global economic ruction.

Instead Australia needs to show it is part of the solution.

Our best chance of gaining traction in Washington early next year is to be an active contributor to the global economic solution. This will rely more on Wayne Swan than Kevin Rudd. And instead of jetting overseas for talk-fests like APEC, Swan and Rudd need to develop model policies that work in Australia - and may be exported to the USA.

Obama is a left-of-centrist new thinker much like Kevin Rudd. And both have strong public support and a majority in government. One year in Rudd understands the challenges facing any new leader. Yet Obama takes charge at a more perilous time - the world has changed for the worse in 12 months.

Perhaps the greatest gift Obama can give Australia is certainty. His ascension to power will end the leadership vacuum that has exacerbated the global crisis.

Australia expects a lot out of president-elect Obama. But we may have to wait our turn. 305,741,847 Americans expect even more and they are first in line.