U.S. politics

As the watching world faces economic crisis, the last superpower has turned inward, choosing to torture its own leader rather than face real policy decisions. This obsessive interest does not only betray the outside world, it subverts the very ideals of the United States.

There are convicted criminals serving long sentences in American jails who have not had their testimony before such proceedings published. (Last week's) video reached the public in defiance of this, under Congressional privilege. It has been released because Republicans wish to hurt a Democrat president, not because they wish to uphold the law.

If it is not too late for the president to bow to censure, and clearly admit that he lied, then he should do so. Congress should halt the stream of gossip that seems to pass for evidence, and deal impartially and quickly with the case. If the president has to leave office, then so be it; but at least the affair should be conducted with dignity, true to the ideals of the founding fathers of the United States of America.

-- The Independent, London